Week 10

Thur, Feb 20 CW – image of work completed in class

I finished trimming all the papers of the panel and finally glued them together, cheking if ach piece was perfectly aligned. Mr. Brodie, Alex, and I held the panels together, adjusting them to achieve the precise fit before putting rubber bands around them. It was a bit of a challenge, but finally everything was perfectly in place. After that, I rubbed the glue stains on the panels with a wet rag, making sure to remove any excess that could detract from the overall appearance. I’m overall really happy with my design, as it came out exactly as I wanted it, showcasing intricate details of the artwork. Moreover, I placed a light underneath it to see if the luminary panel looks good.

Thur, Feb 20 HW – image of completed homework

I finished gluing paper under each panel, ensuring that every surface was covered with a polished look. I also printed out the Joker panel, and sanded both the front and back. After waiting for a few hours to allow everything to set properly, I cut the paper into the shape of the template, making sure that each edge was clean. I colored Joker panel’s letters with black paint, as I wanted.

Tue, Feb 18 CW – image of work completed in class

Today I was able to see how my jack panel was printed, as Mr. Brodie helped me cut the vector throughcut layer last Sunday. After the cutting process, I took the time to sand the Jack’s front and back. I also painted letters and shapes for both the jack and queen panels, each color of black and red paint. I found myself needing to paint the queen panel with red paint over three times to achieve the depth of color that I desired, making sure the red appeared clear and vivid. Unfortunately, a tragic moment occurred when the bottom part of the club unexpectedly fell off while I was sanding the jack panel; but I resolved the situation by gluing it back together and repainting it after. In the midst of all this, I wanted to print the last panel, the joker, but I sadly ran out of time as the machine was full of other projects being processed. So I took the time to stick the paper to the back of the king and queen panels, after drying the paint completely. I am truly happy with how the Jack panel turned out, as all the shades are clear and defined, with the letter “J” and the club shape turning out neat.

Tue, Feb 18 HW – image of completed homework

I went to gcad on Sunday to finish the queen panel. I ran the first cut for 33 minutes, however, it turned out that the wood panel was too short for all the designs to fit in properly, which was a disappointing realization. The tragic part is that I only noticed this unfortunate oversight after running for 32 minutes. It was annoying to have to run the cut one more time, but I decided to push through since it was Sunday and I had plenty of time to spare. After correcting my mistake, I sanded both the front and back of the panel. Once that was done, I started to run my third panel, Jack, but unfortunately, I ran out of time, so I left gcad after only getting 20 minutes into the process. As I wrapped up for the day, Mr. Brodie told me that he would finish the through cut layer for me. I’m looking forward to see the result of Jack card next class on Tuesday.

Week 9

Fri, Feb 14 CW – Image of work completed in class

I painted the king panel’s letter with black paint, after I left the Shellac spray dry for 2 days to ensure a smooth and even finish. I tried my best not to make it look dirty or leave stains on the bigger template, but there were still a few stains. To address this issue, I had to sand it again. After sanding, I used an air blower to get rid of the wood powders that had accumulated during the sanding, ensuring that the surface was completely clean and ready for the next steps in my project. It was a meticulous task, but I felt that the attention to detail would pay off in the final result. I wanted to print my second panel today, but Victor and Jacob was using the laser printer the whole class so I just helped them print their design perfectly using my printing setting.

Fri, Feb 14 HW – Image of completed homework

I printed a few parts to white again as I wanted to ensure that the bright areas stood out distinctly in white. I was also experimenting with various color palettes for the backgrounds of each panel, considering which hues would best match the distinctive vibes and themes conveyed by each character. For the joker card, I wanted to deliver the most vibrant image possible, so I was thinking of using a lively yellow in the background. Conversely, for the king, queen, and jack, I aimed to avoid primary colors like red, yellow, and blue; instead, I chose to incorporate shades of green, pink, and sky blue.

