Before you do anything, you need to find out what these words really mean. Do not rely on your imperfect idea of what you think a word means.

1. The Oxford English Dictionary: You will need to log in but this is the master dictionary of the English Language.
2. Consult three different dictionaries. Read the word origins too.
3. Look your word up in a variety of printed dictionaries as well. They have many at the library.

Create a Word Definition Post

Create a post called the name of your your words where you define the words for yourself in your own words based on your research. What did you learn about the word and its origin that you did not know already?

Use the category: “word definition”

Composition

Use the space of the frame dynamically. Create a layer that activates the tension between space and object. This usually means keeping the words smaller unless making them large is essential to the idea.

You are encouraged to place the words in different locations in the square. Where does the word communicate its idea the best? Use a variety of approaches to the designs. Do some words crop off the sides? Do all the letters fit into the space? Do letters want to overlap? Rotate? Flip?  You will choose to change the position, scale and rotation of selected letters to express them.

Rules of the game

You MAY do the following:

1. Rotate
2. Scale proportionally
3. Extend off the frame
4. Repeat letters only when necessary…

You MAY NOT:

1. Texture words
2. Dont stretch
3. Cut the letters
4. Use other typefaces
5. Change the opacity
6. Use outlines (solid letters only)

Your Words

You will work with 4 words:

• Two from my list on this page — assigned by lottery
• One from mind maps you create
• One from the Compendium of Lost Words

Create three different concepts (art boards) for each word for a total of 12 designs.

1. Using Illustrator make a 6″x6″ file.
2. Start your word in a selected typeface at 60 points.
3. Place in the right place on the page in the correct typeface.
4. Duplicate the artboard 2 times so you have the word + 2 copies.
5. Change the typeface for each of the three artboards.
6. Kern them all properly.
7. Go to the the “Type” menu and select “Create Outlines” for each artboard.
8. Ungroup the letters and begin working with them.
9. Start with one change to communicate the word (scale, rotate, position). If you need more then try two changes (scale and rotate, or move two letters). Be conservative in the changes initially. Use only the graphic moves necessary to express the word.
10. Activate the space in the composition to create a dynamic design.
11. When you have expressed the word then move to the next artboard.
12. Create more versions of each word than the required 3 designs to find the best solutions.
13. Create at least three different concepts (artboards) for each of your four words for a total of 12 designs.
14. Repeat steps 2-11 for additional three words.

1 / My List 
Assigned by lottery

1. 1. fright
   2. angry
   3. impulsive
   4. isolation
   5. tension
   6. energize
   7. rhythm
   8. radiant
   9. sorrow
   10. uneasy
   11. caffeine
   12. conflict
   13. scattered
   14. wander
   15. clumsy
   16. cheerful
   17. alarmed
   18. whimsical
   19. haunted
   20. overjoyed
   21. magnetic
   22. explosive
   23. surprised
   24. discombobulate
   25. splash
   26. kerplunk
   27. sizzle
   28. hiccup
   29. delightful
   30. slurp
   31. gurgle
   32. creak
   33. rebellious
   34. disoriented
   35. intrude
   36. provoke
   37. eccentric

   2 / Mind Maps

Do a mind map with a group of classmates using your assigned words on the list above as the ‘seed.’ Let your minds wander and fill the page with associations. Circle a dozen or so verbs or adjectives that have expressive potential for you. Talk to classmates and select a few words to try. Choose these words carefully. Try not to be too abstract. Is there something about those words that suggest visual solutions? Don’t be obvious such as the word ‘Fall’ (and it is only four letters).

Select one to express.

3 / Lost Words
Choose one ‘Lost Word’ from the Compendium of Lost Words and express its meaning. The class should be able to ascertain a general idea or feeling about the word from your design.

Format
6” x 6” trimmed precisely (you will be graded on the craft of cuts and precise measurement)

Color
Black and White Laser Print