Typographic transformations.

Transformation is a powerful process that fascinates and intrigues us. Using computers is another process with which to engage our students. Combine the two and you will have a winning graphic design project.

Inspired by Dorothy Schmiderer's art for The Alphabet Book, I asked my students to transform a letter into a recognizable form that begins with that letter.

On the computer, we chose the Type tool and then a standard, easy-to-read font. Next, we clicked on Size and scrolled down to Other..., where we typed in 255 (See Hand-Out page 26 for a discussion of type sizes) and then OK. You may prefer a size of 250 or 245. Under Style, select Bold if you wish to thicken your letter.

We typed in the single letter near the top of the page, and then selected it. There are two ways of selecting: either highlight it or use the rectangular "marching ants" tool around it. If you've used the latter, you may now click on Edit>Duplicate. If you are still using the type tool and you've simply highlighted your letter to select it, you must Edit>Copy, and then Edit> Paste. Either way, you've created another letter just like the first. Move it to a spot below the first letter and then alter it somewhat by adding to or subtracting from the letter.

With the transformation begun, repeat the process by duplicating the second version and altering it still further. The fourth and final stage is merely a consecutive, changed version of number three.

This activity might be appropriate for different age groups, depending upon levels of computer skills. Assessment can be based on ability to follow directions, neatness, smoothness of transition, and complexity or level of difficulty.

We used only black and white, and we finished very quickly. Using color opens a new world of possibilities.

In the past I've asked my high school students to create intensity scales the old-fashioned way -- using tempera paint. Mixing a pair of complements incrementally is a great art experience...but then we got the program Adobe Illustrator 6.0 and found we could recreate the assignment with a few clicks of the mouse.

To start, choose a shape. The Plug-In Tools allow you to make a many-pointed star, or polygon. You can also create your own freehand shape. While selecting the shape, drag it to the size you want and place it near the top of the page. Fill the shape with a pure color.

Near the bottom of the page, create another (different) shape and fill it with the complement (opposite) of the first color. With both shapes selected, (select one and shift/click on the other), choose the Blend Tool. Click on one point of a path on each shape. The Blend Tool dialog box will ask how many steps you want from one to the other. We chose nine.

Voila! The students love the "shape-shifting" effects, and the blended colors are gorgeous. Will I give up tempera paint for printer ink? Never! But these computer transformations are fun, easy, and lovely to look at.