DESIGN PRINCIPLES - EXERCISES
Week 1 (4/1/22) - Week 7 (17/2/22)
Student: Tai Ser Yeet (0345798)
Programme:
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task : Exercises
Jumplinks :
LECTURES
Week 1 (4/1/22 & 6/1/22) / Introduction & Briefing on Exercises
Agenda of Week 1 :
- Watching uploaded lecture videos
- Dr. Charles provides further explanation on the principles
- thoroughly understanding each design principle and its usage in every piece of artwork.
The takeaways from Week 1:
1. Dr. Charles' advice for us
" Before applying any design principles, you must have a
purpose."
2. Source: Design Principle - Contrast
- Too much contrast interrupts a painting
- Too little contrast looks plain & boring.
- Midtones- areas between the light & dark values
- In order to achieve a seamless blend between light & dark values, pop in the mid-tones.
- You do not need to only have contrast in black & white color; vibrant colors are able to create contrast as well.
3. Source: Design Principle - Gestalt Theory
3.1. PRINCIPLE OF SIMILARITY
- Objects are similar in terms of they are, are seen as having a relationship with each other
- Having an overlap or close proximity gives the idea of unity
- Dissimilar objects show a variety
- Various objects could be similar in terms of e.g type of shape, animal, matter but dissimilar in terms of texture, pattern, and color.
3.2. PRINCIPLE OF CONTINUATION
- More of a sequence
- E.g Amazon logo, and a snake coiling its body around a branch, ball transforming into a square
- It also can also be seen in perspective art such as the usage of vanishing points
3.3. PRINCIPLE OF CLOSURE
"When you design something, why make it so obvious?"
- There are two segments to closure; completion & deletion
- Deletion is when the non-essential shapes are removed
- Our minds tend to solve the "puzzles"
- Example 1: our minds understand that dotted lines form a straight line even if they are not physically connected to each other.
- Example 2: optical illusions
- Humans tend to stare longer at incomplete artwork because we get satisfaction from decoding the artwork.
3.4. PRINCIPLE OF PROXIMITY
- Unrelated items to be further apart instead of being in close vicinity
3.5. PRINCIPLE OF FIGURE/GROUND
- Figure/ Ground guides the audience to what the artist wishes them to focus on.
- Play around with the negative/positive space to depict dominance
4. Source: Design Principle - Balance
" Do not rely on the content of photographs to convey
your message or arouse feelings/ moods."
Instead, focus on the :
- Position of each piece of art
- Every texture
- Each block of text
Conclusion: Show, don't tell.
4.1. SYMMETRICAL BALANCE
Advantages:
- Elements are orientated along the common axis.
- It has a strong sense of unity.
- It follows a format.
Disadvantages:
- The principle if played too safe, can lack interest & variety
- It is very formal and orderly.
4.2. ASYMMETRICAL BALANCE
- Elements are placed organically.
- Deemed more interesting due to the purposeful tension & dynamic
- Although both sides of the artwork may not be identical, there will be certain elements that interact in a way that makes each side of equal importance. E.g color, shapes, texture
5. Source: Design Principle - Emphasis
- Identify the object (focal point) of a design
- In an artwork, determine the subject dominance to create emphasis
6. Source: Design Principle - Movement
- In order to incorporate movement in a design, place a high contrasting element side-by-side.
- Capture moments in-motion so lots of lines, hand movement, or exaggeration
- Example: distortion, convergence
7. Source: Design Principle - Harmony
- Finding a connection between dissimilar objects
8. Source: Design Principle - Unity
- Objects working towards a common goal
- Has a stronger sense of grouping as compared to harmony
- Leans towards convergence
Week 2 (11/1/22 & 13/1/22) / Development
1. Advice from Dr. Charles :
" How do you utilize a design principle to make the composition more interesting/ dynamic? "
2. Tuesday's Lecture Summary :
An activity was conducted by Dr. Charles whereby students were required
to create an artwork comprising of basic shapes, lines, or anything from
their imagination. However, the catch is your work must not resemble
existing elements. Subsequently, I found the activity very stimulating
& enjoyable as I was not tied down to any rules or principles. I could
freely produce artwork without the weight of perfection. Besides that, Dr.
