Draw Words and Letters to Express Yourself

Throughout the year, holidays and events like birthdays fill our calendar. Students can choose a fitting sentiment to illustrate (like Merry Christmas). These can be used for a greeting card or personal collection in a sketchbook. When there is not a holiday, choose other words or phrases to illustrate like a motivational saying; “Never Give Up.”

Every weekly class begins with samples (slides) and themes to spark creative ideas. Simpler samples will be presented along with more complex ones so students can choose one they feel confident in trying. 

Students will learn to create interesting and beautiful art using hand draw letters, words and designs, both in black and white and colour with a variety of line (expressive, mechanical, etc). We will also experiment with collage to create a "ransom note" (only it will be a message addressed to their future selves)

Each week, new samples and themes will be suggested to inspire students to try out. For example, we’ll look at groovy ’70’s record album covers and copy the design, but students will add their own choice of words. Other themes to explore are Art Deco, Victorian script, towering 3D block letters, bubble letters and more.

Some weeks, the class will have the same theme (ie: "Merry Christmas") and other weeks, students will choose a theme more unique to them like their favourite saying or create a family crest design. 

SUGGESTED MATERIALS; Sketchbook (white paper for mixed media) coloured pencils, markers (fine to medium line) coloured felt pen set, pencil, eraser, black drawing pens, *rubber-tip drawing pen(s) such as Tombow brand for script (appears in class picture) white-out for corrections. 

This class meets every week with a new topic, beginning with the list below; 

Week of November 5: Make a monogram with initials
Week of November 12: “Happy Thanksgiving” greeting
Week of November 19: Design pin buttons
Week of November 26: “Congratulations!” (New baby or engagement, etc)
Week of December 3: Merry Christmas
Week of December 10: Happy Hanukkah
Week of December 17: Create your own “gift coupons” for Christmas (ie: gift your Mom/Dad a coupon good for vacuuming for 1 month). 
Week of December 31: Happy New Year / 2024
Week of January 7: Choose a metaphor to illustrate (ie: “It’s raining cats and dogs”)
Week of January 14: Your favourite line in a song 
Week of January 21: “Happy Birthday” generic
Week of January 28: Create a logo for your future rock band
Week of February 4: Design a family crest
Week of February 11: Will You Be My Valentine? Theme
Week of February 18 “Happy Birthday specific (like your grandma)
Week of February 25: Design a Henna design for hand (include your initials)
Week of March 3: Design a tatoo for someone...you? (must include letters or numbers)
Week of March 10: Greek Alphabet (grid provided) 
Week of March 17: Thirteenth month Calendar on turtle's back | Creative numbers
Week of March 31: Groovy 70's Design a title page using designs and letter styles
Week of April 7: Art Deco | Design nail art in this style
Week of April 14: Art Nouveau | Design a title page using designs and letter styles
Week of April 21: Zodiac symbols


Following weekly topics to be determined. 
*I will happily consider topic requests from students :)