Design a Symbol

You've seen how artists like Jasper Johns use symbols to communicate their ideas. Now it's your turn to design your own symbol, create a relief, and make a print.

First, create a design for your symbol.  Spend some time writing about the personality traits that define you. Then think about how you can represent those traits through a symbol. Create thumbnail sketches, experimenting with different ways of communicating your idea. Incorporate existing symbols that people will recognize. Use your sketches to develop a clear design for a symbol that represents you. Simplify the forms in your design, and use bold, graphic shapes. When your design is finished, make a photocopy of it to use  as a template.

Tip: If you include any letters or numbers, draw them backwards. 

In this step, you will make the relief that you'll use to create your print. Tape one edge of your template to a sheet of cardboard. Insert a sheet of graphite paper under the template with the carbon side of the graphite paper facing down. Trace over your symbol with a pencil. Use enough pressure to transfer your design onto the cardboard. Remove the template and put the cardboard aside for later. Use scissors to cut each shape in your design out of your paper template. 

Tape the cut shapes onto sheets of thick foam. Then use scissors to cut out each shape, this time in foam. Use glue to attach the cutout foam shapes to your cardboard. This will create a three-dimensional relief of your design. When the glue is dry, seal your relief by applying two coats of Mod Podge to the entire surface.

Tip: Any texture that appears as you apply the Mod Podge will transfer when you make your print. 

Finally, you'll use your relief to make a print of your design, and then add color to it. Soak a sheet of printmaking paper for 8 to 10 minutes. Then blot it dry by placing it between two towels. Use a brayer to roll black ink or paint onto your relief. Carefully place your damp printing paper on top of the inked/painted relief. Roll a clean, dry brayer in all directions over the printing paper to make an impression of your design. 

Slowly pull your print off of the relief and place it on a drying rack. If time allows, repeat this process, creating several identical prints. When your print is dry, use paint, pastels, or other media to add color to your symbol. If you created multiple prints, experiment with several different color schemes. 

Tip: Don’t be afraid to use unexpected colors for your symbol.

Prepared by Bobbi Yancey, Lake Charles Boston, Academy of Learning, Lake Charles, Louisiana