Charles has provided useful feedback on my sketches.
3. Thursday's Lecture Summary :
During the lecture class, I asked Dr. Charles regarding the difference
between movement & principle of continuation. He explained
that:
Movement is about rhythmic flow and repetitive patterns of elements. For
instance, the various waveforms are shown on an oscilloscope machine.
Similarly, even if it was a still image, the viewers could interpret that
the sound waves are moving continuously.
The Principle of Continuation, on the other hand, is mainly about sequence.
An element transforms into another element is shown in the design.
Besides that, Dr.Charles gave an extended explanation regarding the purpose
of design. Historically, artists and designers had tapered design principles
according to the evolution hence why artworks are different as time goes on.
We, as creators ought to "design the way we are communicating" as well as
design for user needs and practicality/functionality.
Week 3 (18/1/22 & 20/1/22) / Submission of Exercises
1. Tuesday's Lecture Summary :
There was no lecture today due to the Thaipusam public holiday.
2. Thursday's Lecture Summary :
Dr. Charles briefly explains project 1 whereby we are required to create a
self-portrait that best represents each one of us individually. He also
provides suggestions on how we could dig deeper to find who we are
internally or how we tend to portray ourselves to our surroundings.
INSTRUCTIONS
EXERCISES
The Common Theme Behind my Designs & Reasons For It
Theme: Social Injustice Caused By Poverty
Introduction
Before I begin with the exercises, I would like to provide a brief
explanation as to how the theme came about. About a year ago, I had
discovered a thriller movie called "Parasite". It is a South Korean film
portraying a poverty-stricken family, the Kim's who desperately try to improve their social status by
working in a wealthy household belonged to the Park's. What I found
fascinating was the film's attention to detail. It precisely captures the
differences between the mentality, behaviors of the rich and the poor; and
most importantly, the unbreakable cycle of poverty. 'Parasite' has
undoubtedly given me greater insights into certain circumstances that we, privileged people take for
granted. Therefore, I wish to utilize both of my designs as a platform to
speak out about the social inequality faced by the underprivileged
community.
EXERCISE 1.1: EMPHASIS
Description
Starting off, the first design will be revolving around the challenges
faced by the low-income families & how the wealthy play a part in the
infliction.
Fig 1.1 ; Sketch #1 (9/1/22)
1. Purple Lines - The drawing
shows a woman's calves and her wearing high heels.
2. Navy Blue Lines - Resembles
the water flowing down to the ground like a waterfall
3. Red Lines - A bathtub
4. Light Blue Lines - A person
showering under the falling water
5. Green Lines - A person
washing clothes in the bucket
6. Yellow Lines - A
person sitting in a boat while fishing with a net
Description
I went with a different approach for Sketch #2. Sketch #2 is based on a
3-point perspective which provides visual interest and a dynamic feel to
the composition. In contrast to Sketch #1, I have removed the
bathtub and the woman's legs as I thought it would be too complex and
chaotic, deviating the attention away from the three tiny people.
Fig 1.3 ; Further Progress on Sketch #2 (9/1/22)
Description
The person in the foreground and mid-ground was assigned a dull color
palette as colors such as grey & dark brown which according to the
Changing Minds.Org, which indicates poverty.
Rough Feedback for Sketch #2
Dr. Charles could not decipher the emotion felt by the poor man in
the foreground because he looks sad but the woman next to him is just
merely washing her clothes, having an expressionless face.
Nevertheless, Dr. Charles' prefers Sketch #1 way better thus
prompting me to stick with Sketch #1's arrangement. Dr. Charles also
mentioned a very interesting idea; adding cracks on the ground to
display the large impact of the sharp heels descending from above.
