Thrifted Threads: Digital Design Transformation

12th Grade Project 5 weeks

Thrifted Threads: Digital Design Transformation

Elijah Tompkins

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Purpose

The purpose of this project is to empower students to explore the intersection of digital design and sustainable fashion by transforming thrifted garments into unique fashion pieces. Through hands-on experience with Adobe Illustrator and screen printing, students will develop technical skills in digital design and artistic expression. The project aims to foster an understanding of the environmental impact of upcycling and the role of sustainable practices in fashion. By collaborating with community partners and engaging in reflective practices, students will enhance their critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. The project culminates in an Eco-Impact Art Fair, where students showcase their sustainable fashion lines, promoting awareness of environmental issues and supporting local initiatives.

Learning goals

In this project, students will learn to transform thrifted garments into unique fashion pieces by mastering digital design and screen printing techniques. They will develop proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, focusing on creating digital designs, vector graphics, and typography for screen printing. Students will also explore the environmental impact of upcycling and sustainable fashion through partnerships with local thrift stores and workshops. Throughout the project, they will enhance their skills in critique and revision, engaging in peer feedback sessions to refine their designs. By the end of the project, students will have created a sustainable fashion line, showcasing their creativity and understanding of eco-friendly practices at the Eco-Impact Art Fair. This project will foster artistic growth, technical proficiency, and a deeper appreciation for sustainable fashion.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
National Core Arts Standards - VA:Cr2.1.HSIII: Engage in making a work of art or design without having a preconceived plan.

Products

In this project, students will create a sustainable fashion line by designing and screen printing a collection of thrifted garments. Each student will develop their own unique style, incorporating digital designs created in Adobe Illustrator. The final products will include a digital portfolio that documents the entire design process, showcasing initial sketches, design iterations, and reflections on artistic and technical growth. The project will culminate in an Eco-Impact Art Fair, where students will exhibit their fashion collections and engage the community in workshops on sustainable fashion and screen printing techniques. Proceeds from the fair will support local environmental initiatives, emphasizing the project's focus on sustainability and community impact. Through this project, students will accomplish the transformation of thrifted garments into unique fashion pieces, develop proficiency in digital design and screen printing, and gain a deeper understanding of the environmental benefits of upcycling.

Launch

To kick off the project, organize a Screen Printing Showcase event featuring a local artist or printmaker. Begin with a live demonstration where the artist showcases various screen printing techniques, emphasizing the creative possibilities and the technical skills involved. Following the demonstration, provide students with the opportunity to engage hands-on by printing simple designs onto fabric swatches. This interactive experience will spark excitement and curiosity, offering students a tangible introduction to the screen printing process they will explore throughout the project. Additionally, include a brief discussion on the significance of sustainable fashion and the environmental impact of upcycling, setting the stage for the project's essential question and goals.

Exhibition

To culminate the project, students will participate in the Eco-Impact Art Fair, an interactive event where they will exhibit their sustainable fashion lines. Each student will present their collection of thrifted and screen-printed garments, showcasing their unique designs and the environmental benefits of upcycling. The event will feature workshops on sustainable fashion and screen printing techniques, allowing students to engage with the community and share their learning journey. Additionally, partnering with environmental organizations will highlight the importance of reducing waste through thrifting. Proceeds from the event can support local environmental initiatives, reinforcing the project's impact and relevance.

