What's
Behind Your Name?
Frank Gehry
architecture |
Submitted by: Michael Gerrish
UNIT: Design - 2-D and 3-D - Identity
Lesson: Name design - 2-D and 3-D
Grade Level: Elementary through middle school |
Names
have meaning. Parents choose names for a variety of reasons: to
honor family members, remember someone from their past or someone
who is famous, or because the name might be a popular one at the
time the baby is born.
Sometimes
we see qualities in people that match the name they have been
given; and, sometimes their personalities are the opposite of what
their name means.
Listed
below are the names of class members; each name has at least
one definition. Find your name and read it's definition. Does your
name perfectly describe who you are, or is it way off base? (Maybe
it is somewhere between…) In any event, your name will be the
starting point and centerpiece of your next 2 art activities.
Materials:
Heavy
drawing paper, pencil, ruler, construction paper, markers, colored
pencils, crayons, scissors, watercolors, glue
Steps
for Project 1:
1.
Using pencils and a ruler, draw a border around the drawing paper.
2.
Make a border design of manuscript letters Aa-Zz in your best
writing.
3.
In the center of the paper write your first name in letters large
enough to nearly fill the space inside the border. Make sure that the letters are not like stick figures…give
them some thickness and weight!
4.
Look at your name's definition. Draw designs around and inside the
letters of your
name that match your name's meaning.
5.
Add design elements that tell more about your personality. Fill as
much space around
the letters as you can without "hiding" your name.
6.
Use color and variety of line thickness and direction to enhance
your design.
- Use markers, pencils, crayons, paint and more…be
creative!
- Remember,
to make your work outstanding, make your name really stand out!
A
Simplified Example…
Steps
for Project 2:
1.
Using pencils and a ruler, draw a border around the drawing paper.
Think fence!
2.
Make a design of words/pictures inside the border that describes
your "fun" side.
3.
Remember to draw designs around and inside that match your name's
meaning.
4.
Add design elements that tell more about your personality. Fill
the space!
5. Use color and variety of line thickness and direction to
enhance your design.
• try markers, pencils, crayons, paint and more…be
creative!
6.
On a second paper write your first middle and or last initial(s)
large enough to nearly fill the space inside the border.
Make sure that the letters are not like stick
figures…give them some thickness and weight! Cut out the
letter(s) and set aside.
7.
Decorate your name letters with color, glitter, etc. Curl and fold
them to make them stand up and out like a roller coaster track or
Frank Gehry (Google him) roof!
8.
Using folded paper stands, glue or tape your name letter(s) to
your design paper.
Remember,
to make your work outstanding, make your name really stand out!
A
Simplified Example…
g
|
|
Student
Examples for 3-D Name Design
Click images for larger views
Meaning of
Names - from Behind the Name http://www.behindthename.com
Alyssa: Noble
and kind; the flower
Amber: Orange
yellow; amber
Amanda:
Lovable
Ashley:
Meadow; clearing in the woods
Becky: A snare
or trap; a catch
Casey:
Vigilant; shining upon mankind
ChrisDe: see
Kristy
Christine: see
Kristy
Dawn: Sunrise
Frank: Honest;
a leader or king
Heather: Pink
and white flowers; beauty found amidst rocky soil
Jessica: Gift;
God sees
Both;
pure; holy; torture
Kayla: Pure; wise child | Kirsten: see Kristy
Kenyatta: Innocent
Kristy: Christian; a queen's name
Lakiesha: Favorite
Maria: Beloved
Marlaina: Beloved and beautiful
Melissa: Bee
Melody: To sing a song
Nicole: Victory of the people
Sadie: see
Sara(h)
Samantha: Listener
Jami: One who
holds or replaces
Sara(h): Lady; princess
Tasha: Giver; Christmas day
Katie: Both;
pure; holy; torture
Tina: see Kristy |
Create
a list with meanings of student names in your classes - OR have
students look up the meaning of their names on the site
