Design Principles: Final Project
11.2.2022 - 25.2.2022 (Week 6 - Week 8 )
Tan Yi-Tyng (0353327)
Bachelor
of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Design Principles
Final
Project: Visual Analysis
Index
Phase 1: Observation
Lectures
Lecture 8: Visual Analysis
- Visual literacy is a set of abilities that enables an individual to effectively find, interpret, evaluate, use, and create images and visual media.
- Visual analysis is a method of understanding design that focuses on the visual elements and principles.
- The purpose of visual analysis can also recognize the choice that designer make in creating the design, and to understand how the formal properties of a design communicate ideas, content, or meaning.
- Critical part of visual literacy, as it's a skill that help people interpret with images. Practicing visual analysis sharpen our judgments and help people seek out answer instead of passively receiving information.
How does Visual Analysis work?
Phase 1: Observation
Observation means closely looking at and identifying the visual
elements of a design, trying to describe them carefully and
accurately in your own words. Do not read beforehand about the
design at all. The observation phase is about looking, thinking, and
finding good language to communicate what you notice.
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| Fig. 1- Sample writing of Observation |
Phase 2: Analysis
Analysis requires us to think about our observations and try to make
statements about the work based on the evidence of our observation.
Analysis of the design with your knowledge, principles of design, or
any other factors related to this artwork. Analyse how various
elements work together to get the effect that the artist wanted to
present, to achieve the principles of design that made the work look
pleasant and visually balanced.
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| Fig. 2- Sample writing of Analysis |
Phase 3: Interpretation
In this final phase, your observation, description, and analysis of
the work are fused with facts about the design work and the
historical context that you find in trustworthy published
sources.
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| Fig. 3- Sample writing of Interpretation |
Instructions
Select a work of design of your choice (billboards/television
commercial/movie clip/work of design)
- A 350-word visual analysis, briefly describing and analysing the design principles of the selected design.
- Create a work of design of your own, inspired/influenced by the one you analysed, or as a reaction to it.
- A 50-word rationale explaining and defending the decisions made in your design.
Visual Analysis
Part 1: Visual Analysis
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Fig.4- My design reference "Perceive More Information" |
This artwork is in a portrait format. As for the visual elements, the
main colours observed are yellow, blue, green, orange, and a little bit
of black for the background. Overall, the colour palette leans more
towards the colorful spectrum as it can bring up the atmosphere or mood
of a party. At a glance, I saw a small figure girl standing at the
centre under a bright spotlight. Her expression is unhappy, afraid and
she looks very uncomfortable with the surrounding. While I observe that
there are lots of people around her are having partly happily and look
very exciting as there are lots of supporting elements like radio, party
hat, ribbons and beverages. The flying ribbon helps to bring up the
atmosphere and uses a lightning symbol to represent loud music that will
not only increase the interest of the party but make the protagonist
feel uncomfortable to cover her ears. It may seem like she is in a room
of crowded people but she can't fit in the circle and be isolated.
Phase 2: Analysis
In theory about the design principles, we can see that the design has
harmony and unity as the set of the colours work well together
and give a feeling of oneness. Besides, a bunch of yellow spotlights
light up the small-sized of the protagonist, helping to highlight and
emphasize her oppressive feeling nervous than other characters.
As for the background is coloured with black to represent a party in a
late-night, it can also create a contrast with other colourful
characters and make the protagonist more outstanding in the whole
composition. The design of the artwork is also shown
symmetrical balance as the arrangement of the protagonist is in
the centre and both sides have also surrounded by people. Furthermore,
the elements of the flying ribbon, the lighting symbol for the loud
noise and the glass filled with water has shown a movement. There
is also proportion in the layout, as for the protagonist is drawn
in a small proportion, while the other characters are drawn in a large
proportion, which will create a sense of depth and lead the viewer's eye
toward the small figure in the centre.
Phase 3: Interpretation
"Perceive more information" is an illustration created by an artist-Qiu
Chu Chu, from China. This artwork is a portfolio project for her final
year exhibition in college. She has created a series of illustrations
based on the theme of Highly Sensitive People, and each of them has a
different story. One of the reasons I chose her work as my reference is
that I found it interesting as the protagonist of the series is based on
herself, and it delicately brings forth some of the conversations she is
trying to have with herself. When I first saw this work, it didn't take
much to feel the earnestness and personal emotions in her work. As I'm a
highly sensitive person, I can feel like finally there's someone in the
world who undergo the same with me, and I'm not alone.
