Project 2 – Morphologies

In Pairs with Individual Work

Examples of animal morphology compositions created by previous Project 2 students — Examples by previous students working with Morphologies of Animals from the Deep Sea.

Overview

In this project, students will work in pairs to develop a series of four digital compositions exploring different visual interpretations of an assigned animal.

The assigned animal will be announced in class. Animal selection will take place through a randomized draw.

Each student will create two individual compositions:

One abstract interpretation
One realistic or figurative interpretation

Working from research and sketching through digital production and final print preparation, students will explore how the same subject can be transformed through different approaches to form, composition, colour, image-making, visual hierarchy, and representation.

This project combines collaborative planning with individual execution. Both students are responsible for ensuring that the four compositions function together as a visually cohesive series. Follow all document setup, production, submission, and exhibition requirements outlined in each section.

Goal

Create a cohesive five-image series that combines four individual interpretations of an assigned animal with one photographic reference. Develop the work through research, sketching, digital production, revision, printing, exhibition, and documentation.

Software

Adobe InDesign — planning and project documentation
Adobe Illustrator — vector-based composition and illustration
Adobe Photoshop — raster-based composition, image manipulation, collage, texture, and digital painting

You may use Illustrator, Photoshop, or a combination of both to create the final compositions. Choose the software according to the visual approach and techniques required by your design.

Do not use Image Trace in Adobe Illustrator or automated tracing techniques to generate the compositions.

Accessibility and learning support

The written instructions contain the required steps. Demonstrations and embedded tutorials provide additional support.
Partners may divide research, planning, file preparation, printing, installation, documentation, and visitor-engagement responsibilities according to their strengths and access needs. Each student remains responsible for creating two individual compositions.
You may use zoom, screen magnification, keyboard navigation, adapted input devices, colour-identification tools, or other assistive technology.
Do not rely on colour alone to distinguish information or connect the series. Use labels, numerical values, contrast, shape, texture, placement, or another visible cue.
If photography, printing, mounting, installation, speaking with visitors, or another required process creates an access barrier, contact the instructor early to arrange an equivalent role or method that meets the same learning outcomes.
Make planning and documentation PDFs text-based where possible, with readable type, strong contrast, descriptive headings, a logical reading order, captions, and image descriptions.

Index

Course materials charged through McMaster

Estimated cost per student: $10 CAD — charged through McMaster accounts. This course materials charge supports both projects and includes:

High-quality paper and printing (Project 2)
Fine-grit sandpaper (Project 1)
Two Birchwood sheets (0.3 in thick, 24 × 12 in) per group (Project 1)

Costs are estimates and may change. Check Avenue to Learn for the confirmed course materials charge.

Credits: Jessica A. Rodríguez