With the feedback in mind, I went back to the drawing board with a
fresh perspective.
Fig 1.4 ; Sketch #3 (11/1/22)
Description
For Sketch #3, I reused the composition from Sketch #1 (with a few
tweaks here & there) and came up with this design; implementing
the rough idea of a concept thumbnail in terms of color usage. Next,
I have made all three tiny people identical to each other but only
unidentical in terms of facial expression and size.
Rough Feedback for Sketch #3:
The composition should be more sadistic or masochistic.
Moreover, the principle of emphasis would be further highlighted
if the heels were "black & red shiny leathery" instead of
purely black & white.
Post Feedback:
Considering the fact that I did not possess a deep
understanding towards the definitions of "Sadistic" or
"Masochist" respectively, I then conducted some research
regarding the matter.
According to Merriam-Webster, sadism/masochism are both about the enjoyment of pain. Masochism
refers to the enjoyment of experiencing pain while Sadism
refers to the enjoyment of inflicting pain on someone else. In
this instance, the masochist would be the impoverished people
while the sadist would be the wealthy people.
Fig 1.5; Sketch #4 (11/1/22)
Description
In order to incorporate the concept of sadism/masochism, I came up with a story whereby an ice cream seller struggling to make
ends meet, runs for the huge roll of money in which the wealthy lady has
dropped. But he needed to sacrifice something which in that case was his
ice cream cart. Hence, the lady's heel which was situated directly above
his cart intentionally tried to destroy it. Next, I have also added yellow stars on the heels to replicate
occasional loud patterns printed on designer shoes. In a way, it looks as though the poor are enjoying the company of the
evil rich despite the sufferings faced.
Rough Feedback for Sketch #4:
Dr. Charles still prefers the shiny leather heels. Furthermore, he also
pointed out an error in perspective because the left leg is in front of the right leg
even when it is smaller in size. In reality, it should be the opposite;
the left leg has to be behind the right leg in order to seem as though
the right leg is dominating the art piece.
FINAL OUTCOME OF EXERCISE 1.1 - EMPHASIS
Fig 1.6; Final Outcome of Exercise (Emphasis)(15/1/22)
Short rationale
EXERCISE 1.2: GESTALT THEORY- PRINCIPLE OF PROXIMITY
Description
My next design, in contrast to the first, would lean more towards my vision of how both communities, would unite as one and behave as equal. My intention for the second exercise was to highlight the principle; asymmetrical balance.
Fig 2.1; Sketch #1 (13/1/22)
Rough Feedback for Sketch #1
Dr. Charles showed interest in the angle at which the fists were
positioned. However, he also cautioned me that the perspective should
be evidently shown in the design (e.g both initially come from
different sizes and then meet up at a point where they become
equal).
Post Feedback for Sketch #1
After the feedback, I had a thought to experiment with a different
angle of the fists, this time exposing the inner palms. Next, I made
both the starting points more prominent by shrinking and enlarging
them respectively. Below is the other version of Sketch #1 :
Fig 2.2 ; Sketch #2 (18/1/22)
I hated how both Sketch #1 and Sketch #2 looked. Both lacked
sophistication and dynamicity. For context, I was not satisfied with
the compositions & was concerned that the backgrounds were too
empty, moreover, I could not seem to find any solution that could
alleviate my worries.
Instead of pondering about the matter for hours, I have decided to
scratch the "fist bump" idea and sketch a new piece entirely.
Both Sketch #1 and Sketch #2 have a common denominator and that
would be their subject of focus, being hands but Sketch #2 has a
different hand pose. These are a few of the creations I came up with
:
Fig 2.3 ; Sketch #3 (18/1/22)
Keeping with the theme of impartiality, Sketch #3 consists of two
separate hands holding one side from a pair of chopsticks. It
follows the methodology that it takes two hands to clap. In this
case, it takes two sticks to make 'chopsticks'. Essentially, the
two hands are offering their share with one another, resembling
the notion of striking even in spite of past disputes.
