Design Principles - Exercises

 

29/03/2022 - 26/04/2022 (Week 1- 5)
Yong Kai Yi (0352826)
Design Principles 
Exercises


Week 5 (26/04/2022):

Additional Visual Research for Exercise 3:

Fig 5.01: visual research from Pinterest

Fig 5.02: visual research from Pinterest

Fig 5.03: visual research from Pinterest

Fig 5.04: visual research from Pinterest

Fig 5.05: visual research from Pinterest


Fig 5.06: visual research from Pinterest

Fig 5.07: visual research from Pinterest

These are some additional researches after the feedback session. I searched some elements that represents 'hope'. I Googled symbol of hope then found out deer and butterflies actually symbolizes 'hope', I tried used them as reference but ended up not so satisfy with the sketches. 

Then, I found the beautiful flowers named Iris and Gladiolus symbolizes 'hope', and they are quite matching together, thus I used them as a inspiration and reference for my work. I use skull as the main object to emphasize the symbol of hope from the flowers.


Exercise 3.1: Harmony

Final Outcome:
Fig 5.08: harmony final outcome

This is the final outcome for harmony. I flipped them horizontally and vertically, changed their sizes and rotated. This time I arranged them with more spaces and loose thus the whole image will not looks too intense and tight.


Exercise 3.2: Symbol

1st attempt:
Fig 5.09: symbol of hope 1st attempt

This is my another attempt for the symbol. I used the one line method to draw a face and fill with colorful flowers, I thought it give the vibe of simplicity and delivers the message indirectly as I also wrote the word 'hope' besides the eye. 

Final sketch: 
Fig 5.10: symbol of hope final sketch

This is the final sketch of the new idea to symbolize 'hope'. I included the Iris and Gladiolus flowers and butterflies. It delivers the message of hope in a simple way as the skull is dark but ended up blooming flowers from the eye, with colors. 

Lecturer's feedback:
It's more symbolic (compare to the previous attempts) and have a strong message.

Final outcome:
Fig 5.11: symbol of hope final outcome

This the final outcome after filling colors. I mainly used the warm color tone, which are yellow, orange and red because it is the most common colors for the Gladiolus flower, and it also symbolize positivity for me. But I added the blue Iris in the bunch of Gladiolus to make it not too overwhelmed, kind of balance it a bit.


Reflections:

In week 5's feedback session, I received some feedbacks and perspectives from the lecturer. I made more researches to explore more, thus I can improve my work, especially for the symbol ones. I think I am not good at delivering messages through art, as I always create something that me myself feels and understands, but sometimes what I think is not the same with others, as people have different perspectives. 


Week 4 (19/04/2022):

During week 4, is public holiday, but Dr. P conducted an additional class at 15/04/2022 as replacement. I received some feedbacks during the consultation hour.

Visual Research:

Harmony
Fig 4.01: visual research from Pinterest
Fig 4.02: visual research from Pinterest
Fig 4.03: visual research from Pinterest

I did some researches for the designs of film rolls in Pinterest. To create a layout of film rolls with the color green, which is also the color from brand Fuji. 

Symbol
Fig 4.04: visual research from Pinterest

This is a picture from Pinterest, when I search for 'hope'. I found this is quite interesting, the little flowers were stick below the eye with a bandage plaster. The picture gave me a feel of that the person looks miserable, but there is a bandage plaster with flowers covering/ healing the wound the person had suffered, it have the feeling of hope for me, thus I chose this as the inspiration for my work.


Exercise 3.1: Harmony

Progressions:
Fig 4.05: harmony 1st attempt

I chose this beige and green palette as the main colorway for this artwork, as it gave me a warm, soft and harmony feel. The reason I chose to draw film rolls is because I was so into film photography these days, and I was inspired by one of the film stores which decorated with film rolls. I positioned them in a tidy and tight way so that no elements will be too distracted or pops out.

Lecturer's feedbacks:
The arrangement is too tight, feels like a wrapper. The patterns is not repeating in a consistent way. Can try to play around the arrangements, tilt it or flip it around, adjust the sizes.


Exercise 3.2: Symbol

Progressions:
Fig 4.06: symbol of hope 1st sketch

I wanted to create a symbol of hope, thus I did some researches, and love the concept of the combination of the eye and flowers. The eyeball acts as the letter 'O' of the word 'hope'. The eye means a window/ a gateway into ones soul to me, thus I think hope can be seen through the eye if the person is full with hope or hopeless. I added flowers on it to emphasize the message of hope.