As you may wonder that what is Highly Sensitive People (HSP)? It's a
term for those who are thought to have an increased or deeper central
nervous system sensitivity to physical, emotional, or social stimuli.
Overall, about 15 to 20 per cent of the general population are thought
to be highly sensitive. While HSPs are sometimes negatively described as
being "too sensitive," it's a personality trait that brings both
strengths and challenges. HSPs are thought to be more disturbed than
others by violence, tension, or feelings of being overwhelmed. They may,
as a result, make concerted efforts to avoid situations in which such
things are likely to occur. On the more positive end of the trait, high
sensitivity is linked to higher levels of creativity, richer personal
relationships, and a greater appreciation for beauty.
While the message of this artwork that the artist wants to bring out is
the situation that HSPs have faced. HSPs will always find themselves
being ultra-sensitive to sensory input, people and the environment. This
may cause them to appear uncomfortable in group situations like meetings
or parties because there is too much stimulation. They will always feel
overwhelmed in crowded places and feel more drained than others after
spending time with people. They may also need rest after being exposed
to a lot of stimulation. Hence, the artist creates this artwork to
depict the picture of the feeling as an HSPs in a carnival party. The
expression and the protagonist's action show how she feels uncomfortable
at the crowded party. Since being an HSP, she will be deeply affected
and sensitive by bright lights, strong scents and loud noises that will
cause her to have intensified reactions to the surroundings. With that,
she tries to reduce her sense of existence as much as possible and
withdraw herself entirely from the large groups of people. On the other
hand, due to her sensitive heart, she feels that everyone is paying
attention and watching her, seem like she is standing in the spotlight.
On the whole composition, we can observe the inner voice of an HSP that
struggling with herself and sometimes, they will feel alone as they may
feel separate or different from others.
Here are some series of artworks from this artist about Highly Sensitive
People. The name of the whole series project is called "It doesn't
matter to be sensitive."
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| Fig.5 other artworks from the artist |
Idea Exploration and Description
While analyzing the art piece by Qiu Chu Chu, I was really inspired by
the way she used the spotlight effect to highlight her subject which is
supported by a meaningful story behind it. With that in mind, I thought
of using my personal experience or story to express myself for this
project. An idea that came to my mind was the struggle that I am
currently facing, which is navigating my way through life.
To be frank, I feel like I am going through a bottleneck, congested with
a lot of challenges that bring me a lot of anxiety and concerns. Part of
the challenges are coming from my studies and learning, including
changing my major, switching to a new university, and living in a new
environment. I assume it is because I can be a bit sensitive, lack
adaptability, slightly slow in learning, and I don't have a very strong
foundation of knowledge and skills. All these thoughts make me feel like
it's impossible for me to overcome anything, eventually wearing and
breaking myself down.
While my inner demon would always bring up negative thoughts and
complaints, I realized that I actually also have an inner angel that
would try to cheer me up and provide me with words of encouragement.
Whenever things get tough, I always remind myself that these difficult
paths are meant for me to get stronger, and to be a better version of
myself by the end of the journey.
Progress
Translating my source of inspiration onto a canvas, my sketch depicts a
girl who is walking on a very dark path with an eerie atmosphere. The path
has several obstacles that get in her way, as well as some objects that
might seem daunting to her. Yet, despite being scared of what is ahead,
she has to keep moving forward with only a torchlight on her.
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| Fig.6- Final Sketch |
Next, I started to apply the base colour
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| Fig.7- Base Colour |
Then, I try to add some shadow and texture to it to make it more
interesting to look
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| Fig.8- Adding shadow and texture |
I was thinking to make the touch light effect more brightly and stand out in the whole composition, so I tried different ways to touch up that area.
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| Fig.9- Touch up and adding some details |
There are some of the visual elements which I tried to symbolize
something in the work. First, starting from the subject, the girl can be
seen carrying a large and heavy backpack, which symbolizes the burden
that she is carrying on her shoulders. Burdens include her desire to
become successful, her desire to get good grades, her dreams, and her
wanting to make her parents proud. Therefore, I chose the color red,
which not only helps to make the subject pop out from the background,
but also symbolizes the power courage that she needs to breakthrough all
the challenges.
