8/Jan/2022 - 21/Jan/2022 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Kim MinJoon (0353248)
Bachelor
of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / GCD60804 / Taylor's University
Exercises
LECTURES
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Week 1 - ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Topic 1.1 - ELEMENTS AND PRINCIPLES OF DESIGN
Elements consists of 7 different parts regulating around the concept of design, being;
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Point
- Line
- Shape
- Form
- Texture
- Space
- Color
- POINT
A single point is the most simplest element when in terms of design. When a point gets repetitively used along a plain, it creates a form of a line.
- LINE
Lines can play an important role along with the other elements and it is the most consistently used element in design. Lines can indicate directions, create boundaries, shapes and with different techniques, it can be grouped up of different independent lines to create forms of texture and shadows.
- SHAPE
Shapes usually has 2 types, the organic and the geometric. A shape can be defined as when a line gets enclosed within an area, making a 2 dimensional object on a plain. A geometric shape tends to be a symmetrical object that isn't diverse in the concept an enclosed area. however, organic shapes takes on a different perspective on its lines and can be more precise and regular.
- FORM
Where a shape takes place in a 3-dimentional space, creating a 'Form'. A volume is developed when a form is enclosed. Forms are usually used as a 3-dimensional representation in the sector of sculpture and architecture.
- TEXTURE
Referred to as a 'textile qualities' on a surface. Textures can be implemented by physical contact, or visual representation. There are 2 types of texture; one being actual and simulated/implied. Actual texture can be defined as a texture that is able to be felt by physical implementation and simulated is often for visualized texturing, used often in drawings and paintings.
- SPACE
Space cannot be defined as a quantity since it is a general receptacle of all things. Even when boundaries are formed in a drawing or painting, limitless space can be defined in the boundary. in design, space refers to an area that a shape or form occupies. It can be defined as positive space or negative space determining if the space is filled up by an object or not. if the space is filled up, it is positive, and if it isn't filled, it is referred to as a negative space.
- COLOR
Color is a visual byproduct when a spectrum of light gets passed down through a transparent medium or when it is absorbed and gets reflected off a surface. Light gets perceived in 3 different variables.
Hue: Colors of the spectrum
Value: lightness or darkness of a color, ex: Black, Grey, White.
Intensity: The purity or the saturation of a color/Hue. A pure Hue is the most intense form of a color when it is at its peak saturation.
Color schemes are when a group of colors create a distinct harmony among each other.
Monochromatic color schemes are based on the intensity and the value of a single Hue.
Analogous color schemes are based on colors adjacent to one another on the color wheel.
Complementary color schemes are defined as 2 hues of colors that are directly opposite e of each other on the color wheel.
Principles of design consists of 11 different concepts that uses the
fundamentals of gathered and arranged elements;
- Contrast
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Balance
- Emphasis
- Rules of Third
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Repetition/Pattern/Rhythm
- Movement
- Hierarchy
- Alignment
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Harmony
- Unity
- Proportion
Topic 1.2 - CONTRAST AND GESTALT THEORY
- CONTRAST
Contrast is the juxtaposition of strongly dissimilar elements. It can indicate a point of interest, emphasize and express content to make a figure/shape pop out more in the design than the background. Contrast plays an important role when it comes down to visual experience. without contrast, Visual experience would be dull and monotonous.
- GESTALT THEORY
Human's mind allows us to see unique patterns, logic and structure from dissimilar objects and connections. Gestalt principles/law are rules that describes how the human eye perceives visual elements. This allows us to see simpler shapes in a more complex scene within designs.
Principle of Similarity
Humans eye observes similar elements in a design to be a complete picture,
shape, group, even if they are considered to be separate from each other.
The brain links elements that has similar characteristics together.
Principle of Continuation
Human eye follows the paths, lines and curves of a design, and it prefers
to see a continuous flow of visual elements.
Principle of Closure
Human eyes tends to see complete shapes rather than incomplete ones. If
there is a missing piece of design, the brain can perceive a complete shape
by filling in the missing visual information.
Principle of Proximity
The process of ensuring related design elements are placed together.
unrelated items that are not similar, should be placed away and apart. close
proximity means to have similar connections and have a relationship to one
another to become one visual unit.
Principle of Figure/Ground
Objects are instinctively perceived as being either in the foreground or
the background, they either stand out prominently in the front (the figure)
or recede into the back (the ground).
Principle of Symmetry & Order
this law perceives that objects or elements that are similar/symmetrical to
each other are recognized as a unified group. just like the principle
of similarity, these objects are grouped among the elements that are
similar to each other than the ones that are not symmetrical.
- BALANCE
Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a work of design. it can be described as a visual equilibrium of elements that makes the image look balanced. Balance can be symmetrical or Asymmetrical.
Symmetrical Balance
Has equal footing and "weight" on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum. Equal arrangements of elements from a central axis, either being y or x (vertical or horizontal). Elements that are arranged equally around a central point results in radial balance. Approximate symmetry is when forms that aren't similar to each other are arranged around the fulcrum line.
