Design Principles : Week 4 - Week 5/Exercise 3

Week 4 - Week 5 : 14 Sept 2021 - 27 Sept 2021

Tan Yi Yun
0345559
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Week 4 - Week 5 / Exercise 3 : Harmony & Unity, Symbol & Word and Image


LECTURE

Week 4 : 

  • Harmony - Involves the selection of elements that share a common trait. It is the sense that all of the elements of your design fit together. They may fit the same theme, aesthetic style or mood. 
  • Figure 1.1 shows an illustration that looks harmonious due to its colour theme, setting up the mood of peace and silent. 

Figure 1.1, Harmony, Week 4 (14/9/2021)

  • Unity - Refers to the repetition of particular elements throughout the design - whether they are colours, shapes or materials - to pull the look together. It occurs when these elements are composed in such a way that they are balanced and give a sense of oneness, creating a theme. Although unity and harmony may sound similar, they each play distinct roles in the way we experience design.
  • Figure 2.2 shows unity. There are various elements (like birds, flags, humans and buildings) are presented as a group, setting up a chaotic scene.

Figure 1.2, Unity, Week 4 (14/9/2021)

  • Scale and Proportion - Both have to do with the size. Scale is the size of one object in relation to other objects in a design. Proportion refers to the size of the parts of an object in relationship to other parts of the same object. 
Figure 1.3, Difference of Scale and Proportion, Week 4 (14/9/2021)

  • Scale - Refers to size and dimension of figures and forms relative to a specific unit of measure. Can be determined in 2 ways : Actual measurement and visual estimates based on comparison.
  • Architectural drawings and scale models are examples of the applied use of scale. Substantial deviation from a normal scale relationship can create dramatic results and visual interest within the design or composition. 
Figure 1.4, Scale model, Week 4 (14/9/2021)

Figure 1.5, Scale in sculptures, Week 4 (14/9/2021)

  • Proportion - The relationship of two or more elements in a composition and how they compare to one another with respect to size, color, quantity, degree, setting. It is said to be harmonious when a correct relationship exists between the elements with respect to size or quantity.
Figure 1.6, Facial proportion, Week 4 (14/9/2021)

Week 5 : 

  • Symbol - A sign, shape or object that is used to represent something else. In design, symbols can provide or convey information, equivalent to one or more sentences of text, or even a whole story.
Figure 2.1, Categories of symbols, Week 4 (17/9/2021)

  • Pictorial symbols - Image-related and simplified pictures.

Figure 2.2, Pictorial symbols, Week 4 (17/9/2021)

  • Abstract symbols - Can look like the objects that they represent but have less details.
Figure 2.3, Abstract symbols, Week 4 (17/9/2021)

  • Arbitrary symbols - Have no resemblance at all to the objects or the ideas they represent. They symbol is invented with the meaning constructed. Many are based on geometric shapes and colours. It is important to learn arbitrary symbols.
Figure 2.4, Arbitrary symbols, Week 4 (17/9/2021)

  • Word and Image - Imagery is a vital part of design, be it print or digital. Users and viewers are able to relate to a concept or a brand if the right images are used in a work of design. It is therefore important to use suitable and relevant images when designing. Suitable typeface and strategic positioning of the type will result in visual hierarchy and balance in a work of design. Typography is the design and arrangement of text convey a message or concept.
Figure 2.5, The use of word and image in graphic design, Week 4 (17/9/2021)


INSTRUCTION
EXERCISE 3 : Harmony / Unity / Symbol / Word and Image


Harmony

I chose harmony because I planned to create a theme of nature scenery/fantasy illustration with the usage of limited colour choice. 

Visual research

I was fascinated by these imaginative illustrations with plants as their main elements. I think trees and flowers can form many interesting shapes, either in a static and rigid form, or more dynamic and curvy form. I might go for a more dynamic approach because curve lines look more satisfying for me. 


Figure 3.1.1, Moodboard 1, Week 4 (19/9/2021)


I love the colour palette in Figure 3.1.2. They have the same traits, with interesting composition, and calm colour palette.