Lecturer's feedbacks:
It doesn't have a symbol of hope if the word 'hope' is removed. Do more researches on symbols of hope, what colors represents hope and so on.


Reflections:

During week 4, although it is public holiday but we still have additional class available for asking feedbacks from the lecturer. I got to see the things in a different perspective after listening to the lecturer's feedbacks and opinion. The feedbacks session is quite useful for me as I can explore more after knowing different point of views.


Week 3 (12/04/2022) : 

Lecture 4: Harmony, Unity

4.1 Harmony
Fig 3.01: harmony applied in photography 

Harmony is the sense of all elements of design fit together. They may fit the same theme, aesthetic style or mood. It involves the selection of elements that share a common trait.

4.2 Unity
Fig 3.02: unity applied in illustration

Unity refers to the repetition of particular elements, whether they are colors, shapes or materials. Unity give a sense of oneness.

4.3 Scale & Proportion

1. Scale: the size of one object in relation to the other object in design.
2. Proportion: the parts of one object in relation to other parts of the same object

4.3.1 Scale
Scale can be determined in two ways: Actual measurement & Visual estimates based on comparison
 
4.3.2 Proportion
Proportion in art and design is the relationship of 2 or more elements in a composition. The effective use of proportion can results harmony and unity. 


Lecture 5: Symbol, Word & Image 

5.1 Symbol
A sign, shape/ object that used to represents something else. Symbols can provide information equivalent to one or more sentences of text, or even a whole story.

Fig 3.03: type of symbols

5.1.1 Pictorial Symbols 
Image related and simplified pictures.

Fig 3.04: pictorial symbol used in educational purpose

Pictorial symbols are useful for educational materials as they enable the learner to see the object of study in almost a real visual form. 

5.1.2 Abstract Symbols
It represents the objects with lesser details.

Fig 3.05: abstract symbol used in company logo

The example above shown is a logo from Malaysia airline, it was inspired by the Malaysia traditional 'Wau' (which is kind of kite). As the 'Wau' flies in the sky and also one of the most symbolic elements that represents Malaysia.

5.1.3 Arbitrary Symbols
It have no resemblance at all to the objects or the ideas they wanted to represent. They are invented with the meaning constructed. Most of them are based on geometric shapes.

Fig 3.06: arbitrary symbols examples

Some of these symbols' meaning already known to us because we often sees them in our daily life.

5.2 Word & Image
Imagery is a vital part of design, viewers are able to relate to a concept if the right images are used in a design. 

Utilizing the right words to match with the image is important as it would deepen the meaning of the design. Suitable typeface and positioning will result in visual hierarchy and balance in the design.

Fig 3.07: words and image of a book cover

The typeface used is like handwriting style and looks relaxed which suitable for the topic of the book.

Fig 3.08: words and image of Malaysia airlines poster

The comparison of two Malaysia airline company shown above, utilizes word and image to represents their company style and aim. The Air Asia's poster has the style of youth, dynamic and more informal /relaxed. Whereas the MAS airline company's poster has a more mature, formal and stable image. 


Exercise 2.1: Balance

Final outcome: 

Fig 3.09: final asymmetry balance

After receiving the feedbacks from the lecturer, I cropped the front layer of the sea and added some green shades on it. 


Exercise 2.2: Emphasis

Final outcome: 

Fig 3.10: final emphasis

After the feedbacks, I brainstormed a lot on how to create an artwork which represents 'Jamie'. 

So I have another idea which is doing in a alternative way, I tried drawing a character using me myself as a reference. The reason why the character's left hand was 'bleeding' with colors as I am left-handed and I love drawing, thus this detail represents my passion to it. The colors is mainly in yellow and orange which symbolize happy, positivity and sunshine. 

The background full with my name in my own handwriting, every word is different as I wrote them one by one, it shows that I am a quite capricious person, I often changed my mind easily. Besides it also symbolize I am a quite talkative person too. 

The grayscale background gets to create emphasis on the character with a big smile. Repetition also applied in this work, as the background is full with repetitive words. 



Reflections:

During week 3, I received some feedbacks for the balance and emphasis exercises, it helps me to understand more about the principles. The lecturer explained regarding my first attempt of artwork for emphasis, the doodle is nice but it is better to draw something related and able to tell a story. I found that is quite challenging to create an artwork that can tell stories, and I found it is quite interesting. I will try to explore more in this.


