Layers

One of the design concepts that I think is important is the relationship between figure and ground, also called positive and negative space. All shapes work together to create a unified composition. Many times students forget about the background and leave it as the white of the page. In this assignment, the background is a layer that shows through the upper layers, and so it can't be a leftover and the shapes that come from this underneath layer really insist on being part of the design.

Paper Templates or Layers

I start by cutting designs into paper. Start with any pattern you want. It can be very random or more organized.

Start with two layers, you can add more as you go.  Try overlapping them in multiple ways. Turn them upside down and reverse the order.

Don't be shy with color. It's a good way to try different combinations.

You can add other shapes on top if it needs something more.  Or cut through all the layers and add another color underneath.

You will generate a lot of scraps that can be used to make a collage or to add under openings.

 This design has 5 layers, plus an inserted green shape (in the little rectangle).

In this design, I started with ink drawing on the paper before cutting the layers into shapes.

You could also do this exercise with printed patterns, or magazine images. Paint your own paper too before layering.