When my students and I discuss how to create movement in a new art project, I often refer to the bullseye syndrome poster at the back of my room. I created the poster by merging an art professor’s “avoid bullseye syndrome” motto with my Smokey-the-Bear Oregon childhood. (“Only YOU can prevent forest fires.”)
The poster also helps with my words-in-art pet peeve. For my elementary-aged students who want to add conversation bubbles to everything, words are a huge no-no (except in a couple of specific upper elementary projects). I explain to my students that unless words are used properly, they produce bullseye syndrome. Viewers’ eyes are drawn to the words, but we want their eyes looking at your artwork and moving around the page.
If you would find this 8.5 x 11 poster helpful in teaching the principle of movement, please feel free to download and use it without attribution. You can access the pdf file here.