Week 2 (05/04/2022) : 

Lecture 2: Balance, Emphasis

1.Balance 

Fig 2.01: balance in photography sample

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. It is the visual equilibrium of the elements that able to balance to design and make it more feel more stable.

1.1 Symmetrical Balance 

Fig 2.02: bilateral balance

Bilateral balance: has equal "weight" and arrangements on equal sides of the central axis
 ( horizontal or vertical)

Fig 2.03: radial balance

Radial balance: arranging elements equally around a central point 

1.15 Approximate Symmetry 

Fig 2.04: approximate symmetry

 Equivalent but not identical forms are arranged around the fulcrum line. 

1.2 Asymmetrical Balance 

Fig 2.05: asymmetrical balance

It has unequal visual weight on each side, one side of the composition might contain a dominant element, whereas the other side might have lesser focal point to balance the image.

1.3 The Golden Ratio

Fig 2.06: The Golden Ratio

The Golden Ratio is a mathematical concept, it was perceived as the representative of perfect beauty throughout the centuries. It has been used as a guide to create visual balance in architecture, paintings, designs and illustration, because it can bring harmony, balance and structure to one's work.

1.4 Rule of thirds 

Fig 2.07: Rule of thirds

An image is divided evenly into thirds both horizontally and vertically, and the subject is placed at the intersection of those dividing lines. It can create more dynamism to a work of design.


2. Emphasis and Dominance 
Emphasis is used to create dominance and focus in a design work. 

Fig 2.08: The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí

Emphasis was given to the organic shapes of melting clocks


Lecture 3: Repetition, Movement 

3.1 Repetition
Fig 2.09: repetition design from Google

The repetition of elements of design creates rhythm and pattern in a work, the repetitive pattern increases the visual excitement by enriching surface interest.  

3.2 Movement
Fig 2.10: The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh

Movement in design means the way leads the eye in, around, and through a composition. Movement in a visual image comes from the kinds of shapes, forms, lines, and curves that are used. Motion in a visual image occurs when objects seems to be moving. 

3.3 Hierarchy
Fig 2.11: website design from Google 

Hierarchy is the choreography of content in a composition to communicate information and convey meaning. Visual hierarchy directs viewers to the most important information, then navigates to the secondary content. 

Additional notes


Fig 2.12: close composition and open composition 


The picture on the left is an example of close composition, all the elements in an enclosed space, whereas the picture on the right is an example of open composition.



Visual Research:

Balance

Fig 2.13: three visual research from Pinterest 


Fig 2.14: visual research from Behance 

This is a composition from Shoe Lab Sneaker Releases 2021 created by Carlos Jiménez Varela. It is interesting to see that a sneaker with cool color tone appears in a place with warm color tone. 

These artworks inspires me to make a combination with a vibrant color sneaker and the calm blue sea, which will make asymmetrical balance in value and the sneaker will be the dominant element in the image.

Emphasis

Fig 2.15: visual research from Google

This is a poster from one of my favorite movies, Schindler's List. The little girl in red coat is the most obvious symbol. In this movie, the red coat is the only object with colors on, which creates a strong focal point in the whole movie and also the poster above.

This inspires me that color values can help emphasize a main object.


Exercise 2.1: Balance 

Fig 2.16: asymmetry balance

The artwork above is a sneaker sinking into the ocean. The sneaker is in red vibrant color whereas the ocean is plain blue tone. The sneaker is the dominant object of the artwork, while the deep blue sea creates a lesser focal point to form asymmetrical balance. 

Lecturer feedbacks:
Overall is nice, but the blue sea layer on the top should be crop so the bottom of the image will not be too empty.


Exercise 2.2: Emphasis 

Fig 2.17: emphasis

The artwork above, I drew full of black and white doodle in the background, and used yellow color to emphasize my name in the middle. 

Lecturer feedbacks:
The doodle behind my name 'Jamie' is better if have a story in it and related to the name 'Jamie ' that I trying to emphasize. Aim to create a work that can represent my name 'Jamie'. 


Reflection: Week 2

In week 2, first time getting feedbacks from lecturer for our exercise. I think it is quite useful to have one on one discussion, to improve our skills and thinking. Besides, we learned 4 design principles, including balance, emphasis, repetition and movement. 


Week 1 (29/03/2022): 

In week 1 design principles class, we met our lecturer Dr. P, she briefed us on the overview of this module. After the briefing, we had a ice-breaking session, we introduced ourselves and have a fun time during the class.