Wed, Feb 12 CW – Image of work completed in class

I sanded the second print (the one with deeper cuts) and then used air blower to get rid of white powders from the sander. After that, I applied a coat of Shellac paint in order to prepare it for the acrylic paint I planned to use afterwards. I sprayed it one more time before the class ended. For the first test print, I painted the letter K and an ace shape, using a mixture of purple and brown paint, as I couldn’t find any black paint . The outcome turned out quite well; however, since I hadn’t sprayed Shellac spray beforehand there were unnecessary bleeds and paint stains around the outline, which detracted from the overall look of the design. To prevent these issues in future projects, I plan to wait 1-2 days after spraying before I start sanding, as this should allow the paint to set properly. Ultimately, this will ensure that both the letter and design appear really clear and distinct.

Wed, Feb 12 HW – Image of completed homework

Today, I painted a few more details in the joker panel. To prevent the issue that occurred during the last print from happening again, I altered the template outline setting. I creatively devised a method that allows me to place the negative layer and template outline together, which means I won’t have to run the negative line layer print twice, saving valuable time and effort. Today, my primary goal during class is to successfully print the second panel while also taking the time to sand down the first panel, ensuring that it has a smooth finish for the next stages of my project. Additionally, I brainstormed an idea to print only the letters along with symbols like the ace, heart, and clover again. I think this would contribute to making the entire design look more alive and three-dimensional, bringing the artwork to life in a way that captures attention and evokes emotion.

Mon, Feb 10 CW – Image of work completed in class

I ran a final run for the king panel. I rotated the panel with precision, as Mr. Brodie had previously emphasized the possibility of smoke arising during the laser cutting process, and I wanted to ensure everything was executed flawlessly. I also adjusted the print settings to power 75% and speed 25%, as my goal was to print my design distinctly and clearly. The printing process took me approximately 30 minutes due to the abundance of delicate details in the cut, each requiring a precise approach. However, when it came to cutting the negative outline, I encountered some unexpected problems; it took me an additional 5-10 minutes to identify and fix the issues at hand. Despite these minor setbacks, overall, I am quite satisfied with the final result and eagerly looking forward to the next steps, which involve sanding the panel and applying acrylic paint.

Mon, Feb 10 HW – Image of completed homework

I finished the negative trace line of all four panels, which took me a considerable amount of time. I ensured that everything was interconnected and aligned with the bigger frame. I deleted the original square trace line on the template layer. The Letter Joker was the most challenging part of this procedure, as I wanted every letter to not only connect with one another but also flow seamlessly into the overall design. During class time tomorrow, I will make sure my first panel is well done and I will also try to run the queen panel.

Week 8

Fri, Feb 7 CW – image of work completed in class

I ran a first actual print of the king card, as I finished the negative layer done. However, when I tried to run the print, I found out that the ace shape was somehow recognized as an image rather than a shape, leading to unexpected complications in the printing process. To address this issue, I transformed the ace shape and filled it with color. I ran the setup with a 60/40 ratio for the settings, and it ended up wonderfully. I am genuinely happy that my test print went well after two previous runs. Initially, the first run today had to be redone because the wood panel was bent. Unfortunately, my second test run faced challenge again, as the wooden panel was too small to accommodate everything I had designed in my first panel. Although I was pleased with the design itself, it became clear that the primary issue was often related to the size and status of the wooden panel I was using. Additionally, Mr. Brodie reminded me to check the line thickness, ensuring it was set to 0.125, and to turn on the air resistance.

Fri, Feb 7 HW – image of completed homework

I traced the negative layer outline of the king card design. I made sure that all the details are thoroughly connected to each other to prevent any issues during the laser cutting process, ensuring that nothing gets accidentally severed. I also noticed a small gap between the lines of the letter “K,” which prompted me to consider whether I should connect them for a more cohesive look. But I decided to leave the lines, as I felt that leaving some blank space would add an element of visual balance to the overall design.

Thur, Feb 5 CW – image of work completed in class

I ran a first test laser cut of a queen card. There were a few instances of trial and error during the process, and then I realized that I should lower the speed and make the power greater in order to make a clearer outcome among the different colors involved. I didn’t trace the outline yet, so I only printed the vector layer, focusing on the details. Additionally, I had planned to run a vector etching layer over it, but somehow it wasn’t aligned perfectly with the initial design. It ended up being slightly off the original layout so I just I decided to just stop the run and get a right settings for my next attempt.

