People love to collect. Some things you collect very consciously, other things without realizing it. A collection tells a story. It says something about someone. In this lesson series you will make a 'flatlay' that tells something about you.
Art and identity
Most artists don't just make a work of art because they like it or think it's beautiful. They use art as a means of communication. An original work of art attracts attention and can convey a message or opinion in a creative way. In this paper you will also convey something. By means of a collection you show a part of your identity.
Album 1: Examples of collections
What do you see?
Image 1 shows a number of random collections. Look at them carefully and write down 2 words for each collection that characterize this collection. So you write down 12 words in total.
Objectivity: The art of useful stuff
In addition to being an architect, graphic designer and teacher of design history, David Usborn is also an avid collector. He collects utensils with a special design. Some objects you see every day, others you may never have seen. In his exhibition 'Objectivity' he wants to show the viewer how beautiful and special these utensils can be. By giving them a place in the museum, we look at them from a different perspective. Suddenly they become works of art.
Album 2: Various objects from the 'Objectivity' exhibition
Image 1: Exhibition 'Objectivity'
#flatlay
The way of exhibiting that Usborn uses is known on social media under the hashtag #flatlay. Flatlay means that you lay objects flat on the floor and take a picture of them exactly above and above.
Album 3: Examples of Flatlays
Your favorite collection of flatlay
Search for 2 collections of flatlays on social media, that you find beautiful and/or special. Describe in your dummy why you chose these flatlays. With this description, keep in mind:
- Colour
- Shape
- Meaning/message
- Material
- Value
- Background
- Order
- Subject
- Composition
- Light
Photography
Before you start making your own flatlay, it is important that you know how to shoot a good flatlay. Therefore, keep the following in mind:
Using the camera
There is a handy trick on your iPad to be able to shoot exactly straight from above. For that you have to enable the grid by going to settings > camera > grid. When you then open the camera app, a grid will appear on the screen. In the middle you also see a yellow and a white cross. Try to get the white and yellow cross exactly together by tilting your camera. Then you photograph exactly straight from above.
Light
Good light is needed to take a photo. Make sure that there is enough light and that no unwanted shadows are created. It can sometimes help to draw a curtain or use an extra lamp. You can use this to steer the light a bit.
Composition
Composition is another word for arrangement. Think about how the objects in your image are arranged. Horizontal, vertical, diagonal, large to small, light to dark, cheap to expensive, old to new, etc.
Background
Think about the background you are going to use. What is the best way to showcase your collection? Does the background have to be an even color surface? Or should there be a structure in it? Will the background be the same color as the objects? Or a contrasting color? So before you start, look for the right place to shoot.
Image 2 and 3: Shooting exactly from above with your iPad or iPhone
My #flatlay
Create your own flatlay now. Use a collection of stuff for this. This can be stuff that you have collected consciously, or a collection that came about by chance. The collection may also consist of several objects that are related to each other.
Show (part of) your identity with this flatlay. You can think of: Who are you? What do you like to do? What is your hobby or fascination? What do you like? etc.
Extra
If you get the hang of it, you can choose to make a series of flatlays. With a series you can show multiple sides of yourself, but you can also make a flatlay of each family member, for example.
Assessment criteria
- The flatlay shows (part of) your identity
- You have made conscious choices regarding colour
- You have carefully chosen a background
- You took the light into account when shooting
- You experimented with and chose a good composition