Plan

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to Sustainable Fashion - Begin the week with a discussion on the significance of sustainable fashion and the environmental impact of upcycling. Introduce the project's essential question and goals to set the context.	Activity 2: Screen Printing Showcase - Host a Screen Printing Showcase event featuring a local artist or printmaker. Students will observe a live demonstration of various screen printing techniques.	Activity 3: Hands-On Screen Printing Practice - Following the demonstration, provide students with an opportunity to try screen printing themselves by printing simple designs onto fabric swatches.	Activity 4: Adobe Illustrator Basics - Introduce students to Adobe Illustrator, covering basic tools and techniques for creating digital designs. Conduct a hands-on workshop where students create simple vector graphics.	Activity 5: Reflection and Discussion - Conclude the week with a reflection session where students discuss their experiences, share initial thoughts on design ideas, and outline their personal goals for the project.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Reflection Journal Entry - Students will submit a reflection journal entry summarizing their learning experiences from the week, including their understanding of sustainable fashion and initial design ideas. 2. Deliverable 2: Basic Vector Design - Students will create and submit a basic vector design using Adobe Illustrator, demonstrating their grasp of the software's tools and techniques.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Arrange for a local artist or printmaker to conduct the Screen Printing Showcase event. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare materials and equipment for the hands-on screen printing activity, including fabric swatches and screen printing supplies. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Develop introductory materials and resources for teaching Adobe Illustrator basics, including tutorials or guides. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Set up a platform or system for students to submit their reflection journal entries and vector designs.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Exploring Digital Design Styles - Begin the week by introducing students to various digital design styles and trends in the fashion industry. Discuss how these styles can be applied to their projects.	Activity 2: Advanced Adobe Illustrator Techniques - Conduct a workshop on advanced Adobe Illustrator techniques, focusing on creating complex vector graphics and incorporating typography into their designs.	Activity 3: Design Ideation and Concept Development - Facilitate a brainstorming session where students develop initial concepts for their sustainable fashion lines. Encourage them to sketch ideas and create mood boards.	Activity 4: Peer Feedback Session - Organize a peer feedback session where students present their design concepts and receive constructive criticism from classmates to refine their ideas.	Activity 5: Sustainable Fashion Research - Assign a research task where students explore sustainable fashion practices and the environmental impact of different materials. Encourage them to consider these factors in their designs.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Advanced Vector Design - Students will submit a complex vector design incorporating typography, showcasing their advanced skills in Adobe Illustrator. 2. Deliverable 2: Design Concept Presentation - Students will prepare and present their initial fashion line concepts, including sketches and mood boards, during the peer feedback session. 3. Deliverable 3: Sustainable Fashion Research Report - Students will submit a brief report summarizing their research on sustainable fashion practices and materials.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Gather resources and examples of various digital design styles and trends in the fashion industry. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop advanced Adobe Illustrator tutorials or guides, focusing on complex vector graphics and typography. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Prepare materials for the design ideation session, including sketching supplies and mood board templates. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Organize the peer feedback session, ensuring a structured format for presenting and receiving feedback. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Compile resources and articles on sustainable fashion practices for students to explore in their research.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Fabric Selection and Material Analysis - Start the week by guiding students through the process of selecting thrifted garments for their fashion lines. Discuss the properties and sustainability of different fabric types, and how these will affect their designs.	Activity 2: Design Finalization - Facilitate a session where students finalize their digital designs in Adobe Illustrator. Encourage them to incorporate feedback from Week 2's peer session and ensure their designs are ready for screen printing.	Activity 3: Screen Preparation - Teach students how to prepare screens for printing. This includes cleaning, coating with emulsion, and transferring their digital designs onto the screens.	Activity 4: Screen Printing Practice - Provide students with the opportunity to practice their screen printing skills on test fabrics. Focus on achieving desired print quality and understanding color mixing.	Activity 5: Reflection and Mid-Project Evaluation - Conclude the week with a reflection session. Students will evaluate their progress, discuss challenges faced, and outline next steps for their fashion line development.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Fabric Selection and Material Analysis Report - Students will submit a report detailing their fabric choices and the rationale behind their selections, focusing on sustainability. 2. Deliverable 2: Final Digital Design - Students will submit their finalized digital designs, ready for screen printing. 