ART-107 Digital Imaging/ CHEM-346 Biomolecules Fall 2011
Instructor Eric Wold/ Sunil Malapati
Contact 563.588.6367 eric.wold@clarke.edu / 563.588.6347 sunil.malapati@clarke.edu
Form + Function
Linking Chemistry and Art
Purpose
Work collaboratively to synthesize creative and unique scientific illustrations.
Art: To strengthen your understanding of color relationships, spatial structures and compositional devices.
Biochemistry: To deepen your understanding of protein structures and spatial relationships.
Project Brief
Each group will work on a single protein structure or a group of closely related protein structures to create scientific illustrations
that best illuminate the concept Form Exposes Function. Within the group, the biochemistry students will be primarily
responsible for researching the function of the protein(s), downloading the coordinates for the structures from the RCSB protein
data bank, and manipulating the structures within DeepView™ or Protein Workshop™. The Art students are primarily
responsible for image choices (including field of vision, angle and colors) and image manipulation, both within the protein
software and other design software. The images can be manipulated in any manner the group chooses as long as the
structural veracity of the protein is maintained. The biochemistry students will be responsible for accuracy of information and
veracity of structures while art students will be responsible for aesthetic choices. The art student will produce 4 posters, one of
which will be rendered in full detail, and an accompanying set of 4 postage stamps. The group will generate at least 5 scientific
illustrations that will be incorporated into a joint presentation, which will be led by the biochemistry students.
Timeline
Oct 26
Assignment of groups and choice of topic
Oct 31
Each group will submit a plan of action, with a project timeline
Oct 31 – Nov 3
First Consultation: Biochemistry students meet with Sunil to discuss function
Nov 7 – Nov 10
Second Consultation: Groups meet with Eric/ Sunil for refinements as needed
Nov 9
Art students design and produce 4 posters
Nov 13
Art students submit postage stamp designs on Flickr (by 3 PM) for critique by Eric
Biochemistry students submit scientific illustrations on moodle (by 5 PM) for critique by Sunil
Nov 16
Joint presentation by the group
POSTER COLLECTION
Form + Function: Linking Chemistry and Art
Project Brief
For this assignment you will use an active research and development practice to develop and design a series of four distinct
abstract posters that embody the essential elements of a Protein Structure. Working closely with your biochemistry
counterparts, you will thoroughly examine the fundamental design elements that will emphasize: expression, interpretation and
ultimately the communication value of your work through the use of dynamic form, color, movement and visual surprise related
to the broader visual language attributed to a protein structure. Your role, as artist, is to help direct color decisions and
compositional considerations to help articulate a clear illustrative representation.
Research and Development
1. Collect reference material about protein structures and supportive images. Make color studies and sketches
2. Interview your group members (Q: scientific info, specific scientists, related info)
3. Start with broad universals decisions - then simplify and edit, abstract and compose
4. Compose your picture plane - color combinations initiated within protein software. Output/Export images
5. Abstract and augment your output in Illustrator and Photoshop
Design and Production
4 Posters: 6" x 8" each
Use one of each of the following color schemes:
Complementary
Analogous
Triad (Secondary or Intermediate)
Choice of Warm or Cool Color (Monochromatic)
*Refer to the PPT presentation, or textbook, for the definition of these color relationships.
1 Poster: 18"x 24"
Group will choose one image to be rendered in full detail
Color choice based on communicative value and aesthetic considerations - beautifully clear.
Deadline
November 9th
STAMP COLLECTION
Form + Function: Linking Chemistry and Art
Project Brief
For this last stage of the assignment you will use your series of four distinct abstract posters to design and develop a collection
of four postage stamps along with a final presentation of your group effort.
Creative Brief
There should be a clear relationship between your posters and postage stamps. You may cut, crop, rotate and change color
variations in order to make the most of your existing designs.
Note: refer to your list of typefaces to use as well as making good observational choices in terms of scale of type in relationship
to illustrations, etc. ( PPT: Postage Stamp Ref )
Design and Production
1. Thumbnail drawings/sketches. Resolve the necessary information on each stamp.
Working in Illustrator and/or Photoshop create your collection digitally. Theme and variation is key to your success.
Produce 4 variations of your collection of 4 stamps. Make revisions and edit your variations to a single collection.
2. Information on the stamp MUST include: USA, 44, your protein name, along with Form+Function 2011; everything must
be incorporated into your design system/collection.
3. Submit initial design layouts along with your revised collection to Flickr by Sunday, 11/13 at 3:00pm. You must critique
each others work and post comments on Flickr. I will review and make comments as well but this is a group effort, class
participation is mandatory.
Final Design Deliverables
4 U.S. Postage Stamps: Approx. 1.5" x 2.25" each
Presentation of your Stamp Collection should be as authentic as possible.
Combine both your final poster and postage stamp collection. Format horizontally 18"x24" broadside
(Ref. Examples.pdf )
Deadline
November 16th
PRESENTATION w/ SCIENTIFIC ILLUSTRATIONS
Form + Function: Linking Chemistry and Art
Project Brief
Jointly present your work: Powerpoint/Adobe PDF presentation.
The focus of the presentation should be the function of the protein (with supporting background information)
incorporating the scientific illustrations generated as a result of the collaboration. The presentation should address
how the form of the protein exposes the functional aspects; as well as choices made in selecting images, angles and
colors; and emphasize the collaboration between group members. The presentation should be aimed at a lay person
unfamiliar with either biochemistry or graphic design.
Design and Production
The presentation is the joint responsibility of the group, and will be judged on how well the scientific and artistic aspects
are integrated. In terms of content, biochemistry students are primarily responsible for the accuracy of information, both
structural and functional. The art students are primarily responsible for the aesthetics, both the scientific illustrations and
the presentation itself. The group as a whole is responsible for the flow of information, trade-off between speakers and
overall oral presentation aspects of the presentation. A detailed rubric for judging the presentation will be provided.
Deadline
November 16th
Presentation Evaluation: 100 points awarded
1. Evidence of your group research, creative development and process? 10pts
ART
2. Did you creatively approach the assignment and execute it in a unique way? 60pts
3. Oral presentation: graded for accuracy, flow and presentation skills. 30pts
BIOCHEMISTRY
2. Content: Does the presentation accurately convey structural and functional Information? 60pts
3. Oral presentation: graded for accuracy, flow and presentation skills. 30pts