Wed, Feb 5 HW – image of complted homework

I made the lines in the Jack panel clean and neat by cutting overlapping lines in the sword, cloth, and eye, ensuring that each detail stands out. I took the time to copy and paste each panel, then flipped them horizontally and vertically to guarantee that they align perfectly, giving it a trump card-like appearance. In the class today, I will delete the center line and then draw the negative line. Additionally, I think I should make sure to distinguish which elements are vector etching and which ones are simply vector illustrations. Hopefully, I will run a first laser cut draft today.

Week 7

Wed, Jan 29 CW – Image of work completed in class

Today, thanks to Mr. Brodie, I finally found out how to use live paint. Using <Object -> Live Paint -> Make>, I was able to paint all four panels with enthusiasm. As I worked, I realized that some lines weren’t connected to each other, so I took the time to fix that issue. Additionally, I found that some lines needed to be deleted or cut, especially when painted in bright colors. When the panels were painted black, these discrepancies were less noticeable, but once I switched to white or bright gray, it became quite obvious, standing out against the light background. I also experimented several times to create a new pattern that aligned with a loyal theme using the AI pattern generator, but for some reason, it didn’t work as well as I had hoped, leaving me a bit frustrated. Eventually, I decided to use the one that already existed in the system, which, although not my original design, still provided a satisfactory result and completed the project I was working on.

Wed, Jan 29 HW – Image of completed homework

I realized that I should research on better patterns when I was working on King, because there was a limit for me to continuously think of a new pattern. So, I dedicated some time to researching various patterns, ranging from intricate trump card designs to elaborate motifs. It was actually a bit challenging for me to find the exact type of patterns I wanted to use, because I didn’t want to be too complicated nor too repetitive; striking that balance was crucial to ensure the designs remained visually appealing. As I explored different sources of inspiration from historical references, I noted how certain colors and shapes could evoke specific character traits. I think I can put these patterns into the hat and sash during class. I am hoping to finish King’s pattern today so that I can dive into Jack’s pattern insertion process.

Mon, Jan 27 CW – Image of work completed in class

Today I worked on the first panel, the king card. I added a lot of delicate patterns into the king’s sash and neck part, aiming for a intricate design. I also cut some lines that were sticking out of the shape and filled in color in a few shapes in the crown and the king’s eye, trying to bring them to add depth to the overall composition. While I am sad that I couldn’t do more during the class time, I found that thinking of new patterns and arranging them into a small amount of space was challenging enough for today. The part that I am particularly concerned about is that I don’t know how to fill the other blank spaces effectively, as I want to make it look delicate and concise at the same time. Finding the right balance between decoration and simplicity is crucial to this project, and I am not using any AI tools in this project.

Mon, Jan 27 HW – Image of completed homework

I updated the computer and even though I saved the most recent version of the design file, I discovered to my dismay that the last panel was inexplicably missing. Frustrated but determined, I decided to recreate the last panel by carefully tracing from the screenshot I had taken earlier. This process required a lot of precision and attention to detail to ensure that the new panel matched the original as closely as possible. In addition to that, I took the opportunity to delete overlapping lines in the first panel that cluttered the design, cleaning up the overall look. I also redesigned the crown of the first panel, giving it a more elegant finish and enhancing its visual appeal. This experience reminded me of the importance of regularly backing up work to prevent such issues in the future.

Week 6

Thur, Jan 23 CW – image of work completed in class

I finally decided to make the last panel the joker card, as I felt like having an actual character in the design would contribute to the overall unity of the design and enhance the visual storytelling. I finished both the third and fourth panel’s first design draft during class, which turned out to be quite an engaging experience. I am really satisfied with the work I’ve done today, as I believe it was a truly productive working hour. The creative flow was particularly evident on the last Joker card, which was all crafted by myself, without any reference image or AI’s help. As this project would be continued without AI’s help, I am highly confident that I would be able to finish this project productively and creatively, infusing my own ideas and visions into every aspect of the design. Moreover, I changed the Jack card to a clover and the Queen card to a heart, as I don’t have a diamond card on the panels and heart was the only red card throughout the entire design, adding a cohesive color balance. Next time, I am planning to add more details into each panel to enrich the narrative, and I will consider where the negative areas would be.

