Designed for courses in Creativity, Two-, Three- or Four-Dimensional Design,
Launching the Imagination offers a comprehensive framework on which students, teachers, and administrators can build. The approach in this second edition is refined, distilled, and updated, using over 600 examples drawn from traditional and contemporary sources.
Profiles with interviews of artists and designers introduce students to working processes, career choices, and criteria for excellence from a remarkable group of masters.
Launching the Imagination is available in a comprehensive volume treating 2D design, Creativity and Problem-solving, 3D design, and time-based (4D) design; or in split volumes containing either 2D or 3D design, plus the material on Creativity and Problem-solving.
Launching the Imagination’s Core Concepts in Art CD-ROM, version 2.0, which engages students interactively with the elements and principles of art through numerous interactive exercises, has been re-organized and expanded. A copy of this CD-ROM is included free with every copy of the textbook purchased from McGraw-Hill, a student-value of over $30, and is also available individually through your local bookstore.
"I have found the text very clear and concise with fabulous, diversified examples and illustrations."
--Kelly M. Nelson, Longwood University
"It is clear, concise, and visually appealing. My students responded immediately to its visual impact. I also appreciated the artist views for each chapter. They gave the sections more meaning."
--Danielle Harmon, Valdosta State University
"This text is excellent for developing projects that stimulate creativity, challenge students set in convergent thinking to open up, realize the ability to be creative when they are not visual artists."
--Carolynne Whitefeather, Utica College
"Main reason [for adopting LTI]: chapters on narrative and time. Helped to bridge the gap between fine arts and graphic design. Helped/introduced students to these elements/topics and reinforced 2D/3D concepts learned in other classes. Students enjoyed the book. Problem solving chapter is great."
--William Britton Rowe, Ohio Northern University
"Launching the Imagination is both simple and in-depth in its scope. It is thorough without being overwhelming. It is clear and succinct without losing the essence of meaning or concepts. Also the color examples and the accompanying CD is great."
--Rob Tarbell, Piedmont Virginia Community College and James Madison University
"I have not had a really good text for 2-D Design since Roy Behrens' Design in the Visual Arts, which is now out of print. While there is much to like about Launching the Imagination, I was most happy with the sections which talked about critical thinking and strategies for problem solving which can be employed by visual artists."
--Reid Wood, Lorain County Community College
"The engaging writing and variety of visual examples make this design text the most user friendly guide for both students and instructor that I've found yet. The artist profiles give an applied art/life perspective that is unique in foundations texts. I've used the text at two colleges and my students LOVE this text. The thin 2D volume is also a plus. Students do Not want a heavy book to lug around."
--Tracy Doreen Dietzel, Edgewood College
Mary Stewart the Art Foundations Program Director at Florida State University. She is also the Vice President for Regional Coordinators for Foundations in Art: Theory and Education (F.A.T.E.), which is the national organization for Foundation teaching.
As an artist, Stewart has worked extensively with visual narrative, both in the classroom and in her studio. She has received two grants from the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts for collaborative choreography and has participated in over eighty exhibitions, nationally and internationally.
