Design Principles ✦Exercises✦
WEEK 1 - WEEK 4
✦Ariel Chin Bei Yi 0343651✦
◇─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────◇
✦INSTRUCTIONS✦
This assignment is the
first assignment for the Design Principles module. It requires us to select and
create 1 design for each chosen design principle learnt during the lecture
materials provided, which are Gestalt theory, Contrast, Emphasis, Balance,
Repetition, Movement, Harmony and Unity, Symbol, as well as Word and Image.
The design principles
learnt is used to create various designs that are seen surrounding us. Based on
the live briefing carried out during the second week of the semester, we are
required to use these principles as the center of our original designs in which
we use existing materials as references to inspire our work. Therefore, the
design principles that I have chosen are Contrast, Balance, Emphasis, Harmony
and Movement.
✦CONTRAST✦
1.1 Small Recap
The contrast
principle is defined as the juxtaposition of elements that are extremely
different from each other. Contrast is important in visual experiences as an
art piece would appear uninteresting if no contrasting components are present.
This particular principle is able to enhance an image by providing visual
interest, emphasizing on a point and expressing the content of the image.
Based on the
lecture, a common example of contrast is a highly saturated component
contrasted against a desaturated background.
1.2 Design process
1.2.1 Visual references
I look through
various references and photographs that created contrast and noticed that red
and white complements each other really well.
 | ||
Figure 1.1: Snow by Afire @muranzx on Twitter
|
 |
| Figure 1.3: Traditional Chinese Hanfu by YinYu on Pinterest |
I started drafting my own idea using the thumbnailing method in order to have a clear visual of my desired outcome before moving to a larger canvas. Then, I further refine the sketches as I proceeded with the design.
 |
| Figure 1.4: Thumbnailing process |
 |
| Figure 1.5: Drafting |
 |
| Figure 1.6: Refining |
 |
| Figure 1.7: Final outcome named 'Red Winter' |
Red, white and black are classic colours that complement each other well while being the total opposites of each other resulting in an image with high contrast. The main theme of this artwork is the end of winter with heavy snowfall. Pure white snow falls onto the ground reflecting the sunlight that falls onto it creating a mystical white background.
The bright red Hanfu worn by the lady with hair as dark as the night stands upon the light background creating a strong contrast between red, black and white. The colour scheme chosen gives an impression of the flower which is the emblem of winter, plum blossoms. Plum blossoms grow during the winter and appear in an eye-catching red colour. This particular flower represents hope after enduring a long cold season. Snow piles can be seen on the lady’s head and Hanfu appearing as seem she has been under the snow for a while. However, a smile can be seen on her face with eyes sparkling representing the hopefulness amidst the prickling cold weather.
In conclusion, the lady in red represents plum blossoms who offers hope to those who endured a long winter and also signifies the end of winter. The red flowers surrounding here further enhances the concept of plum blossoms resulting in a complete image with a clear idea shown.
1.2.4 Lecturer’s feedback
During the live
classes, Miss Yip have evaluated my work. Miss Yip stated that the composition
of my work was balanced in a way that I made good use of the space of the canvas.
The contrast between red and black against white was also strongly seen resulting
in the design principle chosen to be very obvious. Based on my work, the sensitivity
in creating composition was also good.
The feedback
given was rather positive which made me more confident in my own work as I was a
little unsure on the way I grasped the concept.
1.2.5 Weekly reflection
The detailed
briefing of this particular assignment was carried out during the second week
of the semester as a public holiday coincided with the first lecture slot.
Although one week of the assignment was missed, our lecturer, miss Yip have prepared
pre-recorded lectures to guide us through the assignment. After the briefing
regarding our assignment was done, we are required to begin brainstorming and
drafting out ideas.
The first principle, contrast, was a challenge as I am used to making art using many elements instead of simple contrasting colours. I brainstormed using many references I found online. The contrasting colours I chose, which are red, black and white were taken inspiration from one of my favorite flowers, plum blossoms.
✦BALANCE✦
2.1 Small Recap
The balance
principle defines as the distribution of visual weight of object, colors,
texture, and space in a design. This particular principle aids in balancing the
total image of an art piece by achieving visual equilibrium of the elements.
There are many ways to achieve balance in an image, which
are listed down below as:
Symmetrical
balance: balance occurs when you have two identical sides of a design with a
central point of axis.
Asymmetrical
balance: balance occurs when you have different visual images on either side of
a design, in which one side of the composition is more dominant while the other
side contains lesser focal points.
The Golden ratio:
The representative of perfect beauty that is uniquely found throughout nature.
