Alternate Reality

ART 146 - Project 1
Visually Clear Info
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Project Details
Design an alternate reality combining a minimum of three images into one single composition. You must take all your own images; use everyday objects in surprising ways. The goal is to create a seamless illusion of a single moment in time.

One that is representative of your 3 words, not a literal interpretation. 

Project Specs
  • Composite a minimum of 3 color, raster images into one, seamless composition. You must take your own photos.
  • Dimensions: 8" x 10" 
  • Orientation: Landscape or portrait
  • Resolution: 220 ppi
  • Color space: CMYK (this project is meant to be printed)
  • Software: Adobe Illustrator CC
  • Organized native file with correctly named layers / layer groups; show your variations on the blog
  • Document all your reference image sources on your blog along with links to sources / bibliography info

Considerations 
  • Selection tool / masking
  • Lighting
  • Color

Deliverables
  • Color laser print of your final project variation on glossy paper; be sure to print your name and date on the back.
  • Native (.ai) and pdf file

Process
  • Define the design problem:
    • What concept are you trying to communicate? 
    • Who is your target audience? How do you want them to feel when viewing your work? What should they take away?
  • Research topic & collect information (gather reference images keeping track of all sources).
  • Brainstorm ideas / conceptualize possible design solutions (thumbnails & sketching)
  • Develop design solution:
    • Break down images into their minimal components. 
    • Design considerations:
      • Composition using the Principles of Design and Elements of Composition.
      • Choose appropriate colors.
    • Bring your idea into the software and begin your design.
    • Technique matters.
    • Use the correct tool to solve the design problem.
  • Get feedback by presenting your ideas to others.
    • In this course we will seek feedback throughout the entire design process.
  • Improve your design.
  • Submit.


CRITIQUE Feb 5 by 10a
  • Come to class ready to present your project.
​
SUBMIT Feb 7 by 9a
1. Save your file on the art server Digital Art > Matusek > ART 146 > Project 1
  • Native file (.psd);
    • must have all layers / layer groups in tact
    • must show all variations / sketches / supporting materials
    • ​Label your files: YourLastName-P1-photo-composite-date.FileExt 
      Example: matusek-P1-photo-composite-180212.psd
​
2. Post to the Blog
  • Image of your final project
  • Artist statement for your piece. Remember to use design visual language. Should be about 1-2 paragraph in length.

3. Print final project on good quality paper at 8" x 10". 

Artists to Check Out

Project Resources

  • ​Adrian Sommeling
  • Brandon Cawood
  • Erik Johansson
  • Jeff Wall
  • Suzanne Moxhay, article "The Artist Combines Matte Painting, Collages and Photography to Create Composites with Reality of their Own" by Dunja Djudjic
  • Visions of the Future | NASA Space Travel Posters
Stock Image Sites
  • Pexels
  • StockSnap.io
  • UnSplash
  • Pixabay
  • UN Photos
  • NASA Photos
Read: 13 Sources for Free Public Domain and CC0 images; please read license info carefully when choosing images.

Backup Your Work

​Note: Be sure to back up your work in at least two places
  1. on your external or cloud drive 
  2. on the campus student server (command K from the finder). 

Remember that no late work will be accepted. File / data loss is not an excuse for not submitting your project on time.
Chris Matusek | Copyright © 2025
  • Home
  • Design Topics
    • 3-Step Design Process
    • Interface and Net Art
    • Logo Design
    • Professional Practices >
      • Portfolio Design
      • Archiving Work
    • Typography >
      • History of Type
  • Vocabulary
    • Formal Elements >
      • Design Topics
    • Resources
    • Tutorials
  • News
  • Market MV
  • Exhibitions
    • JSAE 25-26
    • Visual Voices - 2024-11