Design Apprenticeship Program (DAP)

DAP Summer 2020 Coursework Assignments

Perspective Drawing (DAP I)

To demonstrate the importance of depth perception and space in illustrated design, apprentices were assigned a YouTube video to watch on perspective drawing. The video walks viewers through how to make a perspective drawing of a room that has a table using a vanishing point, horizon line and shadows. Each teen was tasked to reproduce the drawing demonstrated in the video, and some went further and used the technique to illustrate different rooms.

Face Mask Design (DAP I)

Apprentices independently designed face mask prototypes using digital software and produced physical versions from their digital files. The content of their designs were based on each teen’s own interests and creative choices. Apprentices were provided a digital template file to work with and used the online software Pixlr to create their designs using text, color, shapes and sourced digital imagery. Before moving to production, each apprentice had a group critique for their mask prototype, and refined their designs based on feedback. The goal of the exercise was to demonstrate design as a plan and a process that can be used to creatively engage with contemporary trends.

Organization & Cup Design (DAP I)

Working in teams, apprentices were assigned contemporary social issues to research and then create a new organization that responded to their issue using the design thinking process. After creating their organization by outlining its mission and vision statement, each member of the team then independently designed branding material and made a fundraising cup prototype for their organization using Pixlr. Each team presented their organization and cup designs to the larger group for critique. The goal of the exercise was to demonstrate the ability to apply the design thinking process broadly--in this case, to the design of an organization. And underscored how fundamental design is for effective communication within branding.

Poster Design (DAP I)

Using Google Slides, apprentices were tasked to design graphic posters that promote specific positive actions. Brainstorming in teams, teens were given narratives to respond to with a poster, with the narratives ranging from topics on global warming, education, and civil justice. After brainstorming imagery and text ideas, each apprentice independently designed a poster for their narrative, and presented it to the group for critique. The objective for this exercise was to begin a conversation on the differences between signs and symbols, and when to use which in graphic design.

Personal Anecdotes (DAP II)

Throughout the term, DAP II participants reflected on their home experiences during COVID-19 as a method for reflecting on social connection, or lack thereof, during this time. Apprentices used these insights towards imagining new social spaces that allow for social connection, while maintaining social distance.

Guiding questions: How do you combat feelings of loneliness? Laziness? Helplessness? Frustration? Depression? How do you handle arguments? What works for you? What works for your family? What strengths have you discovered in yourself and others? What do you think are the most important strengths and skills that you need to build and maintain in order to thrive in the coming months when school begins again?

 3-D Modeling (DAP II)

To compensate for time out of the workshop, apprentices spent much of their time modeling in cardboard to develop spatial reasoning skills. They explored geometry, dimension, space, and tactility using folding, cutting, and gluing techniques.

DePaul Speculative Design Fictions (DAP II)

In collaboration with Christina Harrington and Katiana Pierre at DePaul University Design Lab, our design apprentices were introduced to speculative fiction. Examining elements of utopia and dystopia and the ways in which they are present in our lived experiences, students wrote fictional narratives that paved the way for imagining speculative technologies.