Asymmetrical Balance
Unequal visual weight on each side of the composition where one side of the
composition might contain a dominant element than the other side, which
could be balanced by a couple or more lesser focal points. This type of
balance gets more dynamic and interesting as it isn't symmetrical all the
way through the whole design. this provides visual variety.
The Golden Ratio
known as 'phi', the golden ratio. The golden ratio is a mathematical
concept and a number that does on indefinitely. The ratio comes directly
from the Fibonacci sequence, a naturally occurring sequence of numbers that
can be found everywhere. Over centuries, the golden ratio was perceived as a
representative of perfect beauty. this ratio was used to guide visual
balance in architecture and paintings. For designers and illustrators, the
ratio was to represent harmony, balance and structure.
Rule of Thirds
Rule of thirds is a composition guideline to create more dynamism to a work
of design/photography/film/painting where an image or a composition is
divided evenly into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and the
subject is placed evenly between the dissection.
- EMPHASIS
Emphasis is a design where a subject is clearly dominant and focused in a work
of art. many ways can be used to create emphasis such as; color, shapes or
value.
- REPETITION
Repetition can make a work of design seem active. It creates rhythm and
pattern within the work. Variety of shapes and lines makes the work of
repetition seem more exciting and active, and also avoids the concept of
monotony. Patterns increases visual excitement by enriching surface
interest.
- MOVEMENT
Its a way for the eye to follow the design around in a composition. It
provides movement in the still picture. It makes it seem that objects are
moving in a visual image. Visualization of movement comes from shapes, lines,
forms and curves.
- HIERARCHY
Hierarchy is the choreography of content in a composition to communicate information and convey meaning. Visual hierarchy directs viewers to the most important information first, and identifies navigation through secondary content.
- ALIGNMENT
Alignment is the placement of elements in a way that edges line up along common rows or columns, or their bodies along a common center. Alignment creates a sense of unity and cohesion, which contributes to the design's overall aesthetic and perceived stability. Alignment can also be a powerful means of leading a person through a design.
- HARMONY
A selection of elements that share a common trait. The concept of harmony does not work if there is no variety among the elements. Harmony is the sense where all the elements that is in the design fit all together.
- UNITY
Unity is a concept where elements are in a repeating manner. Unity refers to how different elements of an artwork or design work come together and create a sense of wholeness.
- SCALE AND PROPORTION
The idea of scale and proportion revolves around how the pieces fit together
in the design. Scale refers to how well your pieces fit in "your space" while
as Proportion refers to how well your pieces fits "together".
Scale
Scale refers to the size and dimension of figures and forms relatively to a
specific unit of measure. Scale is determined in 2 ways;
Actual measurement, Visual Estimates based on comparison.
Architectural models that are used are an example of applied use of scale.
Scale is also used to illustrate details based on size. Substantial
difference in scale can create dramatic effects and results within the
designs.
Proportion
A combination of 2 or more elements in a work of design, with comparable
differences respecting to size, color, etc. Effective use of proportion in
design often results in harmony and unity.
INSTRUCTIONS
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EXERCISES: Individual Assignment
In this exercise, Students are to choose 2 principles from the sectors of design that are informed to them in lectures. With 2 being picked, they carry out a task where they need to use these principles to design a canvas accordingly, following the guidelines in the information booklet.
For this exercise, i have gone with the principles of contrast and emphasis.
There were other choices I could have gone with but these 2 principles were
the ones who caught my attention the most.
VISUAL RESEARCH
For this exercise, I wanted to show off a lot of colors when it came to the principle of contrast. I was thinking about what I could do and the thought of the landscape and the sky being separated into 2 colors was exciting. It felt unique and vibrant to the eye. I searched up the photos and a magazine for the game 'red dead redemption' came along.
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| Figure 1.1 Red Dead Redemption |
The colors were vibrant and it looks fantastic the way it was drawn with all the characters and the trees pointing to the center. I really liked the idea of this and tried to think of another way to put this into my own design. Although the concept of using 2 opposite colors was a fascinating way to show contrast, I wanted to make this design more realistic with its hues. So, as I was going through the internet, I came across a picture of an aurora that was beaming the night sky with its bright hazy aqua colors. I knew I wanted to put that into the artwork.
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| Figure 1.2 Reference of Aurora #1 |
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| Figure 1.3 Reference of Aurora #2 |
- CONTRAST
With the concept of contrast, I wished to make something that is vibrant
appealing to the eye. I was wondering through the internet of what i wanted to
draw, and i thought of an aurora in the night sky in the cold night. With the
idea of an aurora, I wanted to put in a subject that has a sense of
aggravation, and i thought that a wolf would be good in this sort of situation
to give a feeling that something that is dangerous, a sense of calmness.
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Figure 2.1: Background Concept |
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Figure 2.2: Sketch of design |
As i continued on with the sketch, it felt as if something was missing, and the artwork felt dull. I felt as if the wolf was the concentrated subject since the ground was noticeably bigger than the wolf in scale. So as shown in figure 2.3, I constrained the size indefinitely to make it feel more emotional in the artwork.
