For this to be successful, it is imperative that you have a high contrast scan or drawing or b&w image.

1. Open Adobe Illustrator
2. File --> Place a .jpeg or .png image.  Move your cursor to the middle of the screen and click. If you scan a sketch or drawing and this is done as a .pdf file, use Adobe Photoshop to save it as a .png file. 
3. If you need to scale your drawing larger or smaller,  use the Transform toolbar on the right side of the screen.  Change the  W and H for Width and Height of your piece and make sure to use "in" after the number value (ex. 18 in). Constrain your proportions using the chain icon directly to the right of the H & W.
4. On the bottom right side of the screen under "Quick Actions", Click on Embed
5. Click on Image Trace then select the "Black and White Logo" option
6. Click Expand
7. Save As...Adobe Illustrator .ai file.  Save the file to a USB Flash Drive (they are usually in the 3D printers or Laser Cutter computer. 
8. Take file to the laser cutter computer. File --> Import the .ai file
9. If there is a rectangle around your drawing, click on it and press Delete. 
10. Draw a window with your mouse to select your drawing, then press the Delete Overlap button on the toolbar above
11. Proceed to Laser Cut. Instructions for cutting your file are on the wall next to the machine.

The laser cutter will cut the precise size of file that you give it.

America has a long and complicated history with its own identity.  We often speak of "American Values" as a way to capture that identity, whether we're talking about achieving the American Dream or proliferating American ideals around the world.   But, what are American Values, and how are they different today than they were in the past?  How are our country's values universal for all Americans, and how do they differ by culture, class, or geography?

In this studio, we will explore the meaning of value through readings and discussions, and create our own manifestos of contemporary American Values. In order to communicate a thesis or manifesto, students will use analog and digital tools to create site specific 2D visual installations to represent their Value. Projects will be installed on the WUHSMS campus.