In this project, students were asked to create a graphic translation of an animal, bird, or insect — beginning with simplified, black-and-white visual forms. The objective was to explore how abstraction, reduction, and stylization could be used to communicate the essence of a subject without relying on photographic realism.
The process began with observational drawing, followed by an investigation of black-and-white form, focusing on shape, contrast, and structural clarity. Students then developed a color version informed by their subject’s natural palette, as well as an environmental color study based on the habitat or ecosystem of the animal. A final iteration required each design to function as a small-scale icon, emphasizing clarity and legibility at reduced sizes.
Translations reduced in size ad modified to serve as smaller icons, George Mason University, Fall 2025
The final deliverables were scaled and applied to large-scale formats such as billboards, informational graphics, or architectural banners — pushing students to think critically about proportion, visibility, and graphic impact in public or environmental design contexts.
Project Goals
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Develop skills in visual abstraction and form reduction
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Translate representational subjects into scalable graphic elements
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Strengthen understanding of line, shape, texture, and contrast
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Explore how symbolic visual language can replace photographic imagery when needed
Process + Critique
In critiques, students discussed how their work achieved a sense of visual resonance through form alone — especially when traditional image-making might not be suitable or accessible. Students also examined how formal elements such as point, line, plane, shade, and shadow contribute to both character and clarity in design.
Throughout the project, students engaged in a hands-on workflow using both manual drawing and digital tools. The resulting work demonstrates a wide range of approaches and creative interpretations — from the bold and geometric to the delicate and gestural.
Black-Necked Stilt, Anna Hedlund, Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Kisha Russel, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Michael Campbell, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Michael Campbell, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Gyara Reyes, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Gyara Reyes, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Kera Parham, Fall 2025, George Mason University, Koi Fish
Reem Awad, Fall 2024, George Mason University
Ettienne Bicar, Fall 2025, George Mason University, Axolotyl
Mary Graft, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Mary Graft, Fall 2025, George Mason University, hummingbird infographic
Goldfish, Process, Ella Carlin, Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Beta Fish, Fall 2022, University of Minnesota, Duluth
Hummingbird, Faith Rude Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Kaiya Williams, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Adia Botterman, Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Fall 2022, University of Minnesota, Duluth, Monarch Butterfly
Anyia Fields, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Anyia Field, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Manta Ray, Erica Krahn, Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Hannah Harding, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Hannah Harding, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Pheasant, Evan Steingas, Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Fall 2022, University of Minnesota, Duluth
SeaTurtle, Jenna Wicht, Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Eliab Shifferaw, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Sung-Ho Chang, Fall 2024, George Mason University
Julia Miller, Fall 2024, George Mason University
Grace High, Fall 2024, George Mason University
Tortoise, David Reynertson, Univ. Minn. Duluth, Fall 2022
Luiel Mekonnen, Fall 2024, George Mason University. In some cases, the better use of the translation may serve as a complimentary graphic, whereas, a literal representation would make a more striking presentation.
Vinh Ly, Fall 2025, George Mason University
Drawing studies, Fall 2025, George Mason University
