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Draw Words and Letters to Express Yourself

An ongoing class that will explore how to creatively draw letters and words combined with symbols, doodles and patterns.
Sandy Nichols
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(116)
Class

What's included

1 live meeting
45 mins in-class hours per week
Homework
Projects will begin in class. Students can choose to complete it on their own time if not completed during class time.
Assessment
Students are encouraged to show their idea/completed piece at the end of class for discussion and comment. Tips for self assessment will also be given.

Class Experience

US Grade 7 - 10
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 :)
Learning Goals
-What Illustrated text is
-What pattern is and how it can enhance your design idea
-Various types of line introduced (mechanical, expressive, lyrical, etc)
- Drawing patterns and symbols to compliment your illustrated text
-Basic design concepts (like balance)
-How to draw 3D letters 
-Art genres applied to letters such as  Art Deco, Pop-Art and "Bell-bottom" letters of the 70’s.
learning goal

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined July, 2022
4.9
116reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Greetings parents and learners!

My name is Sandy Nichols. After receiving my diploma in Visual Communications at a Canadian art college many years ago, I began my 35 year career as an illustrator. My work has appeared in a variety of publications, including five children’s books. I was beyond thrilled to win a nation wide competition to illustrate Dennis Lee’s “Alligator Pie” (40th anniversary board book). I credit perseverance for this achievement, which is a quality I encourage all art students to foster.

I taught illustration and Design Drawing for seven years at a Canadian art university. Now, I am delighted to invite learners to my drawing classes. 

My teaching philosophy is to honour how each mind views the world uniquely. Additionally, building confidence in young artists and encouraging them to try a new way of seeing to  enhance their art. I believe there's no such thing as a bad drawing as long as you can learn from it and be willing to try again.

Fun fact about me: Sometimes I draw our family pet, my children, or their toys in my illustrations. When I'm not drawing, I like to try and grow all kinds of vegetables.

Reviews

Live Group Class
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$16

weekly
1x per week
45 min

Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-16
1-6 learners per class

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