The student must choose a simple shape as the building block for their project, and can vary the size and color of the shape to add variety while avoiding bland repetition. They are instructed to duplicate the shape by pressing option and dragging to new layers, keeping layers organized and merging when possible. Additionally, the student must use the shape and its variations to construct a new image using Gestalt principles, such as by placing the shapes over an existing image for alignment before hiding that image layer.