Secondly, the girl can be seen passing by a dead and decaying tree on
her left, which symbolizes the signs of trouble that are being ignored.
If these problems are not given attention to be solved, they will
eventually lead to danger, or situations that are beyond fixing. Next,
there are thorny cacti plants on the right side of the artwork, which
symbolize repulsion, distancing, suffering, and wound. However, even
though the cacti look intimidating, they are able to thrive in very
harsh environment. This will be a reminder to stay strong and endure the
challenges.
Furthermore, an axe can be seen on the short tree stump where the
torchlight is pointing at. In general, this shows how cruel how humans
can be to chop down the trees. This symbolizes that we sometimes get
betrayed and hurt by the people around us like friends or even family.
Moreover, there are many huge rocks that are blocking her path. A rock
or stone can be used to convey the barrier or difficulties between a
person and where she desires to be, either physically, emotionally, or
spiritually, sometimes this can obstruct her path in life.
We can notice that along the uphill road, the trees towards the end of
the path seem to be very healthy and dense. In between the trees, there
is a mysterious source of light coming through, which represents her
dreams that will come through, as long as she keeps moving forward and
successfully escapes from the darkness that she is currently in. At the
end of the road awaits a happier and more comfortable life that she has
been long yearning for.
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| Fig.9- Drawing Process |
Final Outcome
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| Fig.10- Final Outcome: "End of the Road" . JPEG |
Fig.11- Final Outcome: "End of the Road" .PDF
Title: End Of The Road
Rationale:
"End of the road" is a story based on the creator herself as she
depicted herself as the girl in the artwork. It shows that the girl has
been struggling alone in a pitch-black and eerie environment. She only
has a torchlight to help brighten the path in front of her and try to
navigate herself to the end of the road. We can observe that the
direction where the torchlight is pointing at highlights the obstacles
on her path, which symbolize the different challenges and struggles that
the creator is currently facing in life. Even though the situation is
really difficult and frustrating for her, she must endure all the
burdens and be brave to overcome the obstacles. While the viewer has a
different perspective to be able to see the overview of the journey, the
subject has a limited view of what is ahead of her. We can see that if
she just keeps moving towards the hill, there is a source of light
waiting for her, which is the exit that she has been looking for.
The main purpose of this artwork is for the creator to encourage
herself, and to convey a motivating message to herself: Don't give up
when you are facing any challenges, just keep moving and you will
eventually succeed.
Design Principles used in this project:
Contrast: The red colour used for the main figure and the used
effect of the touch light will help to create a contrast with the
overall background.
Emphasis: The visual elements that designed in the lower part of
the artwork catch the viewer's attention and make that area stand out as
there're contrast with other areas.
Hierarchy: Viewer attention can be led from the bottom to the
upper part of the whole composition as the arrangement of the road are
linked to the end of the mysterious light.
Unity and Harmony: As for the colour tone for the design are
mostly used a green colour palette, and the elements that used in the
artwork are all related to nature. All of the design elements work well
together and create a sense of wholeness.
Asymmetrical Balance: The arrangement and the visual elements
used have an equal visual weight in the whole composition and look
similar on both sides.
Reflection
When starting to do this final project, it takes me a long time to look at a
bunch of artworks and I couldn't decide which ones were the best. Finally,
I'm so happy that I found a stunning artwork that is so meaningful and
relatable to me, so I decided to take that as my reference and analyze it.
With all of that, I have learned to be more appreciative and better at
analyzing different types of artworks and be able to create a design that
could respond to them. Overall, this project is one of my favourite artwork
that I have done in this module, as I feel so proud of myself that I can be
bravely express the other side of myself. I even feel more comfortable that
I could vent out all my feeling in this artwork. This artwork is also meant
a lot to me as the message that brings out is another way to encourage and
motivate me to overcome any challenges in my life. Besides, for this
project, I have also explored some new painting skills with trying to create
noise texture and knowing how to do shadow to make it more appealing to
look. Although the final weeks for this semester was a bit overwhelmed for
me, but I feel so satisfied when I look back all the artworks that I
created, I could realize my improvement on digital drawing from the first
exercise to the final project.
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