Fig 2.4 ; Sketch #4 (18/1/22)
I have also tried creating a rhythmic flow with Sketch #4 while
also emphasizing the asymmetrical balance.
Unfortunately, I was still unsatisfied with Sketch #4 and just
could not proceed to the next step until...
BREAKTHROUGH - EUREKA MOMENT
The Queen's Baton Relay 2022 which will be commencing at Taylor's
Campus next week had jogged my memory on what I used to enjoy
watching and that was a Netflix series called The Crown. One
episode, in particular, had resonated with me to this
day. Season 3, Episode 3, was about a tragedy that occurred in the
village of Aberfan, South Wales. A total of 116 children and 28
adults were killed when the huge coal tip situated directly above
Pantglas Junior School, had collapsed. (BBC, 2021) Furthermore, the
disaster would not have taken place if it were not for political
incompetency and negligence.
That episode was beautifully executed and done with great
sensitivity towards the victims, therefore, I do not see any reason
not to incorporate the storyline into my second design.
Coincidentally, the episode also portrays the level of social
inequality globally, making it the perfect subject matter in
accordance with my theme. Yipee!
After getting the focal points of the artwork down, it was time to
ponder on the design execution which in my opinion, was
comparatively the hardest among other processes. Eventually, I
settled on
Continuous Line Art.
Why Line Art?
Previously in a Design Module for Foundation, I was exposed
to the beauty of Continuous Line Art, astounded by its
minimality and use of negative/ positive space. At a glimpse,
the art concept seemed very simple, even a child could do it.
However, in reality, it is the direct opposite. Thus, I wanted
to embark on this conquest to release an artwork that
implements this particular type of skill and one which I could
be proud of.
Here are some of the artworks which have inspired me throughout
this creative adventure:
I went back to the drawing board and sketched yet another idea but
this time, I have also changed my initial design principle
(asymmetrical balance) to the
Principle of Closure due to the nature of line art. Behold, Sketch #5!
Fig 2.5 ; Sketch #5 (19/1/22)
Description
The story behind the design is how the wealthy (represented by
Queen Elizabeth II on the left) and the poor (represented by a coal
miner on the right) are coming to equal terms with each
other.
Rough Feedback for Sketch #5
Dr. Charles also hinted that the design principle is not
clearly shown in my composition hence, he was unable to
grasp the meaning behind my artwork. He suggested trying to imagine the Queen in all her regalia
(finery, emblems, symbols). Dr. Charles mentioned that my artwork
needed a point of interest.
Fig 2.6 ; Sketch #6 (20/1/22)
Description
I was suddenly reminded of the times when I had watched a YouTube
video titled "How to draw caricature the easy way" for a CCTS project. The video simplified drawing caricatures by
teaching the viewers how to recognize human features purely as
simple shapes. Using the same concept, I started outlining
the shapes as soon as I located them on each of the subject's faces.
After looking at Sketch #6, I realized that it would be more
appropriate if the Principle of Proximity would be the main focus of my artwork thus prompting me to change
my mind once again.
Fig 2.7 ; Sketch #7 (21/1/22)
Description
I wanted to use Gestalt to my fullest potential. Sketch #7 was the
result of mixing in several principles such as Principle of Closure,
Figure/ Ground, and most prominently, Proximity. Unfortunately, I
have decided to
ditch the idea where the upper and working classes strike even
with each other. Instead, the arrangement of both figures in this new sketch will
illustrate how the Queen will always be perceived as being above the
working class and that was how it has always been in society.
