Design Principles// Exercises
Emelyne How Sok Hing (0352938)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media
Bachelor of Design (Hons) Creative Media
Design Principles // Exercises
LECTURES
Week 1:We kicked off the class by a brief self introduction. Then, Mrs. Jinchi proceeded to introduce to us our exercises and projects for this first semester. She explained to us how we should tackle our work and also how to work on our E-portfolio. We also watched some E-portfolios from our seniors in order that we could get some more clarity on how to do the assessments.
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| Figure 1.0 Elements Of Design, 3rd April 2022 Source of image: https://ux360.design/elements-of-design/ |
• Contrast
• Balance
• Emphasis
• Rules of Third
• Repetition/Pattern/Rhythm
• Movement
• Hierarchy
• Alignment
• Harmony
• Unity
• Proportion
• Balance
• Emphasis
• Rules of Third
• Repetition/Pattern/Rhythm
• Movement
• Hierarchy
• Alignment
• Harmony
• Unity
• Proportion
Contrast
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| Figure 1.1 Example of Contrast, 5th April 2022 Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/342555115406653935/ |
Gestalt Theory
The concept of the Gestalt Theory is based on how the huma eye perceives the different visual elements.
1. Closure
Closure - Our mind will automatically complete a shape whether the latter is complete or not.The concept of the Gestalt Theory is based on how the huma eye perceives the different visual elements.
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| Figure 1.2 Gestalt Theory; Closure, 5th April 2022 Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/540361655260571120/ |
2. Similarity
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| Figure 1.3 Gestalt Theory; Similarity, 5th April 2022 Source: https://kpu.pressbooks.pub/businesswriting/chapter/gestalt-theory/ |
Similarity - means that when objects or shapes look similar to each other, our brain will start to see the whole picture as 1 group.
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| Figure 1.4 Gestalt Theory; Continuity, 5th April 2022 Source:https://dribbble.com/shots/5251873-Gestalt-Principles-Continuity |
Continuity - Regardless of how a line or curve was drawn, our brain will indicate our eyes to follow the smoothest path when following the lines or curves.
4.Proximity
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| Figure 1.5 Gestalt Theory; Proximity, 5th April 2022 Source: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/542402348870142684/ |
Proximity - It refers to how close visual elements are to each other.
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| Figure 1.6 Gestalt Theory; Figure/Ground, 5th April 2022 Source: https://chrisbrejon.com/cg-cinematography/chapter-3-gestalt-theory/ |
Week 2:
For this week, Mrs. Jinchi reviewed everyone's works individually and tried to guide us for this upcoming deadline.The lecture for this week consisted of :
1. Balance & Emphasis.
2. Repetition & Movement.
2. Asymmetrical balance
We also learned about the Golden Ratio and the Rule of Thirds.
The Golden Ratio
The Golden Ratio which is mostly found in nature has been used by designers, photographers, digital artists and so on in order to create visual balance, harmony and structure in their works.
Rule of Thirds
This consists of a guideline which helps in creating a composition which is more effective and visually catching to the eye.
EmphasisEmphasis is used to create superiority and attract the viewer's attention at first sight. Emphasis can be produced using multiple elements like colour and shapes.
Movement
Hierarchy
It is the choreography of content in a composition. Its aim is to direct the viewer's attention to the most important information first and then proceed to the information which are less important.
Week 5:
Words - Choosing the words in order to express the message is very important as this would help in making the message more impactful.
EXERCISES
Week 1:
Our assignment for this week consisted of two parts:
Part 1: Create 1 design of Gestalt theory
For my final work on contrast, I was inspired by my favorite music band 'Twenty One Pilots'. From this idea, I created a poster using watercolour paint. Since, Mrs. Jinchi told me that the composition of my work looked like some japanese-inspired artwork, I decided to do the lettering of my poster also in a japanese calligraphy font style. I'm pretty much satisfied with the result of my work.
Week 3:
Part 1: Emphasis
Sketch 3 - For my sketch 3, I took inspiration from one of Picasso's artwork that is 'Girl before a mirror'. I wanted to make use of the cubism technique on her face as I thought it would be an interesting idea. So, I tried to distort a part of her face and play with the different shapes which consist mostly of rectangles, triangles and squares.