Module information booklet:


Lecture 1.1: Elements & Principles of Design

Fig 1.01 : Elements of design

In this lecture, Dr.Jinchi introduced us the 7 elements of design (fig 1.01) , and 12 principles of design. In the work of design, the elements of design are individual "building blocks" while the principles of design are the organizational fundamental that guides the arrangement of the elements. 

Dr. Jinchi also explained the value of colors which are tint, tone and shade, I found that was quite interesting as I was confused of the values before that.


Lecture 1.2: Gestalt theory and Contrast 
Fig 1.02: Contrast shown in book designs

In lecture 1.2, we focused on one of the principles which is Contrast. Contrast is the comparison of strongly dissimilar elements. Contrast can provides a more interesting visual experience. Dr. Jinchi also showed us a few examples of contrast shown in architectures, poster designs, book designs, web designs and so on. 

Fig 1.03: Gestalt theory

Next, we also learned the 6 principles from Gestalt theory, which are similarity, continuation, closure, proximity, figure/ground and symmetry. Gestalt theory was developed by a group of psychologist in 1920s. Gestalt principles are rules that describe how the human eye perceives visual elements.



Principle of Similarity

-human eye tends to group similar shapes/elements together 





Principle of Continuation

-human eye prefers to see a continuous flow 





Principle of Closure

-human eye can perceive a complete shape even though the visual elements are incomplete by filling in missing visual information.




Principle of Proximity

- helps to organize a layout by placing related design elements together to become one visual unit



Principle of Figure / Ground

-objects are perceived as being either in the foreground or the background.




Law of Symmetry & Order

- elements that are symmetrical to each other tend to perceived as a unified group.





Visual Research :

Contrast

My first idea of the contrast principle, is an element/object being different and pops up while the others object in the background are similar to each other. Thus, the message can be delivered clearly by making a strong comparison. 
Fig 1.04 : Visual research from Pinterest


The picture above shown is founded from Pinterest as an idea of my work. Which is a scene with crowded people and a person facing another side ,which brings out the contrary of the image. 


Fig 1.05 : Visual research from LV website

The picture above shown is founded from Louis Vuitton website, which is one of my favorite varsity jacket design. It inspires me of the color combination of yellow and black, which brings a strong contrast and aesthetic. 

 
Gestalt Theory
 
After the lecture, getting to know more about the principles. I started to do researches regarding the principle of symmetry as I found it quite interesting and wanted to explore more of it's possibility. 


Fig 1.05 : Visual research from Google

The picture shown is a screenshot of the Photo booth app from iPad, which have the 'Mirror' function and this shows the principle of symmetry. I was inspired by this idea, and tried to explore more. 


Fig 1.06 : Exploring symmetry by Photo Booth app

Fig 1.07 : Exploring symmetry by Photo Booth app

The pictures above shown is me myself taking pictures by using the app to find inspiration for the artwork of symmetry. As a result, I found that it can form an animal's face by changing the position of fingers.



Exercise 1.1: Contrast 

Fig 1.08: Artwork of Contrast

The picture above is my final artwork with the principle of contrast. The message I wanted to deliver besides contrast and also the idea of being yourselves even you are different with others. Instead of following the trend, it is better to be yourself and do what you really loves. Always choose the way that best suits your own personality and preference. Heading to an opposite direction doesn't mean you are in the wrong path.

Lecturer's feedback:
 Overall image is flat, needed some shades so the crowded people will not look like sticking to the black background. Explore more about neutral colors.

Fig 1.09: Artwork of Contrast after feedback

After consulting Dr. P, I collected some opinions and add some shades, slightly change the color to make it more pops out rather than just flat.


Exercise 1.2: Gestalt theory 


Fig 1.10 : Artwork of Gestalt theory (symmetry)

The picture above is my final artwork of Gestalt theory with the law of symmetry & order. The finger symmetry idea was inspired by the app Photo Booth. I found that the form and shape of the symmetry of fingers is similar with the face of a fox. Thus, the this artwork produced with the color combination of a fox.

Lecturer's feedback:
Delivering the message too direct, should leave some space of imagination for the audience. The main thing is to show the principle of symmetry rather than let people know this is a fox.

Fig 1.11 : Artwork of Gestalt theory (symmetry) after feedback

After receiving feedbacks and opinions, I changed the finger's color to plain rather than the fox color palette. 


Reflection: Week 1

During the first week is quite clueless for me, as it is my first time attending psychical class in university and is only my semester 2 in year 1. The lecturer, Dr. Pouline is really nice and also has a great sense of humor which make the class even more fun. 








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