10.02.2025 - 17.02.2025 (Week 2 - Week 3)
Brenda Wynn (0372128)
Design Principles / Bachelors of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1
JUMP LINKS
INSTRUCTIONS
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MJ5z67q2YegQh6Cn7hql_GbX-N9ZRIcW/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
LECTURES
Visual Communication : Using design to convey a message to the target audience.
Elements of Design : "building blocks"
- Point : basic element of design, when it is used repetitively it creates a line, and when the points moves in space, it creates 2D & 3D figures.
- Line : indicates directions, volumes, solid masses, motion, and set boundaries for both shape and space.
- Shape : the area within a 2D shape or a 3D object outline, there are 2 general category of shapes : geometric and organic.
- Form : 2D is called a shape, 3D is called a form, a volume is created when a form encloses a space.
- Texture : there are 2 categories: actual (by touch), and implied (created to look like the texture).
- Space : space is defined by the edges of an image and an endless amount of space can be used within a limited boundary.
- Color : a visual result of the spectrum of light because it is transmitted through a transparent material or it is absorbed & reflected off a surface
Principles of Design : Organizational fundamentals that is created
by the arrangement of elements.
- Contrast
- Balance
- Emphasis
- Rules of Third
- Repetition / Pattern / Rhythm
- Movement
- Hierarchy
- Alignment
- Harmony
- Unity
- Proportion
TASK
The task given requires us to describe and observe the design principles.
The task also required us to do some research regarding the design
principles and how it is implemented to the artwork or design.
Design Principles :
1. Gestalt Theory
= Gestalt is "shape" or "form" in German. Gestalt principles are rules on how a human eye sees visual elements. Gestalt Theory aims to explain on how the human eye sees elements as a whole or a united form.
- Gestalt Theory principles :
- Principle of Similarity = how the human eye notice elements that are alike in a design as a whole.
- Principle of Continuation = how the human eye follows a flow of elements in a design.
- Principle of Closure = how the human eye prefers seeing complete shapes. The designer can complete the uncompleted shapes by filling in the absent visual elements.
- Principle of Proximity = a process of ensuring related elements are arranged closely together.
- Principle of Figure / Ground = how the foreground or background placements of objects are perceived in a design.
- Law of Symmetry & Order = how symmetrical elements are perceived as a group.
Figure 1.1 (Gestalt Theory example, 14/02/2025, week 2) source
The artwork (Figure 1.1) shows the implementation of the Gestalt Theory, Principle of Similarity. It is because of the similar elements that are used to compose the artwork and how the eye identified the image as a woman, since we see the arrangement of the similar elements as a whole. The artwork also implement the Principle of Proximity, because the arrangements of the similar bird elements are placed closely together.
Figure 1.2 (Gestalt Theory example 2, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
The artwork (Figure 1.2) shows the implementation of the Principle of Closure. It is because the human eye can still identify what the artwork is, which is a peacock. That is possible because the designer of this artwork filled the missing elements with other elements.
2. Contrast
= Contrast provides visual interest and highlights a point and expresses content. Contrast shows a difference between elements in a design that aims to show how distinctively different they are from each other.
Figure 1.3 (contrast example, 14/02/2025, week 2) source
3. Emphasis
= Emphasis is used to create focus in a design.
- elements that creates emphasis :
- color
- shapes
- value
Figure 1.4 (emphasis example, 10/02/2025, week 2) source
The artwork (Figure 1.4) shows multiple umbrellas, but there is one umbrella at the central point of the artwork that is different in color. It also shows a part of her face through the umbrella, emphasizing the main focus as the girl.
4. Balance
= Balance is distribution of visual weight in a design. Visual elements that are arranged to seem stable and work in harmony, will make an image look balanced;
- Types of balance :
- Symmetrical balance = the same weight on each sides on a central point. There are 2 types of symmetrical balance :
- Radial Balance = the equal placement of elements around the central point.
- Approximate Symmetry = equal but not identical elements that are placed around the central point.
- Asymmetrical balance = unequal weight of elements on each side of a design. It offers more visual variety, dynamic and interest.
Figure 1.5 (balance example, 10/02/2025, week 2)
source
The artwork (Figure 1.5) shows the implementation of a type of Balance, which is Symmetrical balance. It shows a swan and its reflection. Both the swan and its reflection includes in the Radial balance type, since both of the swans has equal weight on each side.
Figure 1.6 (balance example 2, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
The artwork (Figure 1.6) shows the implementation of the Asymmetrical balance in a design. It is because of the unequal weight on both sides of the design. The right one's elements are much bigger and thicker in size, making it unequal in weight.
> The Golden Ratio
= Golden Ratio is also known as Golden Mean or Golden Section. The ratio originates from the Fibonacci sequence, which is a natural sequence of numbers that can be found anywhere. It is used as a guide to create visual balance and also used to bring harmony, balance, and structure to the the artwork.
Figure 1.7 (the golden ratio example, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
The artwork (Figure 1.7) is one of the examples of an artwork that uses The Golden Ratio principle. That is because the waves on the artwork follows the pattern that leads the human eye through the work from the key point to the rest of the artwork.
