Design Principles - Exercises
29.08.2022 - 19.09.2022 (Week 1 - Week 4)
Sorcha Griselda / 0353056
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Exercise 1 | 5 Design Principles
INSTRUCTION
Starting from Week 1 until Week 2, I have watched all the lecture videos
discussing on several design principles, which are Gestalt Theory,
Contrast, Emphasis, Balance, Repetition, Movement, Harmony & Unity,
Symbol, Word and Image.
Based on the module assignments brief, I have selected five design principles that I am confident on and I will be creating one design for each of the principles. After understanding each of the design principles, I have decided to choose Contrast, Emphasis, Repetition, Movement and Symbol. The following will be about the individual posts for each design.
A. Contrast
1 | Design Principle
Contrast is created by the juxtaposition of radically distinct elements.
This means that visual experience may appear to be monotonous without
contrast as it allows to express content, accentuate a point, and add
visual intrigue. When contrast is used properly, it can assist clarify a
design, provide a clear visual hierarchy, and indicate to viewers which
areas they should focus their attention first. In addition, the contrast
concept of composition actually gives an image aesthetic value.
Example of Contrast in Design:
|
| Figure 1.1: Pinterest |
2 | Design Process
Visual References
The following pictures below are some references that have influenced me
to create my own design.
Idea Exploration and Design
The idea that I had for this repetition design is to create a repetitive
pattern of a flower. As shown from the reference picture above, I was
influenced by the beautiful flower arrangement as each flower overlays
on top of each other. That is why I did my research on different types
of flowers and came across a flower called "Aster", which symbolizes
wisdom and love.
Process:
During the week 2 consultation, Ms. Noranis advised me to add another
geometric shape with contrasting colors as to create stronger contrast
in my design due to the similar choice of color. This led me to choose
the color red for the circles as the color green and red opposed each
other.
2.3 Final Design and Short Rationale
B. Emphasis
1 | Design Principle
Emphasis is utilized to establish dominance and focus when it comes to a
design process. To produce dominance in a design, a variety of elements,
particularly color, forms and value, are employed to create emphasis.
Simply, emphasis refers to drawing attention to a particular point of
focus in a design.
Example of Emphasis in Design:
![]() |
| Figure 2.1: Pinterest |
2 | Design Process
Visual References
The following pictures below are some references that have influenced
me to create my own design.
Idea Exploration and Design
As in the emphasis design, I focused on the female character by
emphasizing her facial expression using bright pastel colors, building a
contrast from the background, which is written in a way that makes the
character the design's major focus. The red splatters that are seen
along the outline of the background create a depth, attracting the eyes
of the viewers on the sad expression that is portrayed from the
character.
Process:
Final Design and Short Rationale
C. Repetition
1 | Design Principle
Repetition allows a design could appear more lively. Design elements are
repeated repeatedly in the work to generate rhythm and pattern. In order
to avoid a monotonous composition, variety involves switching around the
elements and objects in the composition. This means it could require
changing the exposure, composition and angles.
Example of Emphasis in Design:
|
| Figure 3.1: Pinterest |
2 | Design Process
Visual References
The following picture below are some references that have influenced me
to create my own design.
|
| Figure 3.2: Pinterest |
Idea Exploration and Design
The idea that I had for this repetition design is to create a repetitive
pattern of a flower. As shown from the reference picture above, I was
influenced by the beautiful flower arrangement as each flower overlays on top
of each other. That is why I did my research on different types of flowers and
came across a flower called "Aster", which symbolizes wisdom and love.
Process:
|
|
| Figure 3.3: Design Process of 'Repetition' [background] |
I added some water droplets' effect on the background as to create some
freshness, as if the flowers just bloomed on a rainy day.
For the color scheme, I decided to use bright colors as to accentuate
the flower from the background itself.
Final Design and Short Rationale
D. Movement
1 | Design Principle
Movement can be described as the path the eye takes when it enters,
circles, and moves within a composition of a design. When items in a
visual image appear to be moving, this is known as motion in a visual
image. The elements of shapes, forms, lines and curves are used to
determine how a visual image moves.
Example of Movement in Design:
|
| Figure 4.1: Pinterest |
2 | Design Process
Visual References
The following picture below are some references that have influenced me
to create my own design.
|
|
Figure 4.2: Pinterest |
Idea Exploration and Design
I started to pour the paints on the corner of the canvas as I use a
small-sized cup. I intended to do the pouring four times, each on the
side of the canvas, which is actually unusual. This is because I want to
create a diverse flow pattern of the paint. I carefully pour the paint
in the same pace, which is not too fast and not too slow.
Process:
These are the primary colours that I use in this piece, which majority
of them are deep navy blue and violet colours. I found that they suit
the most when associated with this particular artwork, as they hold a
critical meaning which are:
- Navy blue - represents an individual to be self-assured and self-controlling however, one may be concealing their weaknesses.
- Aegean blue - an intriguing blue-green that urges anyone to reflect and recharge by creating natural harmony.
- Indigo - It is a representation of deep reflection and contemplation.
Final Design and Short Rationale
E. Symbol
1 | Design Principle
In design, symbols have the ability to express information that would
otherwise require one, more, or even all of a story to be written. It is
a composite of visual elements that is able to convey its story, but
also affects how customers view it.
Examples of Symbol in Designs:
|
| Figure 5.1: Pinterest |
2 | Design Process
Visual References
The following picture below are some references that have influenced me
to create my own design.
|
| Figure 5.2: Pinterest |
Process:
As the concept of symbol principle holds a significant expression, I
decided to create something that is relatable among the society. The
picture shown is taken by me as a reference for my still-life artwork. I
chose five things that could represent society’s judgement. The meaning
behind the chosen five things are:
Tissue: It represents how depressed an individual is as tissue is
usually used to wipe tears as a result of being pressurized by the
society.
- Knife cutter: It represents the loss of mental conscious that can tragically lead to death.
- Sleeping pills: It represents the difficulties of sleeping at night.
- Mirror: It represents a reflection of oneself, looking vulnerable and slowly losing due to depression.
- Electronic device (iPad): the constant use of social media, affecting one’s mind.
Final Design and Short Rationale
FEEDBACK
A. Contrast
Overall, it showed a delightful contrast. However, it can be more
defined by adding another geometric shape and using another contrast
color that is different from the previous one, such as red.
B. Emphasis
Great concept and drawing. It still can be more emphasized by adding
elements, such as heart-break shapes, to show a clearer story of the
design.
C. Repetition
A direct representation of a repetition design.
D. Movement
Such an amazing concept of movement. Well done.
E. Symbol
Ms. Noranis advised me to add some emoticons to show the "netizen"
reactions.
REFLECTION
I have learned nine fundamental design principles over the course of the last four weeks, which are: Gestalt Theory, Contrast, Emphasis, Balance, Repetition, Movement, Harmony & Unity, Symbol, and Word and Image.
From learning through these basic design principles, I have gained better insight into designing and develop new skills. I was first startled at what to start, as I needed to design five different design principles. That is when I began to conduct some extensive research and explored other people's creation in order to give me some ideas for my artworks. I actually preferred to do manual drawing rather than digital one. However, I pushed myself to step outside of my comfort zone and I tried to learn about digital drawing while experimenting with various design approaches.
To conclude, I enjoyed creating all five designs since I got to incorporate my thoughts into the pieces of art I produced. The designs could be created in any way, which allowed me to research different artists and gain inspiration from their works while learning more about the art community. This assignment has undoubtedly motivated me to think critically about how I may represent the selected design concepts in each of my art creations.
.jpeg)
.jpeg)










.jpeg)



Comments
Post a Comment