Design Principles - Task 2

22.2.2024 -7.3.2024 /Week 3-Week 5

Low Li Vern/ 0362678

Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media

Task 2




INSTRUCTIONS




LECTURE RECAP:
Topic 6: Visual Analysis

VISUAL ANALYSIS
Is a method of understanding design that focuses on the visual elements and principles.
In its strictest definition - a description and explanation of visual structure for its own sake.
Visual analysis is a critical part of visual literacy, a skill that helps people read and critically interpret images, whether in a museum, on social media, in entertainment, advertising, or the news.

HOW DOES VISUAL ANALYSIS WORK?
Phase 1: Observation
Phase 2: Analysis
Phase 3: Interpretation

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.

PHASE 2: ANALYSIS
- Analysis requires you to think about your observations and try to make statements about the work based on the evidence of your observations.
- Think about how the specific visual elements that you’ve identified combine to create design principles that complete that work of design/art, and the effects on the viewer.
- How are your eyes led through the work and why? Apply the design principles knowledge you have learnt.

PHASE 3: INTERPRETATION
- In this final phase, your observations, description, and analysis of the work are fused with facts about the design work (and in some cases the designer) and historical context that you find in trustworthy published sources.
- What is the meaning of the design? What was the purpose for it to be created?

Chosen Artwork Recap: 
Title: "Let's keep the waters clean"
UNSDG Goal chosen: 14 Life Below Water
Creator: Alex Bracov
Date Created: 2018 October
Advertiser: Romanian Waters National Administration

Fig 1.1 Chosen Artwork - "Let's keep the waters clean"

Visual Analysis :
Observation : 
When I first looked at the picture, the big jellyfish made from a can caught my attention. I noticed the background looks like the ocean. At first, the can just looked like a regular can, but then it slowly turned into a jellyfish. The colors used in the design are darker, like dark blue and grey, giving the whole picture a cool feeling. I think the dark colors help people understand the mood of marine life. I picked this design because it relates to the goal of the UN Sustainable Development, which is about Life Below Water. The message of the poster is easy to understand, it shows how pollution affects marine life.

Analysis :
The composition exhibits asymmetrical balance, with the focal point situated in the bottom right corner featuring the jellyfish crafted from a can, aptly named "jelly can." The gradual transformation of the can into a jellyfish directs attention upward, prompting the viewer to engage with the words at the top and adhering to the principles of the golden ratio (Fig 1.2) for achieving visual balance. In addition to the golden ratio, the composition incorporates the rule of thirds (Fig 1.3). The repetition of the can (Fig 1.4) establishes a visual flow, complemented by the dynamic lines and curves of the "jelly can" tentacles, creating a sense of movement. The repetition is complemented by well-coordinated alignment of text and images, forming a focal point that guides viewers' attention through the message.

Fig 1.2 Golden Ratio

Fig 1.3 Rules of third

Fig 1.4 Repetition

Interpretation:
This well-crafted poster by Alex Bracov, an experienced art director at Spotlight, carries the meaningful title "Let's Keep the Waters Clean." Created for the Romanian Waters National Administration competition in October 2008, it serves as a powerful visual message to inspire viewers to rethink and improve their harmful habits. The main idea is to promote positive behavior change, encouraging viewers to ponder their actions and adopt more sustainable choices. Using this visual story, Bracov promotes a shared responsibility to protect our water resources and encourages a sense of environmental stewardship.


FEEDBACK
Mr. Charles commends the good work completed and expresses his approval. He mentions that I can proceed with task 3 after finalizing the blogspot.


REFLECTIONS

Task 2, which involved revisiting and analyzing the composition previously explored in Task 1, proved to be a valuable exercise in deepening my understanding of design principles. I revisited the balance, lines, color, and overall structure that had initially captured my attention. This review process reinforced the basic concepts learned in the earlier stages of our design principles class. I focused specifically on the application of the golden ratio and the rule of thirds, as directed by Mr. Charles. Through this task, I have learned more specifically about the golden ratio and the rule of thirds through additional research. The golden ratio, with its mathematical precision, was a fascinating lens through which to view the work.


THE END

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