[Stylistic Techniques] A Collection of Ideas Useful for Graduation Projects
Are you struggling to come up with an idea for your graduation project? A graduation project, the culmination of your school life, is something special.
That’s exactly why it’s so hard to decide what to make.
In this article, we’ll introduce plenty of graduation project ideas, starting with stained glass.
We’ve gathered a wide range—from projects you can tackle with classmates to ones you can take on individually.
Use this as a reference, add your own creative touches, and make a memorable piece!
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[Rhetorical Techniques] A Collection of Ideas Useful for Graduation Projects (11–20)
marbling
Marbling is one of the printmaking techniques, and chances are you’ve seen or heard of it at least once.
By dropping paints or other media that repel water onto the surface of an aqueous solution, unpredictable patterns form on the water’s surface, which can then be transferred onto paper or three-dimensional objects.
In the video, stones and kendama toys are dipped into the solution to capture the patterns, but since this is for a graduation project, you might try using larger three-dimensional objects or other creative twists.
Of course, if you just want to use it for part of a piece, it’s a relatively easy technique to try, so it’s highly recommended.
paper cutting
Kirie, or paper cutting, has been beloved in Japan since ancient times, around the Nara period.
The common method is to cut paper with scissors or a craft knife and paste it onto a backing sheet, but making it three-dimensional gives it a different kind of brilliance than a flat piece.
For a graduation project, it might be nice to try a three-dimensional kirie that’s a bit out of the ordinary.
If you create several parts and then glue them together according to a template, you can achieve a beautiful, dimensional finish.
In the video, a goldfish is being made, but it could also be fun to plan a larger work or try combining it with other materials.
raden (mother-of-pearl inlay); traditional Japanese lacquerware inlay using nacre/shell
The decorative technique of carving shells and inlaying them into lacquerware or wooden bases is called “raden.” Some National Treasures feature raden, so if you’re curious, you might want to check them out! Shells such as green turban and mother-of-pearl are used, and their aurora-like iridescence is truly beautiful.
Because it’s a traditional technique, much of the work is done by hand and requires a great deal of patience.
It’s recommended for those interested in Japanese traditional craftsmanship or anyone who wants to create a meticulously crafted piece.
Show off the beauty of Japanese tradition in your graduation project!
inlay
Zōgan is a metalworking technique in which gold or silver is inlaid into an iron plate.
It is said to have originated in Syria and to have been brought to Japan during the Asuka period via the Silk Road.
In Japan, Kyoto-style zōgan (Kyo-zogan) is one of the traditional production methods.
Because the work is extremely delicate, it may be difficult to master right away, but if you’re interested in zōgan and would like to incorporate it into your graduation project, please use this as a reference.
It’s also similar to chasing and engraving techniques, so it’s recommended for those who have experience with or are majoring in metal engraving.
caricature
A caricature is a painting or illustration that exaggerates the features of a person or animal.
In caricature, humor is created by emphasizing facial and bodily features to highlight a person’s character and traits.
There are artists who draw humorous portraits like this.
For example, if your graduation project allows a free theme, try using caricature techniques to exaggerate the faces of your teachers and classmates.
You’ll end up with a memorable piece! Just be careful not to provoke anyone’s insecurities.
hairline engraving
Among the metal engraving techniques found in artifacts from the Nara period, the one said to have been passed down from the earliest times is kebori (hairline engraving).
The name comes from the fine, hair-like lines produced by carving metal with a sharply pointed chisel.
Hand-engraving conveys the charm of craftsmanship, and I think it’s also a great choice for graduation projects.
For students specializing in metal engraving who want to incorporate it into their final work, practice in carving is, after all, the best way to improve! Master the flowing, beautiful lines of kebori and challenge yourself to create a major piece.
[Rhetorical Techniques] A Collection of Ideas Useful for Graduation Projects (21–30)
Stencil
Simple and easy to try! Stenciling is one of the printmaking techniques where paint or ink is applied through the cut-out areas of a template called a stencil sheet and rubbed in to create an image.
It’s perfect for expressing letters and patterns uniformly and repeatedly.
The video carefully explains the basics of the stencil technique and each step of the process.
It also covers tips and points to watch out for when printing on items like T-shirts.
Depending on the combination of fabric and dye, you can enjoy a variety of nuances.
Be sure to take this opportunity to give it a try!