> Rule of Thirds
= Rule of Thirds is considered as a composition guideline that creates dynamism to a artwork, etc. It is divided evenly and the subject should be located at the intersection or along the lines.
Figure 1.8 (rule of thirds example, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
The artwork (Figure 1.8) shows the Rule of Thirds implementation, based on how the puppy on the photograph is located along the lines of the pattern.
5. Repetition
= Repetition makes a design look active, and creates pattern and rhythm. It enhances surface interest, that increases visual excitement. Variety helps keeping the rhythm active, and avoids monotony.
Figure 1.9 (repetition example, 14/02/2025, week 2) source
= Movement is the way a design leads the human eye through a composition. It occurs when the objects appears to be moving in an image. Elements that are used to create movement in an image are : shapes, forms, lines, and curves.
Figure 1.10 (movement example, 14/02/2025, week 2) source
> Hierarchy
= Hierarchy is the content arrangement of a composition and how it conveys the message. It navigates the viewers from the key point of the artwork to the second element.
Figure 1.11 (hierarchy example, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
> Alignment
= Alignment is how the elements of a composition is arranged along the column, row, or the center. It creates a sense of unity and bond which makes a design look stable, and aesthetic. It could also mean leading the viewers through a design.
Figure 1.12 (alignment example, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
= Harmony includes elements that shares a common trait, sense in harmony happens when the elements on a design complements each other. Without variety, harmony becomes monotony.
= Unity indicates repetition of some elements in a design to complete the look. It occurs when the elements are arranged to seem balanced and as a whole.
Figure 1.13 (harmony & unity example, 14/02/2025, week 2) source
The artwork (Figure 1.13) was drawn with the same style for each person and it is also drawn with a neat arrangement, so that it seems balanced and because of the same drawing style the elements also complement each other.
8. Symbol
= Based on Cambridge Dictionary (2020) Symbol is "a sign, shape, or object that is used to represent something else." Symbol also conveys information. There are 3 types of graphic symbols:
- Types of graphic symbols :
- Pictorial symbols = image-related and simplified pictures.
- Abstract symbols = can resemble the object they represent with lesser details.
- Arbitrary symbols = no resemblance to the object they represent, and it is created based on geometric shapes & colors.
Figure 1.14 (symbol example 1, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
Figure 1.15 (symbol example 2, 17/02/2025, week 3) source
The artwork (Figure 1.15) is an example of a Abstract symbol. This symbol shows the information of caution. Though it is depicted with less details and in a triangle shape to take the pedestrians attention immediately.
Figure 1.16 (symbol example 3, 14/02/2025, week 2) source
The symbol (Figure 1.16) shows a Yin and Yang symbol that originates from the ancient Chinese philosophy. It symbolizes two opposites that are connected with each other, that creates balance and harmony. The Yin and Yang symbol is considered as the Arbitrary symbol, since we have to learn about it to fully understand the meaning of the symbol.
9. Word & Image
= It is crucial to find the right typeface and arrangement to create balance in the design, it is also important to use suitable and relevant images for the design.
Figure 1.17 (word & image example, 14/02/2025, week 2) source
The poster (Figure 1.17) conveys a message, which is "the health and greenery of our planet is placed in our hands". The key element is the earth, it creates balance since it is placed on the central point of the poster. The chosen typeface and elements in the poster also complement each other.
CHOSEN ARTWORK
Figure 1.18 (The Starry Night, 14/02/2025, week 2)
The Starry Night, Vincent van Gogh;
1889, 73.7 cm x 92.1 cm, oil on canvas, source
The main reason behind my choice of choosing The Starry
Night is because I have been a fan of The Starry
Night for a long time. I personally like how the overall visual of the painting
looks. In my opinion, it looks very soothing and calming as if you could calm
down or get lost in the painting when you see it. I also like
the color palette it has, since it includes one of my favorite colors. I
have also been a fan of the moon, and I think that the painting depicts it in
such a way that I will never get bored of seeing it every day. I also believe that
it is truly one of the most memorable artworks I have seen in my life. Lastly,
I like the chosen elements on the painting that just completes the whole artwork
together.
LIST OF DESIGN PRINCIPLES
- Gestalt Theory, Principle of Similarity = The golden swirls looks similar.
- Contrast = There is a significant difference between the yellow and blue color palette elements.
- Repetition = The different swirl sizes has a pattern that makes the painting look active.
- Movement = The swirl that is located in the middle of the sky makes the painting look alive.
- Harmony & Unity = The method that is used to paint the overall painting makes it look as a whole.
FEEDBACK
Week 2
Ms. Jinchi informed us to not pick general artworks that correlates to the design principles for the example. She also reminded us to keep our blog organized. Ms. Jinchi also advised me to describe about the artwork that I have chosen and how it correlates to the design principles.
Week 3
Ms. Jinchi told me to make the bulletin informations into a paragraph and also to correct my observation on the artwork I chose.
Comments
Post a Comment