Rough Feedback for Sketch #7
Fig
2.8; Alternating the color of Sketch #7 (21/1/22)
FINAL OUTCOME OF EXERCISE 1.2 (GESTALT- PRINCIPLE OF PROXIMITY)
Fig 2.10; Final
Outcome (Gestalt- Principle of Proximity) (21/1/22)
Short rationale
This outcome is about the entirety of Gestalt. In this design,
the shapes are in close proximity to each other to allow the
grouping to reveal itself. The triangles that made up the Queen
and the worker’s face are in close enough proximity for the
viewers to complete the image, therefore, permitting both
figures to rise from darkness. The application of the principle
of figure/ground can also be seen between the construction hat
and the Queen’s neck. Next, as the design is rotated vertically
now, viewers are able to notice the man first, allowing them to
empathize with him earlier on and regard the Queen as merely a
pointless figurehead. In conclusion, Gestalt allows us to be
able to perceive these shapes in an overall perspective, making
them much more visible to the viewers.
FEEDBACK
Week 2 / Progression Feedback
Observation
The sketch is more towards emphasis and hierarchy; not ‘movement'. For context, there is not much movement or rhythmic fluidity in terms of how the three tiny figures connect with one another. In terms of similarity, both Sketch #1 & #2 show a strong sense of dominance. The heel is only converging to one tiny figure and this guides the viewer’s eye to only one subject.
Solution
He suggested switching the oppression roles. For example, instead of the wealthy being the oppressor, the poor, in turn, will oppress the wealthy. Besides that, playing with the angles and plane to test out different alternatives to the design. Next, Dr. Charles introduced the idea of concept thumbnails which is experimenting with basic shapes. Subsequently, in order to create a more visually engaging design, show that due to the high impact of the heels, the ground had started to crack. For Sketch #1, try rotating the design to be horizontal, add embellishments to the high heels for it to stand out more, and lastly, position the horizon a little higher.
Sketch #3 (Emphasis)
The composition should be more sadistic/ masochist; more of
an exploitation of desire. This is to ensure the subjects do
not escape from the suffering but are forced to accept pain
due to lack of choice. Next, the principle of emphasis would be further highlighted if
the heels were "black & red shiny leathery" instead of purely
black & white. Other than that, Dr. Charles had recommended a song that reminded him of the
symbolism in my artwork. The song is called Sonne by the band, Rammstein. He described the
lyrics to be a “pastiche of what oppression can be when pleasure
becomes the reward for inflicted pain".
Sketch #4 (Emphasis)
Dr. Charles still prefers the shiny leather heels. Furthermore,
he also pointed out an error in perspective because the left leg is in front of the
right leg even when it is smaller in size. In reality, it should
be the opposite; the left leg has to be behind the right leg in
order to seem as though the right leg is dominating the art
piece.
Week 3 / Progression Feedback #4
Sketch #1 (Proximity)
Dr. Charles showed interest in the angle at which the
fists were positioned. However, he also cautioned me
that the perspective should be evidently shown in the
design (e.g both initially come from different sizes and
then meet up at a point where they become equal).
Sketch #5 (Proximity)
Observation
To my dismay, Dr.Charles could not recognize the
subject on the right, neither can my mother. My mother
even states that the figure on the right resembles
Prince Phillip. Dr. Charles also hinted that the
design principle is not clearly shown in my
composition hence, he was unable to grasp the meaning
behind my artwork. Not only that, he could sense that
I did not possess a clear understanding of the
Principle of Closure from Gestalt. He explained that
the Gestalt theory mainly looks at the design from a
broad perspective and also zooms in closer. Moreover,
hidden messages could be extracted if you zoom into
certain elements.
Solution
He then suggested trying to imagine the Queen in all
her regalia (finery, emblems, symbols). Next, Gestalt
is not merely about optical illusions. It's what the
eye perceives. Dr. Charles mentioned that my artwork
needed a point of interest. He gave a couple of ideas
for my design execution. For instance, the Queen may
be wearing the coal miner's hat as an earring or she
is wearing coal as her dress.
Sketch #7- Final Outcome (Proximity)
Observation
Dr. Charles noticed I had done a lot of thinking and research after the first design. He also complimented that my final outcome was very well-composed. There is a strong unity between the grouping of shapes at the top left corner of the design.