My preferences are sketch 1 & 2 mostly as I think they are the ones that convey the message of 'emphasis' the most.
Part 2: Repetition
The concept of my work will be around the theme of 'Candies'. I chose this specific subject as I myself is a fan of candies, so for this last exercise on the Principles of Design I wanted to do something based on my personal taste. I surfed the web in order to have some references on how I could design the candies in my work.
Week 4:
Week 5:
1. Balance & Emphasis.
2. Repetition & Movement.
Balance
Balance is important to not only properly distribute the visual elements in a design but it also helps in creating a piece of work which is pleasing to the eye.
There are 2 types of balance:
1. Symmetrical balance
1. Symmetrical balance
- It consists of a design which has equal weight on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum.
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| Figure 1.7 Symmetrical balance, 12th April 2022 Source: https://enochliew.tumblr.com/image/151218981170 |
2. Asymmetrical balance
- One where there is unequal weight on each side of the composition.
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| Figure 1.8 Asymmetrical balance, 12th April 2022 Source: https://thekimonogallery.tumblr.com/post/134075711320/marcedith-seiichi-hayashi |
We also learned about the Golden Ratio and the Rule of Thirds.
The Golden Ratio which is mostly found in nature has been used by designers, photographers, digital artists and so on in order to create visual balance, harmony and structure in their works.
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| Figure 1.9 The Golden Ratio, 12th April 2022 Source: https://www.elegantthemes.com/blog/design/the-golden-ratio-the-ultimate-guide-to-understanding-and-using-it |
Rule of Thirds
This consists of a guideline which helps in creating a composition which is more effective and visually catching to the eye.
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| Figure 2.0 Rules of Thirds, 12th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/c5/6c/21/c56c21b869da5b414d8e60ac970e2d79.jpg |
Emphasis
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| Figure 2.1 Emphasis, 12th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/97/7d/36/977d363d388aadf54eb82f70fee9e1c5.jpg |
Repetition
Repetition is used to create visual stimulation and make a design look more sensational. It also creates pattern and rhythm within an artwork. |
| Figure 2.2 Repetition, 12th April 2022 Source:https://www.etsy.com/il-en/listing/506259728/printable-botanical-spring-blossom-peony |
Movement is a principle in design which is used to create an impression of activity or action in a design. This can be achieved by using elements like shapes, forms, lines and curves.
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| Figure 2.3 Movement, 12th April 2022 Source: http://www.shinn.co.jp/timeline/poster/ |
It is the choreography of content in a composition. Its aim is to direct the viewer's attention to the most important information first and then proceed to the information which are less important.
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| Figure 2.4 Hierarchy, 12th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/74/93/79/749379991960c2f7e414d346170fccaf.jpg |
Alignment
Alignment bring into play a sense of unity and cohesion to a designer's work and at the same time adds to the aesthetic of the work. It can also be used to lead someone through the work. |
| Figure 2.5 Alignment, 12th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2d/a0/a4/2da0a44fdff1b5bc6706d02e7de74a9e.jpg |
Week 5:
This week we learned about 4 other principle of designs.
Harmony
Harmony consists of a selection of elements that share a common trait. It should also be kept in mind that without diversity the artwork might become boring. Harmony can be shown throughout a design where elements have the same theme, aesthetic style or mood.
UnityIt is the repetition of a series of elements in your composition. It can be either in terms of colours, shapes or materials. These elements need to be balanced in order to give a sense of oneness to your work.
Harmony consists of a selection of elements that share a common trait. It should also be kept in mind that without diversity the artwork might become boring. Harmony can be shown throughout a design where elements have the same theme, aesthetic style or mood.
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| Figure 2.6 Harmony, 28th April 2022 Source: https://www.psdvault.com/inspiration/typography-blendr-volume-50/ |
Unity
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| Figure 2.7 Unity, 28th April 2022 Source: https://www.icanvas.com/canvas-print/seaside-jfl56#1PC6-40x26 |
Scale & Proportion
Scale - It is the size of one object in relation to the other objects in a design/ refers to the size and dimension of figures and forms. Scaling can be used to create dramatic results and visual interest within the design.
Proportion - Refers to the size of the parts of an object in relationship to the other part of the same object/ it is the relationship of two or more elements in a composition and how they compare to one another with respect to size, colour, quantity, etc.
