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Sketchbook Creativity

Submitted by: Nicole Brisco, Pleasant Grove High School
Grade Level: High School - Advanced

Preparing for Advanced Placement Studio Classes
What I Wish I had Known: Part I

Start taking photos now (early) if you have not already done so. Remember they do not always work out the first time. Slide quality is important. (Now you would import the photos in PowerPoint, of course)

To get maximum color do not do in direct sunlight, cast a shadow. Black felt is great on a brick wall (does not reflect light)

Label slides as soon as they come back in. Follow the directions on the poster or on line. Small sticker labels are great!

Have them begin working on the 2 questions. Have each student partner up and read the others... this way they can get some feedback on how clear they have made their intent. Remember students should state their concentration concept in the first sentence... My concentration is __________.

If you have not taken slides, take digital pictures and look at the contrast on the camera... this is a great way to see if the image will read clearly and is a lot less expensive than creating multiple rolls of slides. Popping color and contrast always looks great on the slide. No matter how beautiful a line drawing is, sometimes it can't be seen well.

Begin matting and or mounting quality work. Double check sizes. Use Fixative so that works are not damaged.

If your exams have arrived. Double check the numbers. Make sure there is one for each student that is taking.

Lastly, remember to thank the students for their hard work... tell them how proud you are of them. Each one is a blessing, even through the ups and the downs... they have all filled a place in your life!

Note: Right now there isn't a Part II .... she just wanted to leave it open for more words of wisdom.

See more on Sketchbooks!

NOTE: This lesson was submitted in the early days of IAD when teachers had no scanners or digital cameras to take pictures of student work. A photo from another lesson is on this page.

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