Solution
The design should be vertical instead of horizontal.
Unfortunately, he does not agree with my idea of
coloring the shapes as you might accidentally
emphasize an element you don’t mean to emphasize.
Other than that, Dr. Charles seems uncertain about
where both subjects are facing therefore implying that
I should try changing the arrangement of the two
figures. Furthermore, the size of the construction hat
should be reduced. He pointed out that lesser
proximity between the hat and the surrounding
triangles or between the hat and the queen could be
experimented with while still maintaining the
effective use of space. Lastly, try changing the color
of the shapes. For example, white shapes to black and
switching the background to white. All in all, he
advises me to have different variations of the final
outcome to see which one is the most suited for the
chosen design principle.
PEER'S FEEDBACK
It took a while for them to notice the two main figures. Once they notice where both the subjects were located, they could not unsee it. Two of them stated that trying to decipher the artwork made their brains hurt. Some complimented the excellent design composition which made me very content and fulfilled.
REFLECTIONS
1. EXPERIENCES
After completing the exercises, I was able to better differentiate
between each design principle and ways to implement it into an
artwork. Next, I am now able to recognize ways to make a composition
more interesting and dynamic from attentively listening to Dr. Charles
‘feedback on not just my work but others as well. The exercises have
allowed me to understand the concept of progression when creating a
piece of artwork. For example, if it wasn't for Dr. Charles's
feedback, I would not have refined my work even further and be unable
to apply my abilities to the fullest potential. Last but not least,
having the opportunity to hone my skills in creating digital art is my
proudest achievement from the exercises so far.
2. OBSERVATIONS
During the exercises, I was able to identify the very element
that has inhibited my creative progress; perfection. Starting from
Week 1 itself, I was very motivated and determined to a top
student in the class. However, later as the week goes by, the
initial tank of motivation and drive I once possessed had started
to fizzle out allowing for procrastination to occur. All of that
was because I had constantly aim to achieve perfection and be the best. If there was
once where I knew perfection wasn't in my grasp, I would, in turn,
delay completing the exercise until a later date. It was indeed
a bad mentality to practice. Fortunately, the design exercises has
truly taught me to just enjoy the journey of "designing" and lastly,
reminding myself with a quote by Bill Phillips persuading us
to "Focus on progress, not perfection".
3. FINDINGS
While working on my chosen theme for the exercises, I did conduct extensive research regarding the topic of poverty. Frankly, that has opened my eyes to the severity of social oppression in many aspects of life. Other than that, I have found that parents these days are willing to sacrifice their offspring just to earn money and essentially, survive. On the contrary, I have always thought that parents would rather sacrifice themselves for their children instead of inflicting harm to them.
REFERENCES
- BBC. (2021, November 25). Aberfan: Tests on children after disaster 'like torture'. BBC News. Retrieved January 20, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-wales-59346547
- Changing Mind. Org. (n.d.). The Meaning of Colors. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from http://changingminds.org/disciplines/communication/color_effect.htm#:~:text=Dull%20shades%2C%20such%20as%20gray%20and%20dark%20browns%20indicate%20poverty.
- Elkins, K. (2016, October 11). 8 ways rich people view the world differently than the average person. CNBC. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from https://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/11/8-ways-rich-people-view-the-world-differently-than-the-average-person.html
- Maher, A. (2016, April 19). Iraqi families sell organs to overcome poverty. BBC News. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-36083800
- Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Masochism. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved January 18, 2022, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/masochism
- Zuo, M. (2021, December 15). Man in China jailed after selling his 5 children to human traffickers. South China Morning Post. Retrieved January 9, 2022, from https://www.scmp.com/news/people-culture/social-welfare/article/3159816/china-crime-man-who-sold-his-5-children-human
Well! you truly saved the best ones for last! took me by surprise! They work and they are very well executed solutions! Well done!
ReplyDelete