NOTAN
(濃淡) A Japanese
design concept
involving the play and
placement of light and
dark as they are
placed next to the
other in art.
Notan Vocabulary
Contrast – Two different things that exist closely together. (Black & White,
Stripes and Dots, Smooth and Rough textures, etc.)
Balance – The visual weight of an object. This exists in two ways:
Symmetrical – Balance that is equal on both sides.
Asymmetrical – Balance that is not equal on both sides.
Notan Vocabulary
Shape– A two-dimensional space defined by edges. Shape can exist in two ways:
Geometric shapes – Shapes that are easily identifiable, do not
exist in nature, and usually consist of straight lines and corners.
Organic shapes – Shapes that are not known by any definitive
name, are usually more “flowy” and occur in nature.
Notan Vocabulary
Space – The visual distance around, between or within an object.
Space can exist in two ways:
Positive space– The shape that is the object you want the viewer
to see.
Negative space– The shape that is behind, in-between, around
or left behind by the object you want the viewer to see.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RVf8y-e6tc
Non Objective Notan Designs
Objective Notan Designs
Objective Notan Designs
Materials
Scissors
Xacto Knife
Glue Stick
Cutting Mat
Construction
Paper
Class Contract:
4. I understand that I am responsible for
properly using, cleaning, and putting away
all materials and tools I use. If I do not
know how to use, clean or put away a
material or tool, I will ask for help. If I
abuse/misuse any materials and/or tools, I
will not be allowed to use them again and
will be graded accordingly.
If you…
Do not have a cutting board on your table, you will fail the project.
Are not using the xacto knife assigned to you, you will fail the project.
Do not return the xacto knife at the end of class, you will fail the project.
Using the xacto knife to cut anything other than paper, you will fail the
project.
Are holding the xacto knife like a psychopath, you will fail the project.
How to Hold/Use an Xacto Knife
Like a pencil:
With a straight-edge
on a cutting mat:
Like a scalpel:
How to NOT Hold/Use an Xacto Knife
Like a psychopath:
Like a psychopath:
How to Use an Xacto Knife
Scoring - Carefully, slowly cutting into your paper 2-3 times until the
blade of your knife has gone through completely.
Scoring results in clean, precise lines. If you don’t score, you’ll get jagged
edges, and sometimes rip your paper.
Notan Design Project Guidelines:
1. Your design must be approved by me before you begin.
2. Your design must have a “practice run” on scrap paper before
you work on the final.
3. Each student gets ONE final 6x6inch piece of colored
construction paper.
4. Each design must have at least 20 pieces.
5. More complex designs will earn higher grades.
6. Neatness counts!
7. Anyone using the xacto knives in anyway I disapprove of will
receive an F for the project, will not be allowed to make it up,
and will report to the administration.