3. Deliverable 3: Screen Printing Samples - Students will produce and submit samples of their screen printing practice on test fabrics.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Prepare a presentation on fabric types and their sustainability impacts, including samples for hands-on analysis. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Set up a workspace with necessary tools and materials for screen preparation and printing practice. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Review and provide feedback on students' digital designs to ensure readiness for screen printing. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Organize a mid-project evaluation form or rubric to guide students' reflection and self-assessment.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Screen Printing Techniques - Begin the week with a workshop where students learn advanced screen printing techniques. This session will focus on multicolor printing, layering, and achieving precise registration.	Activity 2: Fashion Line Development - Guide students as they begin the construction of their sustainable fashion lines. Students will work on combining their printed designs with thrifted garments, focusing on garment alteration and assembly techniques.	Activity 3: Peer Review and Iteration - Host a peer review session where students present their progress on the fashion line development. Encourage constructive feedback and identify areas for improvement.	Activity 4: Workshop on Branding and Presentation - Conduct a workshop on branding, where students learn how to create a cohesive brand identity for their fashion lines. Discuss elements such as logo design, brand messaging, and presentation strategies.	Activity 5: Reflection and Planning for Final Week - Conclude the week with a reflection session where students outline their goals for the final week. Discuss any remaining tasks and plan for the Eco-Impact Art Fair.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Screen Printing Projects - Students will submit samples of their advanced screen printing techniques on test fabrics, demonstrating multicolor and layering skills. 2. Deliverable 2: Fashion Line Progress Presentation - Students will prepare a brief presentation on their fashion line development, including photos of their work in progress and feedback received during peer review. 3. Deliverable 3: Branding Concept - Students will submit a draft of their brand identity, including a logo, brand message, and preliminary ideas for presenting their fashion line at the Eco-Impact Art Fair.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Develop materials and resources for teaching advanced screen printing techniques, including guides on multicolor printing and registration. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare a list of garment alteration techniques and resources for students to reference during their fashion line development. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Organize the peer review session, providing a structured format for presentations and feedback. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Compile resources on branding and presentation strategies, including examples of successful fashion branding. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Review students' branding concepts and provide feedback to ensure alignment with the project goals and the Eco-Impact Art Fair requirements.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Garment Assembly - Begin the week with a focus on completing the assembly of students' sustainable fashion lines. Students will ensure all garments are fully constructed, incorporating their screen-printed designs.	Activity 2: Fashion Line Photo Shoot - Organize a photo shoot where students capture high-quality images of their completed fashion lines. Discuss elements of fashion photography, styling, and presentation.	Activity 3: Digital Portfolio Creation - Guide students in creating a digital portfolio that documents their entire design process. This will include initial sketches, design iterations, screen printing samples, and final garments.	Activity 4: Eco-Impact Art Fair Preparation - Assist students in preparing for the Eco-Impact Art Fair. This includes finalizing their fashion line presentations, setting up displays, and rehearsing their presentations.	Activity 5: Reflection and Celebration - Conclude the week with a reflection session where students celebrate their achievements, discuss their learning journey, and share insights on sustainable fashion and upcycling.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed Fashion Line - Students will submit their fully assembled sustainable fashion lines, ready for presentation at the Eco-Impact Art Fair. 2. Deliverable 2: Fashion Line Photo Portfolio - Students will submit a portfolio of photographs showcasing their fashion lines, demonstrating their understanding of fashion photography and styling. 3. Deliverable 3: Digital Design Portfolio - Students will submit a comprehensive digital portfolio that includes all aspects of their design process, highlighting their artistic and technical growth.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Ensure access to sewing machines and tools needed for final garment assembly, and provide assistance as needed. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Arrange for a space and necessary equipment for the fashion line photo shoot, including cameras and backdrop materials. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Provide templates or guidelines for creating digital portfolios, and assist students in organizing their documentation. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Coordinate logistics for the Eco-Impact Art Fair, including venue setup and schedule for student presentations. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Compile a reflection and celebration agenda to guide the final reflection session, celebrating student achievements and insights.