Figure 3.1.2, Moodboard 2, Week 4 (19/9/2021)


In Figure 3.1.4, texture were added on the illustration to further enhance the sense that all the elements are linking to one another. 

Figure 3.1.3, Moodboard 3, Week 4 (19/9/2021)



Idea exploration

Since I have decided my direction —— nature scenery + some fantasies, I jotted down what elements I wanted to include. Firstly, plants. They could be trees, flowers, leaves or mushrooms. I could also use hills, castles and fruits. At this point, I felt something is missing. Then, I looked at my moodboard again and again, and realised I can also add a living thing inside my design. It would help to add some vitality and to avoid monotony. 

In Figure 3.2.1, the upper sketch shows a cat lying in the forest, with some giant mushrooms and hills at its surrounding. The sketch at the bottom shows some living animals (cat and bird) resting on the tree canopies. 
Figure 3.2.1, Rough sketch on paper, Week 4 (19/9/2021)

I decided to go with the bottom idea, the cat and bird on canopies. I agreed with what Ms. Jinchi has said, the upper sketch shows the "normal composition", with the subject at the middle and huge trees or mushrooms to frame the subject. In this case, the other idea seems more interesting as I can play with different colours, texture to add variety to this harmony piece of work.  

Figure 3.2.2, Digital sketch (Draft), Week 5 (22/9/2021)

Figure 3.2.3, Colour study references, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

Figure 3.2.3 shows some colour palettes I found on Pinterest. Personally I prefer the warm colours because I want to draw a scenery in between summer and autumn. Imagine standing under the trees and close your eyes, enjoy the warm air. What a cozy afternoon! 

Figure 3.2.4, Colour Study 1, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

Figure 3.2.5, Colour Study 2, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

Figure 3.2.5, Colour Study 3, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

Figure 3.2.6, Colour Study 4, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

I prefer to go with the first colour study (Figure 3.2.4). But this is not final yet. I wanted to add texture (line/strokes/paint brush) to give my illustration a unique touch. I also tried to add some fruits to decorate the trees, but I might removed them or reduced the amount if they looks messy when texture is being added.

Figure 3.2.7, Fruits decoration, Week 5 (22/9/2021)

After I received the feedback, I further refined the work by adding paper texture and brush strokes. I also reduced the amount of fruits. 

Figure 3.2.8, Texture added, Week 6 (28/9/2021)

Ms. Jinchi said I could remove the texture as the one without texture is already good. 


Symbol

I am interested to create my own symbol since I have not done any before. Symbol is important as it acts like a reminder and you will understand its message without any aid of word. I wanted to create a symbol as my own reminder/alert. 

Visual research

I saw the alchemical symbols in Pinterest and it aroused my curiosity to look for its history.

Alchemical symbols, originally devised as part of alchemy, were used to denote some elements and some compounds until the 18th century. Although notation like this was mostly standardized, style and symbol varied between alchemists.
Figure 4.1.1, Alchemical symbols, Week 4 (19/9/2021)

In the meanwhile, I suddenly thought of the chess symbol. As an ex-chess player (was quite active in competitions those days but now my skills go downhills every year lol), it reminds me of the symbol of each chess pieces. As in Figure 4.1.2, the first column is the symbol of King, followed by Queen, Rook, Bishop, Knight, and Pawn. Although the symbols may be slightly varied, but their general shapes clearly represent their corresponding pieces (especially in the last group, I still can recognise!)

Figure 4.1.2, Chess symbols, Week 4 (19/9/2021)

I also came across with these Greek Mythology symbols (Figure 4.1.3) in Pinterest. I realised we are still able to identify their shapes even from a far distance, just like the traffic symbols. 
Figure 4.1.3, Greek mythology symbols, Week 4 (19/9/2021)


Idea exploration

Okay, time to think of the concept. I started with identifying the problems around me. Environmental pollution? Child abuse? Equality? Mental issue? I decided to go with something related to mental issue. During August 19–31, 2020, through December 9–21, 2020, significant increases were observed in the percentages of adults who reported experiencing symptoms of an anxiety disorder (from 31.4% to 36.9%), depressive disorder (from 24.5% to 30.2%), and at least one of these disorders (from 36.4% to 42.4%). The issue of depression has become a "common" illness but we should never underestimate its consequences. Even me myself often feel stress out, ended up with sweating hands and insomnia due to the academic pressure.

