Masking Tape Shoes Assignment Guidelines

Assignment: 
Using only masking tape, create an exact replica (to scale) of a pair of shoes (left and right shoe). Replicate every detail. This includes the texture on bottom of each shoe as well as other areas of texture. Observe texture visually as well as through the sense of touch. If you can see and feel the texture, it must be replicated on the final solution. 

Objective: 

• Practice the use of sight and touch to observe from life.
• Observations provide opportunity to understand and practice elements and principles of art and design.
• Employ methods of planar construction.

Student Examples of Final Solution:

Go to the category "Masking Tape Shoes Student Work" in the right column. If viewing this blog on your phone and right column does not appear, scroll to bottom and click "web version". 

Student Examples of In-Process:

Go to the category "Masking Tape Shoes In-Process Examples" in the right column. If viewing this blog on your phone and right column does not appear, scroll to bottom and click "web version". 

Materials: 

• White copy paper (or any other scrap paper) and tape to make the mock up.
• Masking tape in various widths
• Exacto knife with blades
• Cut matt
• Banning wheel (optional purchase, there are plenty in the studio)
• A pair of shoes WITH LACES. 
• See images below for examples of shoes that will work for this assignment. 
• Feel free to invent your own tools to make marks in the masking tape. This will be necessary as each of you will be replicating textures/details on your shoes.
• Sometimes students purchase a cheap pair of shoes at Walmart so they can cut up the shoe and examine all details/shapes. You are not required to cut up a shoe. Therefore, you can use a shoe you currently own. 

Guidelines:

1. PAPER MOCK-UP, TO SCALE

• Create a to-scale mock up of one shoe.
• Including laces is optional for the paper mock-up. 
• Use white copy paper (or any other light weight paper) and any kind of tape.
• Do not use card stock.
• Pencil marks and tape can be visible. The intention is to discover the shapes, textures, lines and spatial relationships apparent in the shoe. Think of the paper model as a 3-dimensional sketch.
• You will have to mentally deconstruct the shoe with regard to planes in order to understand how it is constructed. Some people actually cut up the shoe, but this is not required.
• Do not concern yourself with details for the paper model. Use this exercise to gain a basic understanding of the shapes, planes and proportions.
• Go to right column category "Masking Tape Shoes Paper Mock-up" to see visual examples of or click link: https://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Masking%20Tape%20Shoes%20Paper%20Mock-Up

2. CREATE A LIST OF OBSERVATIONS

• Carefully examine each shoe. Rely on visual observation. 
• Write down all observations - no matter how minor. 
• Next, close your eyes and observe the shapes and lines through your sense of touch. 
• Add these observations to your list (or further define observations made visually). 
• Note: If you have a used pair of shoes, there may be slight differences to the bottom. A new(er) pair of shoes - can simply examine one shoe.
• Sketching is optional. 

3. BEGIN CONSTRUCTING WITH MASKING TAPE

• Do not "mold" the tape over the shoe.
• Remember, you will have to deconstruct the shoe with regard to planes in order to understand how it is constructed. You can visually deconstruct or actually cut apart the shoe. 
• Refer to the list of observations you made. Duplicate all details. 
• If you can SEE IT AND FEEL IT, create it with masking tape. 
• The sole of the shoe, stitching, mesh, raised surface areas are a few example of what can be seen AND felt by touch.
• Do not change the scale of the masking tape shoes. 
• The final solution should be the exact size and have the same proportions of the actual shoes.
• Be aware that there is a difference between the right and left shoe.
• Look over student images of work in-process before you begin. 
• Go to category in right column "Masking Tape Shoes In-Process" or click on link: http://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Masking%20Tape%20Shoes%20In%20Process%20Examples

4. SUBMITTING FINAL SOLUTION (A PAIR OF SHOES)

• For evaluation purposes, turn in one shoe with the pair of masking tape shoes.
  
• If I suspect you molded the tape over the shoe, points will be deducted from the project grade.
• Go to right column category "Masking Tape Student Work" or click on link to see professional images of final solution. https://foundations3ddesign.blogspot.com/search/label/Masking%20Tape%20Shoes%20Student%20Work

Below are a few examples of shoes 

that will work for this assignment. 

The shoes must have laces. 

Do not use a shoe that has "negative space" such as 

Keen shoes, flip-flops or sandal like shoes. 

A low heel is good (no higher than 1/2 inch). 

High tops and boots will work fine. However, 

keep in mind you are creating every detail of the shoes 

and these shoes can take extra time to complete. 

Shoe dissection. You are not required to take apart your shoe. 

The photos below show planes are transformed 

to create a 3D form (the shoe). 

Source:

https://nikelebron.net/lebron_anatomy_nike_air_zoom_generation_dissection/

This assignment is accompanied by a music video 

for your entertainment pleasure. 

Nancy Sinatra, These Boots Are Made for Walkin', 1966

Post the following information on your blog in the order listed below. All images of the final solution are to be professional quality. See right index bar for category "How to Photograph Your Work". 

• Three (3) professional photos of the final solution (a pair of shoes). Each with a different view. 
• At least two (2) detail photos (focus in on an area that is well executed and provides the viewer with a better understanding of the final solution).
• At least one in process photo. 
• Optional - Sketches and/or notes.