Thur, Jan 23 HW – image of completed homework

I still haven’t decided what the last panel of my luminary design would be, so I got a bunch of reference images to help me decide whether it would be the Joker or an Ace card. Personally, I feel like the Joker would fit more with the overall design as it resonates well with the themes I want to convey. However, the Joker card typically contains the whole body image of the character, which might overwhelm the current elements in my design. On the other hand, incorporating an Ace card at this stage would also be kind of awkward, primarily because there is no character or intricate details on the Ace. It might come across as too simplistic or stark in contrast to the other intricate designs I have planned. Additionally, I’ve considered just putting in a normal number card, but then I am not sure how I can manage the negative and positive space effectively. Balancing these elements is crucial, as I want every aspect of the design to harmoniously interact and contribute to the overall message I intend to express.

Tue, Jan 21 CW – image of work completed in class

I finally finished my whole print, and it’s been quite the journey throughout this creative process. I messed up the planet print on the first trial because I printed the vector etching layer in the negative layer setting, which led to unexpected results (first picture attached). I also sanded all four panels, both front and back, to get rid of all the dirty marks and stains that had accumulated over print. This step was crucial, as it ensured that the surface was smooth and ready for the next stage. Finally, I carefully glued all four panels and the bottom part together, reinforcing the structure by applying rubber bands both horizontally and vertically. This method helped secure each panel of the pencil box so that nothing would fall apart during the drying process. Although I am still not quite satisfied with the overall quality of the outcome—feeling that there might be room for improvement—I’m reminded of Mr. Brody’s wisdom, which encourages me to embrace the learning experience. As he said, it would be better to just move on to my next project, the luminary panel, and think of the pencil box project as my practice and stepping stone towards greater craftsmanship, allowing me to enhance my skills for future endeavors.

Tue, Jan 21 HW – image of completed homework

I designed the second panel, which represents the queen. In this iteration, I aimed to create a sense of movement by changing the queen’s gaze from left to right; this alteration allows for intriguing variations between designs, especially since the first design of the king was oriented to the left side. To enhance the regal aura of the queen, I added details such as tiara, bold necklace and earrings, and a fan, all of which contribute to a luxurious and royal image. In my original concept, I incorporated a clover motif on this panel; however, I am contemplating a switch to a heart or diamond design. This change stems from the fact that these symbols are traditionally associated with red cards, and I envision creating a striking visual harmony where the black panels will face each other, while the red ones will align in the same manner.

Week 5

Fri, Jan 17 CW – image of work completed in class

I finished the design of the first luminary panel. This time, I am planning on not using AI-generated designs and create all the design on my own, which I believe will imbue the project with a personal touch and uniqueness that technology sometimes lacks. I’m planning to make the whole design look like a deck of trump cards, incorporating classic symbols such as the spade, clover, heart, and diamond, each representing a different theme and aesthetic. By handcrafting each element, I hope to convey not only the traditional significance of these shapes but also a sense of artistry and craftsmanship that reflects my personal style and vision for the luminary panel.

Fri, Jan 17 HW – image of completed homework

I checked the overall design one last time, scrutinizing every detail and ensuring that everything was in its rightful place. If this doesn’t work next time during class, I might actually have to just delete everything and start the vector etching layer from scratch on my own, which would be incredibly frustrating given the time I’ve already invested in this project. Here, I realized the true downside of using AI-generated images for my work; while they can create stunning visuals, they often introduce unexpected complications, such as the trouble I faced with printing the vector etching layer. This experience has certainly taught me a valuable lesson about the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on technology in artistic creation, as it often lacks the precision and adaptability that manual work can provide.