Rule of thirds:
A composition guideline that places your subject in the left or right third of
an image, leaving the other two thirds more open
2.2 Design process
1.2.1 Visual reference
I decided to
create a design surrounding spring as the main theme. I researched on spring
flowers and aesthetics. As I found more and more reference, I decided to create
balance using spring showers as a theme.
 | ||
Figure 2.1: Daffodils by Markruse17 on Pinterest
|
 |
| Figure 2.3: Flower field by Ouie @ouie_e on Twitter |
1.2.2 Idea exploration
I have plotted
out the rule of thirds on my canvas in order to not break away from the rule. I
thought of only drawing flowers for the design but switched to a more complex
drawing in order to add more personality into my design. The sketch were then
transferred to a larger canvas to be worked on and completed.
 |
| Figure 2.4: Thumbnailing process |
 |
| Figure 2.5: Drafting |
 |
| Figure 2.6: Refining |
 |
| Figure 2.7: Final edit |
2.2.3 Final outcome with rationale
 |
| Figure 2.8: Final product named 'Spring Shower' |
In this design,
balance was created using the rule of thirds. The theme of this artwork is spring
shower. In spring, quick rain is an often occurrence in which a beautiful dewy
scene appears after the rain. The air is seen as crisp and fresh after the rain
reflecting a clear blue sky with purple accent.
The setting of
this design is at the brink of dawn to represent the start of the day in which spring
represents new beginnings. A girl in a bright yellow raincoat stands at the
right of the artwork according to the rule of thirds. The yellow raincoat creates
a striking point at the corner of the canvas signifying the end of a spring
shower.
In conclusion,
the end of a spring shower signifies the beginning of spring. The smile seen on
the girl in raincoat shows her welcoming new beginnings and journeys as a new
season starts. The surrounding flowers further enhances that spring has arrived.
2.2.4 Lecturer’s feedback
After the
evaluation, Miss Yip have given appraisals as well as feedback to improve my work.
Miss Yip have complemented the colors of my work stating that the combination
of colors chosen was very well thought out. She also stated that the use of
space was well done.
Improvements
that could be done is that at the left side of the umbrella held by the girl
looks a little empty. Thus, Miss Yip suggested to add more daffodils at that
side to reduce the bareness of the entire composition. I agree with the
suggestion given and adjusted my artwork accordingly in which a small adjustment
gave a great improvement in the image as a whole.
2.2.5 Weekly reflection
I have thoroughly reviewed the pre-recorded lectures provided by Miss Yip and the extra materials to improve my understanding on the various design principles learnt. Due to my lack in knowledge about design theory as I am a student with a science background, drawing with rules applied was a challenge. However, I am not dejected by this fact, in return, I was driven to work harder in order to improve my knowledge in design principles.
The second
principle I have done was balance. There are many ways to achieve balance in a
certain design. The way I have chosen for this piece was the rule of thirds. I
admire the beautiful composition done according to the rule of thirds and
decided to create a design from it. I had a lot of fun trying different
composition to achieve balance and gained many experiences.
◇─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────◇
✦EMPHASIS✦
3.1 Small Recap
The emphasis
principle is used to create dominance and focus in a certain art piece.
Emphasis is the part of the design that catches the viewer's attention. Based
on the lecture, emphasis and contrast goes hand-in-hand. The main difference
between the two principles is that contrast contains two strongly dissimilar
elements while emphasis will enhance the appearance of a single element in the
midst of many lesser elements. For example, a bright necklace is enhanced in an
image of a well-dressed lady.
3.2 Design process
1.2.1 Visual reference
Summer was
chosen as a theme for this piece. Thus, I went to research on art pieces that show
the striking blue colour that represents summer so that I could incorporate
those lively colours to serve as an emphasis in my own design.
 |
| Figure 3.1: Let's meet again next summer by Hanekoto on Pixiv |
 |
| Figure 3.2: Yonaha beach on Pinterest |
 |
| Figure 3.3: House Girl by Mika Pikazo on Pixiv |
1.2.2 Idea exploration
I have tested
out various combination of blue shades to find the most fitting that represents
the cool and fresh feeling of summer. I also drafted out initial ideas using
the thumbnailing method which then further progresses into the final outcome.
 |
| Figure 3.4: Thumbnailing process |
 |
| Figure 3.5: Drafting |
 |
| Figure 3.6: Refining |
 |
| Figure 3.7: Final edit |
3.2.3 Final outcome and rationale
 |
| Figure 3.8: Final outcome named 'Summer Days' |
The main
emphasis of this art work is the girl with the sky-blue blouse and fan. Summer
is known to have long days due to the sun rising early and setting late. The
hot weather combined with the long days have made everything plain and dull. The
boring days of summer that began to mix together is represented by the crowd in
the background. The crowd has a light colour palette to appear as the lesser
element of the piece and not steal the attention from the main focus, which is
the girl in blue.
