Design

All jewelry design originates from an inspirational source, whether it

is a technique or material, or visual information from images or

objects. You can gather information from a wide range of sources, and it should spark your

interest to investigate further.

InspirationoWhere to look:o Museumso Gallerieso Exhibitions

These places are filled with objects and images that have been chosen for their interesting qualities, and allow you to view actual objects in the round, rather than just flat images.o Bookso Magazineso Internet

Look at both historical and contemporary items, taking note of how they are made, and why they look the way they do.

InspirationoPrinciples and Elements of Design!!!o Using the P&E’s of design will help you be more

successful in the aesthetic quality of your design.

Principles:•Unity•Variety•Contrast•Repetition•Emphasis•Balance•Harmony•Proportion

Elements:•Line•Plane•Shape•Space•Value•Texture•Color •Movement

Inspirational Objects

oArchitectureoTextilesoCeramicsoGlassoFurnitureoNature- botanical gardens with sketchbook/camera

o3D objectso Start collecting found objects to understand how

form can be expressed and how shapes and lines intersect with one another within space.

Recording your researcho Sketchbook!!!

o Visual diary to record the things you find.o Includes: sketches, collages, photos, and notes on the

particular aspects that you find interesting.When working with a project in mind, your research

should take a particular direction but may lead down several paths, some may not work but others can provide inspiration for years to come.

Info such as:•Function•Color palette•Textures•Form•Aesthetic

Drawing is a vital design tool, as it

provides a means of exploring and recording ideas in a descriptive

medium. A jewelry designer may use several types of

drawing as part of the design process from

quick sketches to detailed technical

diagrams.

Drawingo Sketchbooks

o A sketchbook is a record of your exploration on paper.o No right or wrong way- filled with detailed color studies,

or sketchy line drawings.o Don’t feel limited by your drawing skills- it takes practice!

o Exploratory drawingo This style can convey emotion, movement, and

atmosphere. o Draw it from every angle.o Emphasize important parts.o Extract areas of object and abstract them into new

shapes and forms.o Exaggerate, stretch, shrink, flip etc…

DrawingoDrawing for designo Works on the body o Physicalityo Aesthetic

Give the drawing depth, thickness, and perspective.Techniques and processes used to create piece.oTechnical Drawingo Keep technical info for future reference

o What metal used, size, cutting templates, chemical recipes, new techniques, outcomes etc..

o Precise drawings with relevant info.o Learn from your mistakes!!!

DrawingoPresentation drawingo Working to commission piece

o Accurate representationo Rendering are paintedo CAD

Design RealizationoDeveloping a design

o The research and materials collected as well as your drawings should directly influence your piece.

o Not all materials or info that you have collected or produced will be relevant for the project or design.

o Draw the object repeatedly, changing slightly each time to adapt the form.

o Adapt design to different forms: bracelet, earrings, rings..

Once you have decided how the object will look, you need to consider its construction.

Design ChecklistoWhat type of jewelry are you making?oWhat is your inspiration?oHow will you use your research to inform the design?oHow are you going to make the piece?oWhy are you making it?oWhat materials will you use?oWhat is your budget?oHow much time can you give the project?