SymbolIt is a sign or shape that is used to represent something else. They can be used to provide or pass on information equivalent to one story.
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| Figure 2.8 Scale, 28th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/19/0b/e2/190be2753b776e744f0961f86bdac5fd.jpg |
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| Figure 2.9 Proportion, 28th April 2022 Source: https://www.handsomefrank.com/illustrators/matt-murphy |
Symbol
1. Pictorial symbols
Image related and simplified pictures
2. Abstract symbols
Image related and simplified pictures
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| Figure 3.0 Pictorial Symbol, 28th April 2022 Source: https://graphicmama.com/blog/infographic-design-trends-2021/#geometric |
Look like the objects that they represent but with less details/simplified.
3. Arbitrary symbols
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| Figure 3.1 Abstract Symbols, 28th April 2022 Source: https://www.logolynx.com/topic/film |
3. Arbitrary symbols
No resemblance to the object or idea that they represent.
Word & Image
Imagery - Vital part of design as it helps viewers and readers to relate to a concept. Therefore, it is important to use suitable and relevant images |
| Figure 3.2 Arbitrary symbol, 28th April 2022 |
Words - Choosing the words in order to express the message is very important as this would help in making the message more impactful.
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| Figure 3.3 Word & Image, 28th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/74/f9/7d/74f97dedf784db412b9696d704554f60.jpg |
INSTRUCTIONS
Our assignment for this week consisted of two parts:
I started by doing some research on the Gestalt theory and looked on the web to find some inspiration for my work.
For my take on this exercise, I wanted to create a poster based on my favorite band called 'Twenty One Pilots'. The colours yellow, red and black form part of their signature looks. So, I took inspiration from this to explore my ideas on the principle of contrast and tried to create different compositions.
Week 2:
Final ArtworkVisual Research
These were my inspirations for the Gestalt Theory |
| Figure 3.4, 5th April 2022 Source: https://hrsst.tumblr.com/post/30939346082/cavetocanvas-sky-and-water-ii-mc-escher-1938 |
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| Figure 3.5, 5th April 2022 Source:https://www.adsoftheworld.com/media/outdoor/sanccob_tipping_point |
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| Figure 3.6, 6th April 2022 Source:https://thumbs.dreamstime.com/b/semless-black-dezine-white-back-ground-triangles-abstract-geometric-striped-seamless-pattern-background-130363353.jpg |
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| Figure 3.7, 6th April 2022 Source:https://i.pinimg.com/originals/d8/91/66/d89166b6c70c87393c10211ce09de190.jpg |
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| Figure 3.8 Sketches for the Gestalt Theory, 6th April 2022 |
- For sketches 1-7, I tried to work on the principle of similarity and closure by creating multiple patterns.
- For sketch 8, I was inspired by the yin and yang symbol. I combined it with koi fishes to create a work based on the principle of continuity and closure.
I have some preferences for sketch number 2,4,5 & 8 as I think that they are the more interesting ones.
Part 2: Create 1 design of Contrast.
Part 2: Create 1 design of Contrast.
Visual Research
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| Figure 3.9, 6th April 2022 Source:https://www.olybop.fr/exposition-en-hommage-a-miyazaki-50-artistes-regroupes-pour-votre-inspiration/ |
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| Figure 4.0, 6th April 2022 Source:https://i.pinimg.com/originals/3c/3d/bc/3c3dbceac1cfbe4e1de14b8fd5a24cec.jpg |
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| Figure 4.1, 6th April 2022 Source:https://i.pinimg.com/originals/26/de/9c/26de9cfa87b9b5b99e626d2271a5fd41.jpg |
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| Figure 4.2, Compositions for Contrast, 6th April 2022 |
- Contrast
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| Figure 4.3, Final Composition, 8th April 2022 |
- Gestalt theory
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| Figure 4.4, Final Composition, 10th April 2022 |
My final work on the Gestalt theory consists of two koi fishes which I have made by using the paper cutting technique. I was inspired by the yin & yang symbol which you can also see on both of their heads. It is also mostly the reason why I chose to do them in black and white. It was quite a challenge to do the fine details with this technique but on the overall I'm happy of the result.