The main element
of this particular design based on emphasis is the girl in the middle of the
canvas. The pattern of the girl’s outfit appears as the vibrant blue sky which
creates a contrast with the plain white outfits of the crowd. Her dark hair
also creates a contrast which further emphasizes herself in the midst of many
people.
The
representation of the girl in blue is the opposite of the white crowd, while
the crowd of people represents the mundane days of summer, the girl in blue
represents that one special day of summer. Moreover, the fan over her mouth gives
a mysterious vibe in which the audience does not know what the girl is feeling.
This is as that one unforgettable summer day which could be filled with a
rollercoaster of emotions, such as sadness or happiness.
3.2.4 Lecturer’s Feedback
I have shown Miss Yip the initial thumbnail of my design in which she evaluated accordingly. Since the design is still in the planning stage, many adjustments could be done freely. Based on the feedback given, the crowd of people in the background can be made smaller and less seen while the girl in blue which is the main emphasis of the piece can be made larger. This can be made into a diamond shaped composition in order to prevent the entire image to appear cramp. Thus, I have taken note of the feedback given and proceeded with the drafting process with it in mind. The result can be shown that the main focus of the art is significantly larger than the lesser elements.
After the final
outcome is completed, it was evaluated once again during the live lecture in
which Miss Yip suggested I could add some complementary colours, such as orange
to improve the emphasis shown in the artwork. Hence, I made some adjustments
according to the feedback given and ended up with a product that has higher
satisfaction.
3.2.5 Weekly Reflection
During week 3, I
began with the designs of the remaining principles after the online class with
Miss Yip. After looking at the works of other students, I realized I had to keep
up with the pace as the deadline is on week 4 and there are still 3 remaining
principles to design. I swiftly start the brainstorming process and draft out
clear ideas for the remaining principle as well as complete my other assignments
based on priority.
In my opinion,
emphasis was one of the harder principles to capture as I was constantly
confused between emphasis and contrast. Fortunately, I had teachers and friends
from other art courses to help me understand the clear difference between the
two principles. Thus, I have created my own design based on emphasis utilizing vibrant
blue colors to emphasize the main focus of the artwork as well as represent the
hot season of summer.
✦MOVEMENT✦
4.1 Small Recap
The definition
of the movement principle refers to the path the viewer's eye takes through the
work of art, often to focal areas. This principle often occurs when
objects appear to be in motion in a visual image. Such movement can be directed
along lines, curves, forms, shape, and color within a work of art. Based on the
lecture, movement is important to create a dynamic image that will attract the
attention of the audience.
4.2 Design process
4.2.1 Visual reference
I chose
fall as the theme for the design principle, movement. I studied references on
how body or external movement would affect the flow of a certain fabric.
 | |||||
Figure 4.1: Falling by Redum @REDUM4 on Twitter
|
I drafted several
sketches surrounding movement. The initial draft was a girl dancing in the autumn
wind surrounded by fallen leaves. However, I changed the concept to a girl
falling down accompanied by falling leaves to express a movement of a larger
scale.
 |
| Figure 4.4: Thumbnailing process |
 |
| Figure 4.5: Draft #1 Dancing with the wind |
 |
| Figure 4.6: Draft #2 Fallen leaves |
4.2.3 Final outcome and rationale
 |
| Figure 4.7: Fallen Leaves |
The theme of
this design is based on the season full of vibrant orange and red, autumn. I
chose this theme as autumn is filled with movement. During autumn, decaying
leaves are falling to the ground and as the weather gets older, strong winds start
to pick up which creates more movement to the surrounding items. Another name
for autumn is fall, representing movement literally.
In the artwork,
a girl appears to be falling from a high place. In order to further enhance the
scale of movement, vibrant coloured leaves are added to accompany the falling
girl. This represents a strong wind blowing through the scene causing a mass
amount of decaying leaves to fall from the trees. Hence, the direction of
movement can be seen to be from top to bottom.
Other than that,
the frilly skirt of the girl is also dramatized and appeared to be blowing in
the direction of the movement along with long brown hair of the girl. This
further supports the idea of the girl falling from above. In conclusion, fallen
leaves represent the autumn season which is filled with various movement by the
winds.
