Object Design: Combine Material, Form, and Narrative
A course by Jean-Baptiste FastrezDesigner
A course by Jean-Baptiste Fastrez, Designer
Break the rules of design by experimenting with materials and shapes to look beyond how objects are used and allow them to transmit real emotions
Are you ready to embrace a whole new design perspective? Join Jean-Baptiste Fastrez—who has collaborated with the Centre Pompidou and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris—and discover that objects don't just fulfill a primary function, they have to make sense too. In this fun and interactive online course, learn to design an original object, from the initial concept work to making a presentation.
Jean-Baptiste Fastrez is specialized in creating objects that combine unique ideas and techniques with a **powerful narrative energy **. He loves to play around with original materials and question their relationship with objects. By the end of the course, you'll have gained a whole new take on design and be able to break all the rules!
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 13 downloads
The Narrative Function of Objects
11 minutes, 11 seconds
Cultivating Yourself
9 minutes, 21 seconds
Materializing a Narrative
8 minutes, 28 seconds
Getting Inspired to Break the Codes
7 minutes, 38 seconds
Knowing When to Stop
5 minutes, 2 seconds
Researching through Sketching
8 minutes, 4 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know Jean-Baptiste Fastrez. He talks about his creative journey and some of the artists who have inspired him, like Koloman Moser and Matthew Barney.
Next, focus on the overall concept. Discover what an object's narrative function is by way of some examples. Learn how to carry out research on the object you've chosen to create—for Jean-Baptiste that's a mirror—to ensure its shape resonates with its narrative function. Then, find out how to break the rules of design, without ever going too far. The secret is in the balance!
Now all that's left to do is shape your object. Do a little research with some sketches before creating a 3D mock-up to decide on materials, then take care of the small details to finish up.
As a bonus, Jean-Baptiste shows you how to make a simple presentation using InDesign to showcase your work and discusses the importance of the name given to your collections.
Recommended software & tools for this course
What is this course's project?
Using atypical materials, create a design for a mirror or an object of your choice that tells a story.
Who is this online course for?
Anyone interested in design who wants to adopt a conceptual approach in their creative process.
Requirements and materials
You'll need a frameless round mirror, wire mesh, pliers, and iron wire. For the rest, just use whatever inspires you!
Reviews
- 8 months ago
creative and interesting course from a real professional
- 2 years ago
J'ai adoré en savoir plus sur la réalisation d'un projet de design ! Le cours est très complet ! Jean-Baptiste nous emporte vraiment avec lui dans son processus créatif, c'est très intéressant !
- 3 years ago
I haven't even finished the course and I have already learnt SO much from Jean-Baptiste. His explanations are so clear and he really allows us into his thought process which is extremely helpful and helps us be able to think for ourselves! I feel like my eyes have been opened, thank you so much!
- 4 years ago
Cours clair et éclairant avec une trame didactique très bien construite ! Les étapes transmises par Jean-Baptiste seront très utiles à ceux qui souhaitent se lancer dans la création d'objets tout en donnant du sens à leur pratique. Pour tout cela, un grand merci !
- 4 years ago
Bardzo inspirujàcy, tłumaczenie - niestety - bardzo słabe.
Since then, he has worked for several brands and editors such as Moustache, Manufacture de Sèvres, Kvadrat, and Tai Ping. His work has received numerous awards and some of his pieces have been included in the permanent collections at the Centre Pompidou and the Musée des Arts Décoratifs in Paris.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Conceptualization of an Innovative Project
- The Narrative Function of Objects
- Cultivating Yourself
- Materializing a Narrative
- Getting Inspired to Break the Codes
- Knowing When to Stop
- U3
The Format of the Project
- Researching through Sketching
- 3D Modeling 1
- 3D Modeling 2
- Searching for Materials
- Finalization
- U4
Communicate about the project
- Presentation in InDesign
- Name a project
- FP
Final project
- Object Design: Combine Material, Form, and Narrative
What to expect from a Domestika course
Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
Certificates
PLUSIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
Connect with a global creative community
The community is home to millions of people from around the world who are curious and passionate about exploring and expressing their creativity.
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FAQs
This course is mainly aimed at those with some prior experience or knowledge in design, art, or object creation. It’s better suited for intermediate learners rather than complete beginners.
It’s recommended to have basic skills in drawing, sketching, and 3D modeling. Familiarity with InDesign and a modeling software (like SketchUp or Rhino) is a bonus to get the most out of the course.
You’ll learn to analyze the relationship between form, material, and storytelling; repurpose materials; create prototypes and 3D models; professionally present projects; and weave cultural and narrative references into your designs.
Material repurposing means using a material in a way or context different from its original purpose, to surprise, provoke thought, and refresh the object’s function or aesthetic.
Storytelling in object design comes through choices of shape, material, and type, telling a story or evoking a world, symbolic meaning, or emotion for the user.
You’ll create contemporary mirrors, hybrid vases, conceptual furniture, and objects inspired by artistic and cultural references, experimenting with various techniques and materials.
A drawing kit, model-making supplies (cardboard, glue, acetate, etc.), and a computer with access to 3D modeling and layout software (like InDesign) are recommended for practical work.