Week 3:
For this week exercise we have to choose 2 principles out of 4 that is Balance, Emphasis, Repetition or Movement. I chose to do Emphasis and Repetition.
To start my work I decided to surf the web to see if I could find something to help me develop my ideas.
For my work concerning emphasis I wanted to include a portrait into my work. This image below is the person that I took to do so.
Visual Research
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| Figure 4.5, 13th April 2022 Source: https://www.inprnt.com/gallery/jessicashirley/the-child-sleeps/ |
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| Figure 4.6, 13th April 2022 Source: https://sivankarim.tumblr.com/ |
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| Figure 4.7, 13th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/2d/94/6d/2d946d56653adab5f0bfb4ece0c5910f.jpg |
For my work concerning emphasis I wanted to include a portrait into my work. This image below is the person that I took to do so.
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| Figure 4.8, 13th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/12/8e/fe/128efed59c3cdcc37cca9bd56e647200.jpg |
Sketch 1- Inspired by one of my research, I wanted to surround my subject's face with flowers. I chose flowers as I thought it would look quite aesthetic and also match with her gloomy stare.
Sketch 2 - I painted a red strike on her face as for me emphasis represents something that catch your attention at first sight. So, I think that even though it is a simple idea, it is also one which is direct and straightforward to the exercise's theme.
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| Figure 4.9 Sketches 1&2, 14th April 2022 |
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| Figure 5.0 'Girl before a mirror', 1932, Pablo Picasso, 14th April 2022 Source: https://www.pablopicasso.org/girl-before-mirror.jsp |
Sketch 4 - This sketch consists of a pair of a butterfly's wings which I tried to combine with her face. I did not think much for this idea and just wanted to try how it would turn out on the spot.
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| Figure 5.1 Sketches 3&4, 14th April 2022 |
Visual Research
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| Figure 5.2, 14th April 2022 Source: https://i.pinimg.com/originals/76/dd/ed/76dded99744d12708ad7bdbad4d08da0.jpg |
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| Figure 5.3, 14th April 2022 Source: https://fuckyeahmoleskines.tumblr.com/post/13151175142/more-doodles-at-httppenandgravytumblrcom |
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| Figure 5.4 Georgia O'keeffe 'The White Calico Flower', 1931, 14th April 2022 Source: https://prints.okeeffemuseum.org/detail/491936/okeeffe-the-white-calico-flower-1931 |
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| Figure 5.5 Sketches, 14th April 2022 |
Sketch 1,2 & 6 - They consist mostly of different repeated patterns on the theme of 'Flowers', where I tried different layouts.
Sketch 4 - For this one I just wanted to try doing a repeated pattern on a cat's body as I thought it might be another idea on how to implement a pattern.
Sketch 3 & 5 - These ones are patterns that I tried using animal prints.
- For sketch 3, I tried to implement the animal patterns and create different shapes inside one whole circle.
- Sketch 5 consists of a peacock's feathers that we can found on their tail.
Final Artwork [Before touch up]
- Emphasis
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| Figure 5.6 Final Artwork on 'Emphasis' before touch up, 21st April 2022 |
After using Mrs. Jinchi advices, this is what I came up with for the exercise on emphasis. Instead of doing a plain red strike on her face, I switched my idea by doing the portrait in black and white monochrome. To show emphasis, I kept a part of her face in her normal skin tone. I also faintly shaded the background using charcoal so as to create more contrast between the coloured and monochromatic parts of her face. I'm quite happy of the result even though the portrait is not as exactly as the original photo. I found it pretty simple and easy to paint and did not encounter much difficulty.
Final Artwork [After touch up]
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| Figure 5.7 Final Artwork on 'Emphasis' after some modification, 22nd April 2022 |
After hearing some feedback on my work, I increased the saturation of the stripe where I painted the normal skin tone. I also used more black to provide more contrast between the stripes.
Final Artwork [Before touch up]
- Repetition
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| Figure 5.8 Final Artwork on 'Repetition', 21st April 2022 |
Referring to Georgia O'keeffe artwork called ' The White Calico Flower', I created a repeated pattern using different flowers. I used different techniques which are gouache painting, collage technique and also pen and ink technique. My palette of colour consisted mostly of muted pastel colours as I wanted my work to look soft and pure. To create contrast, I also used a dark brown magazine paper to do the collage technique which also gives to my work some kind of texture and make it looks less flat. I really like the outcome of my pattern and how it looks on the overall as one.