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Figure 2.3: Change in background |
I wanted to put in details as much as i can to this artwork, so i redid the
wolf's outline but to an extent to show only the shadowing parts of its hair,
and added some highlights to show the reflection of the aurora. The ocean/sea
that was created was difficult to imitate since it wasn't just a reflection of
the sky, but it had details that only the flow of water would have. I
dissected the sky's contrast from being all blue to blue-black-blue to make it
seem that the sky ends in the middle, so it shows that the ocean starts from
where it ends.
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| Figure 2.4: 'Dazed howl' |
VISUAL ANALYSIS
For emphasis, I wanted to make something be focused the most with the help of
lines, shapes and forms. I personally love the concept of simplicity, and
minimalistic styles of artwork so, i went and looked at some of the design
artwork from the game called 'Alto's Adventure'. The scenery that is displayed
while playing the game takes you by surprise since it has so much depth in
color and hue. It plays very well with the music and the sense of calmness it
gives.
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Figure 3.1: Alto's Adventure |
With a similar sense, there is another game that really brings out its design aesthetics towards the players and this game is called 'Firewatch'. The game really emphasizes a lot to its scenery and the sun most of the time. It is a calm thriller game that makes you wonder around the world slowly as you progress into the story. It makes the player really immerse into the character in the game. I thought that this would also be a great reference for the project of 'Emphasis'.
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| Figure 3.2: Firewatch |
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| Figure 3.3: Firewatch |
- EMPHASIS
Emphasis' purpose is to bring out a subject into focus. This can be brought to attention with shapes, lines and colors so I believe that working with a sunset was the best idea. This made it seem more natural and I love working with warm colors so this was something that I made sure I emphasized heavily on the sun as the sun is the source of light in terms of a sunset.
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| Figure 4.1: First Sketch |
I drew in the sketch of the minimalistic scenery first before I colored in the solid colors to the objects and the subjects in the artwork. Since I wanted the sun to be emphasized the most, I made sure to make the lines of the cliff, the clouds and the branches of the trees point towards the sun. It made a feeling of a fish-eye lens' perspective with this concept of drawing.
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| Figure 4.2: Color addition on sketch |
In figure 4.3, changes were made to the trees due to taking too much space in the up-close perspective. The style of the trees also made the artwork feel dark due to the dying roots and twigs so the trees were changed from dried-up trees to tall spruce trees to give it more of an appealing look.
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| Figure 4.3: Changes to the design |
From the notes that is given by Dr Charles, I have put the idea of lines and shapes giving direction to the emphasized object, and in this case, all the surrounding objects such as clouds, rocks, mountain, trees, are pointing towards the horizon/the setting sun.
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| Figure 4.4: 'The quiet passing' |
This was the final outcome of emphasis and for this exercise, I think it brought out the minimalistic side of artwork and how I wanted it to have a warmth feeling from the design really brought the attention to the sun. The Shift of colors that comes from the bright dimming sun to the colder side of the object made the design more vibrant and natural. I believe that my attempt on the subject of emphasis was proven pretty well with this design and I am overall happy on what i came up with.
FEEDBACK
Week 1
Dr Charles has given a briefing about the MIB and the assignments that is
given to us through the school data portal. He explained to us about the
elements and the concept of design that is used and needed to be used in the
following assignments. He showed us the steps and the do and don't(s) about
the projects and the exercises when doing the blog or the assignment.
Week 2
Dr Charles has seen my concept of the project of my contrast and repetition, and he has asked me to change some details on the contrast such as changing the background and the surface that the wolf is sitting on to be darker to make the aurora stand out more with its color. The repetition was about soldiers saluting towards a direction, but it felt as if it had no taste, so i went on with the idea of emphasis.
Week 3
There was no class for one of the schedules but on the second class, he gave us some final guidelines on how to accomplish and reach our wanted design principles.
REFLECTION
Week 1
For the first week, I have listened to Dr Charles' lectures about the principles and the elements that are needed for design. I have not studied about art or design before and the way Dr Charles explained the elements and the principles, I realized that there was much more to design and the perspectives one can see through even a simple design. There was a lot to learn through the slides but once I reviewed through them again, it digested pretty well.
Week 2
In the second week, Dr Charles reviewed many works and design from the other students and I got to get some glimpse of some of their work, and I felt as if I was drowning in these flabbergasting works. I absolutely sensed that they were not joking about majoring in design. I never really tried out these sort of principles before since I was planning on majoring in science but since I loved to draw, I wanted to test out different designs and concepts that I never touched on. After getting some advice from Dr Charles, I went on with the contrast with the feeling of completing it the best i can, which resulted in messing up the timing on the other exercise, emphasis. Contrast was really fun to mess around with the colors since it had the most impact on the design. However, when it came to emphasis, it was hard for me to define the colors and the shapes that took place in the artwork.
Week 3
In the final week for submission, I polished up the final design on the contrast, and the not so satisfied 'emphasis'. I wished to make the emphasis better but I felt like it wouldn't change my dissatisfaction. With this in mind, I realized that I should not approach the principle with such a vague mind and that I need to think outside the box. But this was definitely a fun and an exciting way to get the feeling of design principles and testing them out to know myself better.
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