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Semester 1: M.Sc. Costume Design and Fashion
Art media and applications - pencils, colour pencils, oil pastels, watercolour, fabric colours
Art media and applications
Pencils
Pencils are an essential tool in art for sketching and detailed drawing. They come in various hardness levels, ranging from hard (H) to soft (B), affecting line quality and shading. Graphite pencils are common for fine art, while colored pencils offer vibrant options for illustration. Their versatility allows for layering and blending techniques.
Colour Pencils
Colour pencils provide artists with a range of colors in a manageable format. They can be used for fine details or broad strokes. Techniques such as burnishing and blending can enhance the vibrancy and depth of the colors. They are popular in both illustration and fine art due to their ease of use and portability.
Oil Pastels
Oil pastels consist of pigment mixed with a non-drying oil and wax, creating a creamy texture. They can be layered and blended to produce rich, vibrant colors. Unlike chalk pastels, oil pastels are more resistant to smudging and have a unique glossy finish. They offer a different experience in creating textures and effects on various surfaces.
Watercolour
Watercolors are a water-soluble medium that provide transparency and luminosity in artworks. They require the use of special paper to properly absorb water and pigment. Techniques include wet-on-wet, wet-on-dry, and glazing. Watercolors are favored for their ability to create soft edges and delicate washes.
Fabric Colours
Fabric colors are specifically designed for textile applications. These can include fabric paints and dyes that adhere to various fabric types. Techniques might involve screen printing, tie-dyeing, or painting directly onto the fabric. Artists often use these colors to create custom designs and patterns on clothing and textiles, bringing their creative visions to life.
Elements of fashion process - origin, evolution, cycles, theories
Elements of Fashion Process
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The origin of fashion can be traced back to ancient civilizations where practicality and cultural expression intertwined. In early societies, clothing served functional purposes such as protection and warmth. Over time, clothing began to signify status and identity, leading to the emergence of distinct styles that reflected cultural values.
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Fashion has evolved significantly through the ages, influenced by social, political, and technological changes. From the extravagant styles of the Renaissance to the practical silhouettes of the Industrial Revolution, fashion mirrors societal shifts. The 20th century brought rapid changes with the rise of fashion houses and the democratization of fashion through mass production.
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Fashion operates in cycles characterized by trends that rise and fall in popularity. These cycles can be influenced by various factors, including seasons, cultural movements, and celebrity endorsements. Understanding these cycles is essential for predicting future trends and making informed design decisions.
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Several theories inform the fashion process, including psychological, sociological, and economic perspectives. Theories such as the trickle-down theory suggest that trends filter from the elite to the masses, while others focus on consumer behavior and identity. These theories help in understanding how fashion communicates meaning and reflects societal dynamics.
Basic sketching techniques and perspective
Basic sketching techniques and perspective
Introduction to Sketching
Sketching is a fundamental skill in costume design, allowing designers to express ideas quickly. It involves drawing techniques that capture forms, lines, and textures without the need for precise detail.
Materials for Sketching
Common materials include pencils, charcoal, markers, and sketchbooks. Each medium offers different qualities and effects, suitable for various sketching styles.
Basic Sketching Techniques
Key techniques include: 1. Contour drawing - outlines an object. 2. Gesture drawing - captures the essence of movement. 3. Shading - creates depth through light and dark.
Understanding Proportions
Proportions are crucial in costume design. Use guidelines to maintain accurate body proportions when sketching figures. Focus on the relationship between different body parts.
Introduction to Perspective
Perspective gives a sense of depth and space to sketches. It involves techniques that create the illusion of three dimensions on a flat surface.
One-Point Perspective
Used when viewing an object straight on. Lines converge at a single vanishing point on the horizon line, useful for sketches of interiors and narrow streets.
Two-Point Perspective
Used for objects viewed at an angle. Two vanishing points are placed on the horizon line, allowing for more dynamic compositions in costume design.
Three-Point Perspective
Used for more dramatic views, such as looking up or down at an object. Incorporates a third vanishing point either above or below the horizon line.
Applying Perspective to Costume Design
Perspective is essential in rendering garments accurately. Understanding how fabric drapes and fits in three-dimensional space enhances the realism of designs.
Introduction to anatomy - bone and muscular structure
Introduction to anatomy - bone and muscular structure
Overview of Anatomy
Anatomy is the study of the structure of organisms and their parts. It is divided into two main branches: gross anatomy, which studies structures visible to the naked eye, and microscopic anatomy, which deals with structures at the cellular and tissue level.
Bone Structure
Bones are rigid organs that constitute part of the endoskeleton of vertebrates. They support and protect the body's vital organs, facilitate movement, and serve as a site for blood cell production. Bones are composed of a dense matrix of collagen and minerals.
Types of Bones
Bones are classified into several types based on their shape: long bones, short bones, flat bones, irregular bones, and sesamoid bones. Each type serves different functions in the body.
