ART 398.01: Final Projects

As advanced students, the final for this course will be a cohesive personal project. You will be submitting a portfolio of images that stand together as a body of work.   The subject that you choose is quite open- it can be a documentary project, narrative, series of portraits, still-lives, a formal or abstract study, or conceptual piece, but should take some aspect of Los Angeles as it's central theme. It can be an expansion of a theme that we have already discussed, LA Architecture, Traffic, Noir, Utopia, Hollywood, Disaster, or something that you have been considering independently.

The final project should be a substantial body of work. This will vary from person to person depending on the complexity of the project, and will be discussed on an individual basis. The final project should be printed to the best of your ability and formally presented (window mat, mounted on museum board or foam core, etc). If you feel like another means of presentation is necessary for the particular project that you are doing, that can be discussed during the individual meeting.

Please plan ahead and reserve any necessary equipment for your project. Keep in mind that there are two advanced classes this semester, and that camera and lighting equipment is in higher demand.

Important Dates

Monday, October 30 : Individual Meetings to Discuss the Final Project.

Sign up for a time slot- you are only responsible for being here during your time slot. However, if you want to use the darkroom during this time, I am happy to look at your prints/provide help.

DUE : A one page typed project proposal that discusses your idea for the final project. Both the concept behind your project as well as technical considerations (what kind of film you will be using, lighting situations, etc) should be discussed.   This proposal must be emailed to me ( dmeyer9@lmu.edu ) at least 12 hours before our meeting time so that I can review your idea in advance and have more time to think of helpful ideas/considerations/questions to ask you during our meeting.

Open Labs:   November 8, November 27, November 29 (partial), December 6 (partial). If any field trips get canceled, those days will become open labs.

It is essential that you have something to show in class on these days. If you do not bring at least two prints (or the equivalent depending on your project) you will receive a 0 for the day. These critiques are for you to get necessary and helpful feedback for your project and are very important. Feel free to bring ideas/questions or anything that you need feedback on- whether it's a conceptual concern, a technical concern- or just general advice. After the critiques, the remainder of class is an open lab.

December 4: Two digital files from your final project must be submitted.   These files will be used to create a catalog of work from the class which students have the option of purchasing. The digital files will also be used to create a postcard for the final exhibition viewing. If you are unable to digitize your images, you can submit prints instead.

December 6: This is the last day to resubmit any assignment for a higher grade. Projects that were handed in late cannot be resubmitted! All projects that were originally handed in on time can be corrected and resubmitted for a higher grade.

December 11 : Final Exam from 11:00AM- 1PM. Final Projects are due. WORK IS DUE AT THE VERY BEGINNING OF CLASS.   Work should be hung in both Burns 152 and Burns 138.

LATE PROJECTS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED - NO EXCEPTIONS!!!!!

Exhibition will be from 11:00AM-1PM. It is required that you stay for the entire event. It is also essential that you're work is hung before 11:00AM. While we won't be having a formal, class critique, you are required to talk to me individually about your work.  

December 13

Final Portfolios will be available to be picked up in the Darkroom. If you prefer your final to be mailed back to you, bring a self-addressed STAMPED padded envelope.