I proceeded to do some modifications in my design after the feedback session, I tried to make the grey flowers combine together and come out of their layout. Additionally, I also tried to do the same with the rest of the work but in a more subtle way by making the colours fade together and also I tried to mix them.
Final Artwork [After touch up]
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| Figure 5.9 Final Artwork for 'Repetition' after modification, 22nd April 2022 |
I proceeded to do some modifications in my design after the feedback session, I tried to make the grey flowers combine together and come out of their layout. Additionally, I also tried to do the same with the rest of the work but in a more subtle way by making the colours fade together and also I tried to mix them.
Week 5:
Continuing on the design principles exercise, this time we got to choose between two of them that is Harmony, Unity, Symbol & Word & Image.
I chose to do Harmony and Unity.
Part 1: Harmony
Visual Research
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| Figure 6.0, 28th April 2022 Source: https://www.vectorstock.com/ |
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| Figure 6.1, 28th April 2022 Source: https://www.vectorstock.com/ |
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| Figure 6.3 Sketch 1&2 for my idea on Harmony, 28th April 2022 |
Sketch 1&2- I had the idea to create my own character so as to add more visual narrative to my composition for harmony. From this idea, I started to draw some concepts for my character. I mostly wanted to create a background which would appear as if she was in her own world made of candies.
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| Figure 6.4 Sketch 3, 28th April 2022 |
Sketch 3 - The concept of this sketch is based on my character who is living in a dark magical candy forest. For this composition, I tried to create a frame in the foreground using trees made of candy/chocolate which also coincidentally created an invisible triangular shape around her. Additionally, I think that by using those two elements also helped in adding more depth to my work.
Part 2: Unity
Visual Research
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| Figure 6.5 'Redhead Lady and Catfish Postcard' by Gemma Roman, 28th April 2022 Source: https://design.tutsplus.com/articles/international-artist-feature-mexico--cms-25977 |
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| Figure 6.6 'Night Garden' by Emily Winfield Martin, 28th April 2022 Source: https://buyolympia.com/Item/blackapple-night-garden-print |
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| Figure 6.7 Sketch 1, 28th April 2022 |
Sketch 1- For my work on unity, I wanted to keep the same concept with only some minor changes in order that it matches with the principle of unity. To do so, I tried to repeat the candies in my work so that it could represent unity in a more appropriate context.
Sketch 2 - It pretty much has the same concept as my sketch number 1 but with different elements. As for instance, I wanted to try using an oval frame which I think is less similar compared to a rectangle or a square. I tried to make an X-shape like behind her using lollipops.
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| Figure 6.8 Sketch 2, 28th April 2022 |
Sketch 2 - It pretty much has the same concept as my sketch number 1 but with different elements. As for instance, I wanted to try using an oval frame which I think is less similar compared to a rectangle or a square. I tried to make an X-shape like behind her using lollipops.
After getting the feedbacks from Mrs. Jinchi, I made additional research and modifications for my work on harmony and unity. According to my work on harmony, I made some visual research on the movie 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' as I was told that since the concept of the movie and my design coincide, I could use some scenes as reference for my colour palette.
Visual Research
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| Figure 6.9, 29th April 2022 |
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| Figure 7.0, 29th April 2022 |
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| Figure 7.1, 29th April 2022 |
So these are my further research based on the movie. I chose some scenes where they used mostly dark and bluish colours as it fitted the theme which I decided to do.
For my composition, I added some lollipops in the foreground which I think also look like roses from afar. Additionally, I dispersed some candy on the ground to make it look more messy, just like how elements in a normal forest would be. To have this 'key light' effect on the ground I used a gradient for the colours and then chose an overlay effect which I think had a pretty nice outcome as it added into the 'mysterious atmosphere' that I was trying to create.
I decided to change the eyes of my character so as to match with the mood of my composition and give off a more spine-chilling sensation. I also added some devil horns in her shadow which can be seen close-up. Even though it is a subtle idea, I think it still adds something extra into the details of my work. Furthermore, I created some mist in the background so as to add more ominousness.