So, I decided to make a symbol about "3R" (not reduce, reuse, recycle haha) —— it is rest, recharge and restore, it is for both physical health and mental health. There is a Chinese idiom called "Taking a break is for accomplishing a longer journey." This is true but people often ignore about it. We are tend to rush to meet deadlines and tell ourselves "Ah, I can rest after I finish this," and then staying up whole night just to finish the task. And this is clearly an unhealthy lifestyle.

I have some sketches in Figure 4.2.1, there is an eye resting, a flashlight represents energy recharge and some circular arrows to represent circulation. 

Figure 4.2.1, Rough sketches, Week 4 (19/9/2021)

With the rough sketches at hand, I continued my explorations in digital sketches.

Figure 4.2.2, Digital Sketches, Week 4 (25/9/2021)

I chose to work on the idea at the second row, first column. 

Figure 4.2.3, Version 1, Week 4 (28/9/2021)

Figure 4.2.4, Version 2, Week 4 (28/9/2021)

I preferred the second version because the different weight of strokes add dynamic and elegant to the overall design. I also added the text "rest, recharge, restore" under the symbol. 

Figure 4.2.5, Version 2 with text, Week 4 (28/9/2021)



Final Outcome - Harmony
 

PDF Submission - Harmony, "The Cozy Afternoon", Week 6 (28/9/2021)

A cat (-bun) and a (roundy) bird are resting on the mushroom-like tree canopies. Warm colour palette is used to portray a warm, cozy afternoon. All of the elements (animals, trees, fruits) come together in a unified way. The different levels of tree canopies and the colour usage add variety to this piece of art, keeping it from looking monotonous and boring. The resonance of similar organic shapes, as well as the repetition of colours, are harmonious in this work of art.

I would like to stand under the trees and immerse in this peaceful atmosphere for a moment, would you?


Final Outcome - Symbol



PDF Submission - Symbol, "Rest, Recharge, Restore", Week 6 (28/9/2021)

This is an arbitrary symbol I created to remind myself about rest. The heart is placed in the centre, it represents our mental health, our heart, our emotions that need to be take care of. The lightning symbol, resembles "charge", is purposely joined with the heart to make it looks like a heart cracking, further emphasis on the importance of taking time to heal your heart. The circle around the heart indicates the circulation or recharging. 

In this fast-paced technological era, people tend to overwork, staring at screens all day and night until they forget to rest. Many are not aware that rest is vital for mental health. Sometimes, we have to unplug ourselves from the busy world for a moment.

Take time to rest, recharge and restore.  


FEEDBACK

Week 5 : 

For harmony, Ms. Jinchi preferred my second idea (cat and birds on the tree canopies) but she let me to decide my preference. For symbol, my concept is clear and all I need to do now is to do more explorations on the shape manipulations. 

Week 6 : 

Ms. Jinchi used my colour study as an example for the class. She said it is good to find photo reference to get the colour palette and made several tryouts before deciding on the final colour palette. The overal design is good, maybe make the cat slightly bigger and move it slightly to the left. She said it is good to constantly reflect on your own design and think how to improve it.  

For symbol, I got the same taste as Ms. Jinchi (yay XD). She also likes my symbol with the circle. She said I can definitely go with that and finalise it, but if I have more time, I could try to add the hand shape to the other heart symbol. 

There are some updates after the class. Ms. Jinchi approved my final symbol and suggested me to remove the texture for the final work of harmony. 


REFLECTION

Things become more manageable in this exercise because I have some experience working from previous exercises. I have set a clear direction for my design concept so that I don't jump from design A to design B to design C in such a way that all of the designs look completely different from one another. Instead, I could improve the existing work and narrow the scope step by step, saving me time from scratching my head over a completely new design direction.

I have learnt a lot from this exercise. I am able to polish up my drawing skills in digital painting as I have lesser chance to do so in other modules. I really like this exercise because it gives me freedom to express myself.