Miss Yip pointed
out that the second draft showed a larger scale of movement than the initial
draft which made me glad at my choice to come up with the second draft as I am
not satisfied with my initial idea. During the evaluation, the lecturer pointed
out that movement was obviously shown in the final outcome in which all the
elements aided in showing that the girl is falling from a high place, such as
the leaves, the flapping of the skirt, the hair and the wind lines in the
background. She also pointed out that the use of analogous colours which are
autumn colours is suitable.
4.2.5 Weekly Reflection
As the deadline
is closing in, I have finished up to my second last design of the assignment. I
felt that feeling too stressed about it would hinder my creative thinking
process so I decided to manage my time properly in order to have enough time
for the drafting process of the remaining designs. This allowed me to submit
satisfying artworks.
The design principle, movement was the most fun for me to create a design from. I like creating dynamic pieces of work as it could deliver a very quirky personality compared to works where the elements are standing still. I also had a fun time in mapping out the direction of movement of the artwork. Overall, I was very satisfied with the outcome of ‘Fallen Leaves’ which is based on the design principle, movements.
✦HARMONY✦
5.1 Small Recap
The
principle, harmony is defined a cohesiveness between the elements in a
composition. A design with harmony will include elements of the same theme,
aesthetic style and mood which makes the components in an artwork fit together.
For example, an artwork containing the same colour pallete.
5.2 Design process
1.2.1 Visual reference
It was difficult
to settle on a specific harmonious style but I found some references that
consisted of similar colour and theme. I did some researching from my favorite
artists who is famous for incorporating a specific colour palette to each of
their art works.
 | ||
Figure 5.1: Lemon Yellow by Akakura on Pixiv
|
 |
| Figure 5.3: Spring break by Nao @bestrollever on Twitter |
1.2.2 Idea exploration
It was difficult
to create a design based on harmony without making the artwork look too
cluttered. My first draft had too many elements in it which made the overall
canvas look too complicated. Thus, I drafted another piece which includes less
elements and made the main character appear to be floating.
 |
| Figure 5.4: Thumbnailing process |
 |
| Figure 5.5: Draft 1 (too complicated) |
 |
| Figure 5.6: Final draft (more harmonious) |
 |
| Figure 5.7: Spring Tea Party |
Harmony can be achieved
with elements that are similar in colour, theme and aesthetics. The theme of
this design based on harmony is a tea party held in spring. Since the party
takes place during spring, the desserts are all based on cherry blossoms. The
main colour palette of this art work is warm colours in the spectrum of pink
and orange to represent the cherry blossoms that bloom during spring.
The particular
tea party is attended by a quirky lady who immediately starts munching on the desserts
and tea served. The little lady is dressed in warm tones of orange and pink
which fits the theme of the entire design, hence, creating harmony in colours.
Hence, the entire artwork is based on a warm pink theme.
There are also cute desserts and tea served around the lady creating a harmony in aesthetics as many elements associated with each other appear together at one place. The lively personality of the lady represents the liveliness due to the arrival of spring, such as animals coming out of hibernation or flowers starting to grow out the ground. In conclusion, harmony was achieved by ensuring the whole artwork is based on a specific colour palette with colours matching close to each other as well as elements of the same aesthetic.
1.2.4 Lecturer’s Feedback
During the
evaluation, Miss Yip stated that my initial draft was quite a good idea and it
would be not that not complicated if it was proceeded. However, I thought that
the elements would be too cluttered so I changed the design to be more compact
and simpler in which only a few elements are highlighted to represent harmony.
Other than that, the lecturer also pointed out that there was a good use of
space as well as the use of grouping in which the side elements which are the
cakes and tea forms small groups surrounding the girl. The way the girl is
positioned and her fluffy skirt also created balance in the overall image.
5.2.5 Weekly Reflection
At the end of week
4, I have created all 5 designs based on the principles and completed the first
assignment of Design Principles. I chose my final design of this assignment to
be based on harmony. The common color palette was fun to explore in which made
this design quite comfortable to complete. As my major is in science, I had to
juggle about two completely dissimilar topics which made me confuse at times. Although
I had to work harder than others to manage two different courses at the same
time, it served as a challenge for me to do my best in both.
In conclusion, I
have gained many knowledge and experiences through this design assignment in which
I have learnt a lot. I have improved myself in time management skills in
handling both school and personal life. This allowed me to manage my time accordingly
in which I had sufficient amount of time to complete both my science and design
assignments. Furthermore, I have gained knowledge in design principles which greatly
improved my design skills.
Comments
Post a Comment