For the background, I designed some hill shaped like elements with chocolate dripping on them and used different shades and sizes so as to create depth into my work. I also added some spider webs and candies and used the overlay effect again so as to create those blueish tones on the candy trees, sky and hills.
This is my final outcome for Harmony. Saltan, which is my character's name (based on the antonym of sugar and mixed with the word Satan), has the reputation of creating cavities wherever she goes. She lives in a dark mystical forest where no one dares to set foot in, in fear of getting caries. My colour scheme consists mostly of dark bluish colours like navy or ultramarine. It also has some touch of colours for the candies and some purple and orange for the hills which was inspired by ' Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' movie. I think that by using those dark toned colours, I was able to create this cold, tenebrific and dark atmosphere that I was looking for. By adding little details, like the spider webs or changing her eyes I believe added more monstrosity to my design. I also used a yellow colour for the Title as I thought that it would not only create contrast but it also matches well with the colours in my works.
After Mrs. Jinchi review on my work, I mostly needed to adjust the positioning of the headline and readjust the size of my character to make it bigger.
Before illustrating my sketch, I created some candies so as to have some new elements in my work. I also tried on different bright colours as for me candy are best represented by something colourful and vivid.
I tried to arrange the candies using the golden ratio. I mostly wanted to experiment and try out to see what kind of outcome I could get. However, I do not think that it really worked out. As you can see, near the end of the left side of my arrangement there seems to be lacking something as if the flow stopped abruptly. I was somehow a bit confused during the process and struggled to create this arrangement.
My favorite compositions are number 2, 3 & 5. However, I chose composition 2 as my final one as I think that the layout and the peppermint pattern makes my work stand out more and it does not look too overwhelming or chaotic even though the pattern can have a heavy visual weight. I also really like the contrast of colours between the pink and the dark brown.
Week 6:
- Harmony
I used Adobe Illustrator in order to create my design from sketch 3. I started by illustrating my character.
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| Figure 7.2 Character Illustration for my design, 4th April 2022 |
I wanted to create a character who looks crazy but at the same time funny. I mostly used complementary colours like blue and orange or red and green as I thought it would create more visual interest. I added a lot of candies in her hair to give her a more crazy touch. After much thought I do think that my character also has a 'british' vibe with her which I think is mostly due to her hair colour but somehow I like it.
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| Figure 7.3 Details in my design, 5th May 2022 |
For my composition, I added some lollipops in the foreground which I think also look like roses from afar. Additionally, I dispersed some candy on the ground to make it look more messy, just like how elements in a normal forest would be. To have this 'key light' effect on the ground I used a gradient for the colours and then chose an overlay effect which I think had a pretty nice outcome as it added into the 'mysterious atmosphere' that I was trying to create.
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| Figure 7.8 Details in my design, 5th May 2022 |
I decided to change the eyes of my character so as to match with the mood of my composition and give off a more spine-chilling sensation. I also added some devil horns in her shadow which can be seen close-up. Even though it is a subtle idea, I think it still adds something extra into the details of my work. Furthermore, I created some mist in the background so as to add more ominousness.
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| Figure 7.9 Details in my design, 6th May 2022 |
For the background, I designed some hill shaped like elements with chocolate dripping on them and used different shades and sizes so as to create depth into my work. I also added some spider webs and candies and used the overlay effect again so as to create those blueish tones on the candy trees, sky and hills.
Final Artwork [Before Touch Up]
- Harmony
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| Figure 8.0 Outcome (before touch up) for the design principle harmony, 6th May 2022 |
This is my final outcome for Harmony. Saltan, which is my character's name (based on the antonym of sugar and mixed with the word Satan), has the reputation of creating cavities wherever she goes. She lives in a dark mystical forest where no one dares to set foot in, in fear of getting caries. My colour scheme consists mostly of dark bluish colours like navy or ultramarine. It also has some touch of colours for the candies and some purple and orange for the hills which was inspired by ' Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' movie. I think that by using those dark toned colours, I was able to create this cold, tenebrific and dark atmosphere that I was looking for. By adding little details, like the spider webs or changing her eyes I believe added more monstrosity to my design. I also used a yellow colour for the Title as I thought that it would not only create contrast but it also matches well with the colours in my works.