Wed, Jan 15 CW – image of work completed in class

I printed the whole thing, but the result was disappointing. I don’t really know what the difference is because I put the same setting for the laser print, yet I am always getting different results, and it is driving me crazy. Each time I try, I hope for a consistent outcome, only to be met with unexpected variations, which makes the process feel quite frustrating. Nonetheless, the middle two panels’ vector etching layer were finally working, so I could have finished the vector etching on those parts. Furthermore, I just decided to go with this version of the third panel as my final print, as it seemed to capture the essence of my vision despite the setbacks. We’ll have to try again next time during class to see if the vector etching layer of the first and last panels comes out correctly or not; I am optimistic that with some adjustments, we might achieve the desired results. I also think that the type of fabric the wood impacts the design significantly, affecting both texture and finish. I really want to find the specific fabric I used last time, as it seemed to complement my design perfectly and could help me get a similar output this time around.

Wed, Jan 15 HW – image of completed homework

4th panel was the most complicated panel with a lot of detail in the vector etching layer so I deleted few more lines that were overlapped. I also deleted the line in the 3rd panel that was overlapped both in the vector etching layer, negative line layer and vector through layer that I may forgot the delete for some reason. I changed the whole design view from preview to outline few times to check if there’s any mistakes remained. Now the only thing left is to make a perfect print.

Mon, Jan 13 CW – image of work completed in class

I deleted most parts of the vector etching layer so that the lines are not overlapped, as I realized that it was an initial reason why my vector etching layer was not working when I tried to print it. This process was quite labor-intensive, requiring attention to detail and a lot of adjustments to ensure everything was precisely aligned. It took me a lot of time and effort to finish it, and despite my dedication, I encountered setbacks when I failed my test print two times today. Each failure felt disheartening, but I’m trying to stay positive, reminding myself that creative endeavors often come with challenges. I’m optimistic that, after all this work and persistence, the vector etching layer will finally function as intended and yield amazing results.

Mon, Jan 13 HW – image of completed homework

I deleted some unnecessary parts of the design of all four panels to create a cleaner and more cohesive appearance, ensuring that each section flowed seamlessly into the next. Additionally, I retraced the negative space of the third panel, as there were some untraced lines around the gas part of the design which detracted from its overall aesthetic. I used the curvature tool to arrange the intricate lines with precision. Furthermore, I made a concerted effort to ensure that the rocket was symmetrical. Overall, these adjustments improved the design’s clarity and impact, making it more visually striking and effective.

Week 4

Thur, Jan 9 CW – image of work completed in class

I finished my first panel and changed the color panel to black and white, which gave it a striking and classic appearance. I also took the time to delete some lines in the vector etching layer to ensure that the design doesn’t burn while laser cutting. To add a unique touch, I drew an outline of an alien’s head.

Thur, Jan 9 HW – image of completed homework

Today’s homework was focused on fabricating the digital copy of my design work from my previous classes and seeing their fundamental harmony when juxtaposed side by side. I came in during office hours to print out my pieces, bux was unable to complete the vector etching layers yet, as I ran into some technical issues in the process. I will continue to work on this piece today by finishing the vector etching process.

Tue, Jan 7 CW – image of work completed in class

I created a clear color distinction and vector edge line on the 4th panel to ensure it stands out in the overall composition. I also added negative space lines, positioned to clarify which part of the design is going to be cut, helping to emphasize the intended focal points. This technique not only adds depth to the artwork but also contributes to a more dynamic layout. I especially focused on cutting the rings of the planets, paying close attention to the intricate details and textures.

Tue, Jan 7 HW – image of completed homework

I have completed the vector layer of the fourth panel, ensuring that the planets are strategically positioned to remain connected to the larger layer; preventing any detachment during the cutting process by the laser cutter. In addition to this, I took the time to revise the color palette, ensuring that each distinct area showcases a different shade, which not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds depth to the overall composition. I also deleted certain areas that were overly complex, so that the lines are spaced adequately apart, reducing the risk of them being too close together during the burning process while being cut.

