The constraints embedded in this project ensured that I learned new techniques each step of the way. Throughout the entire creative process, I found myself having to find new and intuitive ways to work around the limitations. I feel that if I was given the ability to make what I wanted how I wanted it wouldn’t spur this thinking process that resulted in unexpected outcomes. This project has many instances where I had to compromise because of the limitations. For example, the composition of my design had to be altered to fit in the rectangle comfortably. In doing so I also realized that I could have added more which led me to improve my design and use the space I was provided on the lantern more effectively.

This project incorporated the design process mostly in the beginning when were making our designs. This was when I found myself doing the most trial and error and making improvements. Especially since I’m not adept at using illustrator it took time to figure out which lines I was gonna be able to keep, which lines I could accentuate, and which I had to remove from my original design. After creating a design that I could share, and improve through repetition, everything else became more technical and straightforward.

I learned how to do a number of things because of this project. Primarily the most unfamiliar thing to me was laser cutting. I had no idea that templates existed that you could use to make and cut actual objects like a lantern. It was very cool how you could get exact and intricate designs from using the laser cutter. Through that process alone I learned a little bit more about Adobe Illustrator and the importance of vectors. I learned how to use image trace, and all the other aspects that were required to adequately prepare my design to be cut. Including Arduino in this project also taught me a new way to light up the LEDs using the wires to connect them to the AT-Tiny to help them remain standing.

The most challenging parts were making sure that the LEDs worked, meaning I had to do precise soldering and careful laying out of the AT-Tiny and the connect to its legs. The most fun I had was watching the whole thing come together! It was really rewarding to see how it lit up in the dark. I wish I had more variety in colors, I programmed four lights but used two red ones.

When we do projects like this, I feel as though we are taking art to the next level. We all were able to use our drawing skills that we obtained in art school, but we were also able to learn and use new skills involving circuits, soldering, laser cutting etc. This really allowed us to incorporate technology into our art from the beginning when we were using illustrator to the end when we were finalizing it with Arduino. More often in art education we don’t get to use these other skills in combination with our art so this was relieving as frustrating as it could be at times; we were doing something new.

Adapting this project into my art class room would be a great way to introduce and teach principles of balance, unit, and composition. That is mostly for creating the lantern designs. Teaching beginner levels of illustrator and maybe even photoshop is a great set of skills for my students to have throughout the year. I would drive the concept behind the lantern even more, asking students to really utilize the four faces of the lantern.