Final Artwork [After Touch Up]
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| Figure 8.1 Final Artwork (after touch up), 13th May 2022 |
After Mrs. Jinchi review on my work, I mostly needed to adjust the positioning of the headline and readjust the size of my character to make it bigger.
- Unity
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| Figure 8.2 Creating the candies for Unity, 7th May 2022 |
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| Figure 8.3 Creation of candies for Unity, 7th May 2022 |
Before illustrating my sketch, I created some candies so as to have some new elements in my work. I also tried on different bright colours as for me candy are best represented by something colourful and vivid.
Here are the different compositions and layouts that I came up with for Unity.
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| Figure 8.4 Composition 1, 7th May 2022 |
I tried to arrange the candies using the golden ratio. I mostly wanted to experiment and try out to see what kind of outcome I could get. However, I do not think that it really worked out. As you can see, near the end of the left side of my arrangement there seems to be lacking something as if the flow stopped abruptly. I was somehow a bit confused during the process and struggled to create this arrangement.
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| Figure 8.5 Composition 2, 7th May 2022 |
I came up with another idea which was to create a circular arrangement around my character. I also did an asymmetrical balanced composition rather than a balanced one as I found it more interesting and atypical. I think that it also creates a visual flow. Additionally, I added a peppermint pattern like behind her which I think added a nice touch to the overall look. My colour palette is made of on the overall bright colors but also pastel ones. I also used a caramel brown colour for the background so as to match with the theme of candies but also as I think that it makes the composition stand out and at the same time look harmonious together.
The other compositions below have the same arrangement as composition 2 but have different layouts and background colour.
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| Figure 8.6 Composition 3, 7th May 2022 |
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| Figure 8.7 Composition 4, 7th May 2022 |
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| Figure 8.8 Composition 5, 7th May 2022 |
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| Figure 8.9 Composition 6, 7th May 2022 |
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| Figure 9.0 Composition 7, 7th May 2022 |
My favorite compositions are number 2, 3 & 5. However, I chose composition 2 as my final one as I think that the layout and the peppermint pattern makes my work stand out more and it does not look too overwhelming or chaotic even though the pattern can have a heavy visual weight. I also really like the contrast of colours between the pink and the dark brown.
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| Figure 9.1 Composition 2 version 2.0, 7th May 2022 Since I chose sketch 2, I also tried to do another one where I interchanged the colours for the background. I found this outcome definitely more contrasting and maybe more visually pleasing than the first one. |
Final Artwork [Before Touch Up]
- Unity
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| Figure 9.2 Final Outcome for Unity (before touch up), 7th May 2022 |
Final Artwork [After Touch Up]
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| Figure 9.3 Final Outcome for Unity (after touch up), 13th May 2022 |
The modification that I had to make was to simply increase the saturation of the lollipop sticks as the previous colour that I used before that created a bit too much of contrast. I think now that the contrast looks more easy on the eyes.
Compilation of my final work (PDF file)
Week 3:
REFLECTIONS
Week 2:
Week 3:
Compilation of my final work (PDF file)
FEEDBACKS
Week 2:
Specific feedback: After reviewing my work, I decided to go for Sketch 8 for the Gestalt Theory and Sketch 4 for the Contrast . In order to improve my work, Mrs. Jinchi told me to space out my koi fishes more and do the yin & yang symbol a bit smaller. For the contrast design, I just need to refine the letterings.
Week 3:
Specific feedback: After some reviews from Mrs. Jinchi, I chose to do sketch 1 for Repetition and sketch 2 for Emphasis. So as to enhance my work, I was told to alternate the arrangement of my flowers on my sketch 1 for repetition and space them out more. Additionally, for my sketch number 2 on Emphasis I was advised to replace the red strike using her normal skin colour and for the rest to do a monochrome in black and white.
Week 4:
Specific feedback: I was told that my work on emphasis lacked a bit of contrast on the part where I tried to put more emphasis on. So as to enhance my work, I was told to add more saturation and vibrancy on the stripe where I painted her normal skin tone. Also, concerning my work on repetition I have to paint some flowers in a way that they overflow the layout.
