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.
Figure 1.2: Pinterest
Figure 1.3: 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 1.4: Design Process of 'Contrast'

Figure 1.5: First Attempt
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
Figure 1.6: Final Design
Title: Geos
Medium: Digital Design
Size: 50 x 50 cm
Intention: This artwork is to show the contrasting elements through the role of colors and shapes. The rectangular and circular shapes overlap each other, which created a contradiction. The title is influenced by the geometric shapes that can be found in the design.

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.
Figure 2.2: Pinterest

Figure 2.3: Pinterest

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:
Figure 2.4: Design Process of 'Emphasis'

Final Design and Short Rationale
Figure 2.4: Final Design
Title: Hidden Agony
Medium: Digital Design
Size: 50 x 70 cm
Intention: This artwork was the representation of oppression that has been felt by the Gen Z living in the recent society. The amount of harsh critics that were unconsciously drawn towards individuals have led to agony. Without realizing it, people have blurted out their cruel opinions without knowing the hysterical outcomes that resulted from the emergence of depression.

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. 
Figure 3.4: Design Process of 'Repetition' [flowers pattern]
For the color scheme, I decided to use bright colors as to accentuate the flower from the background itself. 

Final Design and Short Rationale
Figure 3.5: Final Design
Title: Where They Bloom
Medium: Digital Design
Size: 50 x 60 cm
Intention: This artwork shows a repetitive pattern of a flower known as "Aster". There are variety of bright colors involved in here as to show a lively environment as well as to enhance the beauty of the pattern.

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: 
Figure 4.3: Design Process of 'Movement'

Figure 4.4: Color schemes

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
Figure 4.5: Final Design
Title: Linkage of Vulnerability
Medium: Acrylic Pouring
Size: 50 x 60 cm
Intention: This artwork is an abstract acrylic pouring, reminiscent of the haunting memories. The painting depicts the dark past slowly flowing into the light. There will be a contrast in color lightness, with the 'lighter' color representing the positive matter that will arise, and the 'darker' color representing the gloomy action that tormented the individual.

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

Figure 5.3: Picture taken by me

Process:
Figure 5.4: First attempt sketch
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
Figure 5.5: Final Design
Title: OBJECTS
Medium: Digital Design
Size: 50 x 70 cm
Intention: Each item depicted in the artwork has a deep significance that adds to the overall idea of the negative aspects of social media and "netizens." Based on actual objects, each illustration was drawn digitally.

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.

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