Welcome! This blog post features a guided tutorial of how to create a notan face. This activity helps artists to build skills using the element of art SPACE and SYMMETRICAL BALANCE. Before we get started in the step by step activity, let’s first review some terminology….
WHAT IS SPACE IN ART?
SPACE is one of the seven elements of art. It refers to the area within an artwork. Artists have many choices with how they utilize the space. SPACE can be made to look shallow or deep…. crowded or empty…. flat or dimensional. There are two types of space known as POSITIVE SPACE and NEGATIVE SPACE. Positive space refers to the subject that takes up space, while negative space refers to the empty spaces around the subject.
WHAT IS SYMMETRICAL BALANCE?
Balance is one of the principles of design and refers to the distribution of visual weight. One type of balance is symmetrical balance where images are mirror each other on each side of the line of symmetry.
WHAT IS A NOTAN?
The Merriam-Webster Dictionary definition of NOTAN is the “combination of lights and darks especially as used in Japanese art : the design or pattern of a work of art as seen in flat areas of dark and light values only.”
An iconic example of a notan design is the infamous YIN-YANG symbol. In Chinese philosophy, this symbol is used to express the concept of interconnectedness between opposing forces. Want to know more about this symbol? I really like this video by Ted-Ed!
STEP BY STEP TUTORIAL:
STEP ONE:
Gather your materials! Sizes and colors can be customized. The recommended materials include:
1.) A 8.5″ x 11″ piece of white copy paper.
2.) A 8.5″ x 5.5″ piece of black paper (half of the white paper)
3.) A pencil to draw with
4.) Scissors
5.) Glue stick or glue bottle
Hole punchers (especially custom shaped ones) can be really fun to explore as well!
STEP TWO:
On the black paper half, draw 1 side of the outline of the head. Draw it large so it fills the majority of the black paper half. Get creative! It can be any creature- real or from your imagination!
STEP THREE:
Cut it out and flip it onto the white paper. Notice how the middle becomes the line of symmetry creating a mirrored image of each side.
DO NOT GLUE ANYTHING DOWN YET!
STEP FOUR:
On the flipped black paper, draw another line that follows the curve of the outline.
STEP FIVE:
Cut it out and flip it onto the left side.
STEP SIX:
On the flipped left side, draw facial features such as eyes, noses, mouth and more.
STEP SEVEN:
Cut the pieces out and flip to the right side.
PRO TIP! When cutting interior pieces, you can lightly pinch the paper to begin the cut. If that is too challenging, simply make a cut line coming in from the line of symmetry. When you glue the pieces down, this will not be highly noticeable.
STEP EIGHT:
Continue to experiment with cutting/flipping sides to create additional details such as teeth, pupils, whiskers, and so much more!
Thanks for checking out this blog post. I would love to see your creation if you use these steps to create your own notan design. Feel free to tag me on Instagram and possibly get featured in this site! Also, please follow Make a Mark Studios on Facebook to keep up with the latest posts! Thanks in advance!
-Stephanie, art teacher and creator of Make a Mark Studios