Harvard Drawing for Designers

Drawing for Designers is a course at the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University taught by Professor Ewa Harabasz. This is an elective I chose to take for my first semester at Harvard's Master's in Design Engineering program to unlock my creative side and explore new materials and techniques.

Our first project included us destroying a common household item and to show this action. I chose to tear a stuffed animal apart on a bed as a form of signifying the loss of innocence. We were tasked with using graphite pencils only that did not exceed 2HB intensity on a 14x17 inch paper. Figure 1 illustrates my early stages in the drawing process where I understand my range of hues and start to create the layers. Part of this project was also using lines/shapes to create texture in our image and show contrast.

Figure 1. Early Stages of Project 1

Part of the first project was to also include "ghost" images over our original. This means there will be hints or motion over the main drawing, such as my hands moving to demonstrate the act of tearing the stuffed animal. Figure 2 is the final product for the first project with the ghost images of the hands subtly included. Straight lines were used to represent the grooves in the hands while the cotton inside the stuffed animal is illustrated with circles or spirals for softness.

Figurer 2. Finished Project 1

Project 2, "Extreme Ergonomics / a chair" was experimenting with a specific style created by Robert Longo. Essentially, it included a self portrait of us "morphing" with the chair to blur the line between the body and object. This was done on a 5 foot long paper and completed with graphite pencil (detail) and ink (black). Figure 3 is a close up image of my right arm to show the detail and style used.

Figure 3. Right Arm Project 2

Figure 4 is a close up of my face to show further detail. The bulk of the project was completed in about a weeks time.

Figure 4. Face Close Up Project 2

Lastly, Figure 5 is the final version of project 2. Notice how there is no distinction with the ink between body and chair - they are together as one.

Figure 5. Project 2 Final

Our last main project was created on the 5th floor of the Graduate School of Design building, Gund Hall. The aim was to create an optical illusion using lines only that a person would only understand when standing in a certain spot. Figure 6 is the final version of project 3 taken from the designated spot.

Figure 6. Final Version Project 3

These three works were displayed in Gund Hall for our final showcase where we had guest art critics come in and discuss our work. Figure 7 is the display room of everyone's pieces.

Figure 7. Showcase Display

Throughout the semester, we also had workshops during class that involved quick sketches/drawings in less than a few minutes for practice. Some are shown below. Materials would range from pencil to graphite stick to charcoal to ink.