Joy and Happiness are considered goals that we must reach in life. Always „unhappy“, unsatisfied, we seem to be on a constant race to achieve them.  As concepts that we commonly use, we don't seem to know very well how to define them, or how they differentiate from one another. Far from being ineffable, thinkers like the philosopher Frank Martela, or the economist Manfred Max-Neef, talk about this question (directly or indirectly), and how to achieve them.

Many cultures also have their own approach on the topic. But, could Design contribute to this discussion? Is there a way to really „spark and share joy“ through images, graphics, objects and products? (I'm sure Victor Papanek would beg to differ) 

This elective module seeks to be a laboratory to explore different illustration techniques and visual styles, so that students can find/develop their own voice, and tell their own visual „messages“, which will be applied to graphic products we use in our everyday lives, such as posters, packaging, fabric design, plush toys, objects, or any other graphic product that fits the student's vision.

We'll start by doing some research on the topic of joy and happiness, and how they have been understood by different cultures in different time periods; we will also go deeper in the question of what they mean to each of us, and how we may translate this concept into graphic products.

We'll then practice with traditional techniques, such as watercolours, coloured pencils, markers, etc., and also with digital tools of your preference, to experiment and develop your visual style: from hand made illustration, to image in motion, from stamps to embroidery, from abstract to figurative, or from traditional to contemporary, you will follow your own path.

By the end of this course, you will have a series of graphic products, which reflect your view on the topic, and which could spark joy in others. These products could be sold during the Dessau Design Show, or could serve as the seed of an idea for your future projects.

For this course, some materials will be required:

1. Watercolours and brushes (a small, low price set will suffice).
2. Watercolour paper.
3. Pencils and coloured pencils.
4. Any other materials for drawing, painting and experimenting are welcome (ink, gouache, fabric, thread, etc.)
5. A computer with design software of your choice (Illustrator, Photoshop, Affinity, Procreate, InDesign, etc.)