Week 3

Tue, Dec 17 CW – image of work completed in class

Today, I ran the first trial of printing the second panel in the laser print cutter. I realized that there was the same rectangular outline in the negative space layer and the vector etching layer, and I decided to delete one from the vector etching layer to avoid confusion. However, despite this adjustment, when I printed it out, the left side of the earth shape was still disconnected from the whole, as the same line had been cut twice. Additionally, small stars that were not connected to the main composition were cut out entirely, which detracted from the overall visual impact of the piece. Even the small stars that were “connected” suffered from minor burnouts because their size was too small for the laser to handle effectively. This first trial provided invaluable insights; I learned a lot about the intricacies of laser cutting and realized how crucial it is to double-check the design files before executing the cuts. I now have a clearer idea of what I should work on for next time, including adjusting the sizes of the elements and re-evaluating the layers to ensure better cohesion. This experience has opened my eyes to various adjustments I can make to enhance the final output, and I’m eager to apply these lessons in future projects to create more polished and cohesive designs.

Tue, Dec 17 HW – image of completed homework

I finished drawing all the outline of the negative part of the third panel and started adding etching layer details on the rocket. I addressed the intricate details on the fire part, ensuring that each flame was rendered with precision. I paid special attention to the light reflection shown in the rocket, adding subtle gradients and highlights that would convey a sense of realism and depth.

Week 2

Fri, Dec 13 CW – Image of work completed in class

I finished the intricate vector etch layer of the second panel and transitioned into drawing the detailed etching layer of the first panel. Additionally, I completed the negative layer etch of the third panel, ensuring that each element was meticulously refined, contributing to the overall wholeness of the project.

Fri, Dec 13 HW – Image of completed homework

I traced the continents of the Earth in an intricate image, outlining each landmass. As I moved along the contours, I envisioned how to draw a sketch line that would effectively separate different colors in distinct areas.

Wed, Dec 11 CW – Image of work completed in class

I finished the intricate negative space etching of the first panel (UFO) and the second (Earth), delving into the details and ensuring the design was precise. After completing these initial steps, I began the vector etching process of the second panel, focused on Earth, where I adjusted the lines to enhance the layers. To create a cohesive composition, I moved the AI-generated image to the etching layer, ensuring that the positive area in the etching design is connected to the pencil case in its entirety. This attention to detail was crucial so that the positive areas do not fall apart from the whole, preserving the artwork while maintaining a visually appealing presentation.

Wed, Dec 11 HW – Image of completed homework

I regenerated AI images based on space themes, exploring the vastness of the cosmos with vibrant colors and intricate details that capture the imagination. These images depict stunning celestial landscapes, from swirling galaxies to dazzling nebulae, each meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe.

Mon, Dec 9 CW – Image of work completed in class

I started Larrie pencil case exercise by using AI-generated images.

Mon, Dec 9 HW – Image of completed homework

for my second luminary panel, i searched up few inspo images of korean traditional patterns.

Week 1

Thur, Dec 5 CW – image of completed homework

Today, I made some important changes to improve my design for laser cutting. First, I switched the design to an outline format and spaced out lines that were too close together to avoid burns or mistakes during cutting. I also removed the large rectangle around the whole design so the laser cutter doesn’t accidentally cut it out and disconnect the design from the base.

Next, I adjusted the stroke thickness. I set the outline strokes to 0.001 points, which tells the laser to cut through, and made the inner lines, like those in the lotus flower, 0.005 points to mark them as etching layers. These changes help the laser cutter clearly distinguish between cutting and etching, making the final design both accurate and visually appealing.

Tue, Dec 3 CW – image of work completed in class

My design is deeply rooted in the aesthetic and functional principles of the Jwa-deung (좌등), a traditional Korean lighting fixture that casts a soft, indirect glow to illuminate an entire room. Unlike lamps or candlesticks that concentrate their light on a specific area, the Jwa-deung embodies a holistic approach to lighting, creating a serene and evenly distributed ambiance. Drawing inspiration from the symbolism of the lotus flower, a motif often associated with Buddhist lighting traditions, I incorporated this design element to evoke a sense of purity and enlightenment. To honor the rich heritage of Korean craftsmanship, I seamlessly integrated traditional patterns commonly found in the intricate designs of historical Korean doors and windows. This fusion of cultural symbolism and functional artistry allowed me to create a design that harmonizes tradition with modern sensibilities.