Muscular Structure
Muscles are soft tissues that produce force and cause motion. They are classified into three types: skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles. Skeletal muscles are voluntary and striated, while cardiac muscles are involuntary and striated, and smooth muscles are involuntary and non-striated.
Skeletal System
The skeletal system consists of all the bones in the body and the cartilage that connects them. It provides structure and shape to the body, protects internal organs, and allows for mobility.
Muscular System
The muscular system includes all the muscles in the body and is responsible for voluntary and involuntary movements. It works closely with the skeletal system to facilitate movement.
Connections Between Bone and Muscle
Bones and muscles work together to create movement. Muscles are attached to bones via tendons, and when muscles contract, they pull on bones to produce movement at joints.
Elements and principles of design - point, line, form, shape, space, size, texture, colour, harmony, proportion, balance, rhythm, emphasis
Elements and Principles of Design
Point
The most basic unit of design. Points can be used to create patterns and textures.
Line
Lines can define shapes and forms. They can convey direction, movement, and emotion.
Form
Three-dimensional representations of shapes. Forms occupy space and can be manipulated.
Shape
Two-dimensional representations. Shapes can be geometric or organic.
Space
Refers to the area around and between elements in a design. Effective use of space contributes to balance.
Size
Refers to the dimensions of elements in relation to each other and the overall design.
Texture
The surface quality of an object, which can be tactile or visual. Texture adds depth and interest.
Colour
A vital element that evokes emotions and can help in creating mood and focus.
Harmony
The pleasing arrangement of elements that creates a sense of completeness and cohesion.
Proportion
The relationship between different elements in terms of size. It influences balance and visual appeal.
Balance
The distribution of visual weight in a design. Can be symmetric or asymmetric.
Rhythm
The repetition of elements to create movement and flow, guiding the viewer's eye.
Emphasis
The focal point of a design that attracts attention and highlights important features.
Fashion illustration history, importance and figures
Fashion Illustration History, Importance and Figures
Historical Overview
Fashion illustration has roots dating back to ancient civilizations where garments were depicted in various forms of art. In the 19th century, fashion plates became popular in magazines, showcasing the latest styles and designers. This period saw illustrators like Charles Dana Gibson and Georges Lepape gain acclaim for their artistic representations of fashion.
The Role of Fashion Illustration
Fashion illustrations serve as vital tools for designers and brands, communicating ideas, concepts, and trends visually. They help convey the mood and style of collections before the actual garments are produced. Illustrators bridge the gap between creative vision and consumer understanding, making their role indispensable in the fashion industry.
Key Figures in Fashion Illustration
Prominent figures in the field include Rene Gruau, known for his distinctive style in the mid-20th century, and David Downton, who has revived the art in contemporary fashion. Both have greatly influenced how fashion illustrations are perceived and appreciated within the industry.
Evolution of Techniques
Technological advancements have transformed fashion illustration, moving from hand-drawn techniques to digital platforms. This evolution has allowed for greater creativity, accessibility, and experimentation, broadening the reach of fashion art.
Current Trends and Relevance
Today, fashion illustration continues to thrive, adapting to social media and digital marketing. Illustrators use platforms like Instagram and Pinterest to showcase their work, attracting diverse audiences and influencing trends globally.
Latest fashion knowledge based on age, gender, nationality, socio-economic status, climate, and technology
Latest fashion knowledge based on age, gender, nationality, socio-economic status, climate, and technology
Age
Fashion preferences often vary with age, with younger generations tending to embrace trends more aggressively, while older individuals might opt for comfort and timeless styles. Younger designers are noted for pushing boundaries, whereas more seasoned designers might focus on classic silhouettes.
Gender
There is a growing movement towards gender-neutral fashion, challenging traditional norms. Men's fashion has evolved, incorporating vibrant colors and patterns traditionally associated with women's wear, while women's fashion is seeing more elements traditionally thought of as masculine.
Nationality
Cultural influences play a significant role in fashion. For example, traditional attire in countries like India or Japan heavily influences modern designs, while Western fashion predominantly drives global trends. Fashion houses often draw inspiration from diverse cultures, leading to fusion styles.
Socio-economic Status
Fashion choices are heavily influenced by socio-economic factors. High-end fashion brands dictate luxury styles, while fast fashion meets the demands of lower-income consumers seeking trendy clothing at accessible prices. Sustainability in fashion is increasingly becoming a concern for affluent consumers.
Climate
Seasonal changes dictate fashion, with different fabrics and styles preferred in varying climates. For example, lightweight fabrics are favored in hot climates, while layering is essential in colder regions. Climate change is also pushing the industry towards more sustainable practices.
Technology
Advancements in technology are transforming fashion, from online shopping trends to the use of AI in design processes. Innovations such as 3D printing and wearable tech are becoming part of mainstream fashion, enabling customization and improving functionality.
