feature / artcenter-extension / faculty / alumni / illustration
April 21, 2021
By Solvej Schou
Images courtesy of Teen Namiko Liu

ACX COURSE DESIGNING POP-UP BOOKS WORKSHOP TEACHES STUDENTS TO TRANSFORM 2D INTO AMAZING 3D FORMS

In the ArtCenter Extension (ACX) course Designing Pop-up Books Workshop, taught by ArtCenter alumna Teen Namiko Liu (BFA 01 Illustration), students explore 3D paper engineering mechanisms used in the publishing world—everything from children's pop-up books, pull tabs and novelty board books to pop-up greeting cards and fine art installation environments.

In this 10-week course for ACX—which offers a wide range of non-degree art and design courses for adults—students will animate their ideas using paper as their surface and tool, learn techniques to create movement from 2D to 3D, and develop a concept proposal ready for submission to their specific genre.

Pre-press production and publishing submission requirements will also be covered. Skills learned can be applied across a range of disciplines, including entertainment, illustration, graphic design, fine art, product and environmental design. Students use paper, scissors, tape, glue and X-Acto knives, Liu says.

“We make great mistakes to ultimately build prototypes of concept ideations using the artist's chosen medium to transform 2D into magnificent 3D forms—all manipulated by hand,” Liu says. “This course challenges you to think out of the box—literally. Applying mechanisms to further engage and interact enhances your design voice to encourage infinite possibilities that will take you to places that may even surprise you.”