"As a guiding principle of Eastern art and design, Notan (a Japanese word meaning dark-light) focuses on the interaction between positive and negative space, a relationship embodied in the ancient symbolism of the Yang and the Yin. In composition, it recognizes the separate but equally important identity of both a shape and its background; both the light and the dark within a composition."
CRITERIA:
- Choose a focal point (central for a radial symmetrical balance) or off-centered for an Asymmetrical approach.
- Choose generally organic (curving lines) or geometric (angled lines) for an approach to your design.
- Incorporate recognizable symbols and motifs that reveal your interests and passions.
- Balance the amount of positive (paper) and negative (cut-out) shapes.
- Cut carefully and securely glue (without rips, visible glue, or pencil lines) - Make a practice one or two to refine your techniques.
- Keep the integrity of the paper square (keep the paper connected as a whole)
- Make an second (more simple) design with magazine images) flipping the positive and negative shapes of two background images.
Portfolio Front Cover: Notan cut-out |
Portfolio Back Cover: Photomontage flip
1. Start with 1 or 2 full page magazine images
- 2. Do some practice cut outs with scratch paper to see how you can manipulate the image.
- 3. Use stencil or freehand draw the shapes you will cut-out, carefully cut, flip, rotate, or reveal the 2nd page. Try out multiple arrangements to reorganize the images to create a new image.
- 4. Carefully glue the favorite arrangement and give it a creative title.