Week 5:
Specific feedback: After presenting my ideas to Mrs. Jinchi, I was given a lot of advices on how I could illustrate my sketches. For harmony, I was told that my sketch 1 was a bit too compact. In the end, I chose to do sketch 3 and had to do some modifications. Firstly, I need to increase the base of my work so that they could appear more linked together. After that, I was told to be careful with my colour scheme so that it could match with the principle of harmony. For this, I was advised to refer to the movie 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' and take example from some of their scenes in order to find an appropriate palette of colour. Concerning my work on unity, I chose sketch 1 and was told that instead of doing the full body of my character, I could use only the upper part of her body that is from her shoulders up to her head. Additionally, I was instructed to arrange the candies around her like a frame instead of putting the candies only as a background.
Week 7:
Specific feedback: Mrs. Jinchi have me a feedback on my overall performance and my blog. The formatting of the blog looks good so I don't need to do much change. Additionally, she reviewed my work for the Harmony and Unity exercise. Concerning my work for harmony, I need to lower the headline 'Saltan' and increase the size of my character. For Unity, I only need to change the colour of my lollipop sticks so as to decrease the contrast between the background.
REFLECTIONS
Week 1:
Even though I already had some knowledge about the elements and principles of design, I still learned new things such as the Gestalt theory which I found quite interesting as a concept. I also realized that the workload for the Design Principle class is quite much so I'll have to manage my time well. Additionally, we received a lot of advices from Mrs. Jinchi which will be very useful for me to use in my works.
Even though I already had some knowledge about the elements and principles of design, I still learned new things such as the Gestalt theory which I found quite interesting as a concept. I also realized that the workload for the Design Principle class is quite much so I'll have to manage my time well. Additionally, we received a lot of advices from Mrs. Jinchi which will be very useful for me to use in my works.
At first, it was not so easy to find some ideas for this exercise. At some point, I was even confused when I was in the process of doing my sketches for the gestalt theory. I think that without a lot of focus it's easy to get lost in what you are doing. However, I did find it fun to do the paper cutting technique even though it became tiring at the end. Indeed, the Gestalt Theory is quite fun and interesting to learn even though it was quite a challenge as it required a lot of thought process in order to create an original design. On the contrary, I found it more easy to get the ideas for contrast and I think it was more direct when it came to sketching out my ideas or even for doing my final work.
It was a bit tiring to find new ideas for this new exercise.
This week exercise was quite difficult at first as I struggled a lot to find inspiration and what to draw. I thought that sketching the ideas would be an easier process than when doing the final work but actually it's not. It does require a lot of thought process to be able to decide the theme of your work or even decide what you want to do. But after some perseverance, I was able to sketch out some ideas and proceed into doing my final artworks. The process of doing them went on easily and even quite rapidly I must say as it was clear in my head what I had to do and what I wanted as the outcome. I found much fun in doing the portrait as I really like painting portraits. Doing the repeated pattern was a bit tiring and demanding. On the overall, I learned much about emphasis and repetition. The more exercises I am doing, the more I am able to understand the principles and elements of designs. I think that by doing an individual work for each principle it makes it easier to understand the way those elements work in a composition. The hands on experience did help me to understand better than if we only have had watched lectures.
Week 5:
Getting the ideas for Harmony was pretty quick but I could not say the same for Unity since I was a bit confused between the both of them. However, after Mrs. Jinchi help things got clearer in my mind. I knew what I wanted to do and proceeded to do so.
Week 6:
This was my first time doing a digital work for this exercise. I would say that it was helpful but at the same time not. Firstly, I did find it helpful as it was way less time consuming than when I normally use paint. Also, creating the shapes that I wanted were more easy and accurate to do. However, where I found some difficulty was when I had to create the background for my work on harmony. I wanted to create a translucent like dark background but since my knowledge in Illustrator is not very wide, there are some ideas that I wanted to do but could not since I did not know how I could do them. This is one of the reason where painting might be more handy as with paint I can do pretty much whatever I want or imagine. Still, I am quite satisfied of my outcome since it somehow turned the way that I wanted to even though not exactly. Moreover, creating the work for unity was also a brain teaser as it was not evident on how I could arrange my elements. Nevertheless, I liked the end result mostly the colour scheme which I found interesting. In the end, I was able to differentiate harmony and unity and understand how they differ from each other in a composition.
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