Design Principles - Task 3

14.3.2024 -28.3.2024 /Week 6- Week 8

Low Li Vern/ 0362678

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

Task 3





INSTRUCTIONS




Week 6/ Task 3: Design

Task 3 recap/Instructions:
1. Find some visual references (cite the sources) that inspire your own ideas.
2. 3-5 sketches (manual/digital) of your own ideas
3. Final design in A4 size, JPEG
4. A rationale, in about 150-200 words, explaining/defending the decisions made in your design, the meaning/purpose of the design and the design principles that are found in the design.

1. Ideation
For Task 3, my chosen topic is "Life Below Water." The first concept that comes to mind when considering life below water is the legendary mermaids. Therefore, I have decided to delve deeper into the world of mermaids underwater. I have started by sketching out a few ideas to further develop my concept.

Fig 1.1 Sketch

    Fig 1.2 Sketch with net

I decided to depict my idea with the mermaid struggling against nets or trash pollution underwater. However, after consulting with Mr. Charles, he provided me with some insightful suggestions. Instead of portraying the mermaid in distress, he proposed the idea of showcasing the mermaid and other marine creatures coexisting with the trash contentedly. He introduced me to the concept of visual satire, which I found to be a brilliant suggestion. 

After receiving feedback, I continued brainstorming on the new idea. I sketched out concepts depicting fishes thriving amidst nuclear pollution and adapting to non-native objects in the ocean. I aimed to express the notion of fish utilizing plastics as armor to protect themselves underwater.

Fig 1.3 Sketch

Fig 1.4 Sketch

Fig 1.5 Sketch

After ideating, I decided to start working on my digital artwork. Using the brush tool in Illustrator, I began sketching the construction of my piece.

2. Digital Art Work Progress
Digital Sketches
Using the brush tool makes it easier for me to draw out the shapes and construction of my artwork. 

Fig 2.1 Digital sketch

The main subject of my sketch is the mermaid, I focused on creating movement in her tail. Aiming to draw the viewer's attention to her face. To achieve this, I depicted the mermaid with a round face to emphasize her facial features and create hierarchy in the viewer's eyesight.

I utilized the golden ratio to sketch out the construction of the artwork, a principle taught in design lectures. Additionally, I incorporated the rule of thirds into the composition. I found that this combination resulted in a well-balanced and aesthetically pleasing construction for my artwork. After sketches I start my progress using Adobe Illustrator.

Progression #1
2.2 Digital Artwork Progress

I began by outlining the body of the mermaid first, focusing on capturing her form accurately. For the background, I opted for a gradient color to add depth and visual interest to the composition.

2.3 Digital Artwork Progress

Following the outline, I proceeded to add rough details to the mermaid's body and face. My aim was to convey a sense of cuteness in her expression, evoking the emotion of harmony as she appears to live peacefully in the ocean environment.

After consulting with Mr. Charles, he suggested incorporating some cyberpunk elements into the artwork. I found this idea appealing as it would add a futuristic touch and enhance the viewer's understanding of the importance of life below water. Following his feedback, I conducted some research on cyberpunk for reference.

Fig 2.4 References

After conducting research and referencing cyberpunk elements, I resumed working on my digital artwork.

Fig 2.5 Progress

Incorporating elements from my research on cyberpunk, I added a seemingly ordinary treasure box to the scene. However, upon closer inspection, the box is revealed to be filled with nuclear waste, highlighting the theme of environmental degradation. Additionally, I introduced octopus tentacles adorned with eerie eyeballs, contributing to the surreal and futuristic atmosphere of the artwork.

Fig 2.6 Octopus tentacles close up

Fig 2.7 Fork & Spoon Coral

I utilized the common household items, a fork and spoon, to represent coral in the ocean. By shaping the coral like these utensils, I aimed to convey to viewers the impact of pollution on underwater ecosystems. This choice serves to underscore the importance of environmental awareness and the need to address pollution in our oceans.

Progression #2

Fig 3.1 Progress

Furthermore, I introduced bubbles scattered throughout the scene to impart a sense of movement and dynamism to the artwork. In addition, I incorporated cyberpunk elements onto the mermaid, adorning her head, body, and tail with futuristic embellishments.

Fig 3.2 Headgear close up

Fig 3.3 Body close up 

I incorporated metallic elements into the artwork to serve as protective armor for the mermaid. This armor not only adds a fashionable aesthetic but also enhances the sense of protection for marine life. By integrating these elements, I aimed to depict a futuristic and stylish dress code for underwater creatures, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding marine environments.

Fig 3.4 Tail close up

For the mermaid's tail, I incorporated metal elements to seamlessly link the fin and tail together. I reduced the opacity of the tail to enhance its visual appearance, creating the illusion of transparency. This effect gives the impression that the mermaid's tail is made of plastic with cyberpunk-inspired elements.

Progression #3

Fig 4.1 Progress

Fig 4.2 Jellyfish close up

Fig 4.3 Headgear close up

For the upper left portion of the artwork, I made the decision to transform the fish into a jellyfish. The design of the jellyfish consists of its tentacles remaining relatively normal, while the head of the jellyfish has been reimagined to resemble a protective machine encasing the original jellyfish. This juxtaposition highlights the fusion of natural and technological elements in the underwater environment, contributing to the overall cyberpunk aesthetic of the piece.

Final Outcome

Fig 5.1 Final Outcome - JPEG

Fig 5.2 Golden Ratio

Fig 5.3 Rules of Third

Fig 5.4 Movement
Design Principles :
1. Golden Ratio
2. Rules of Third
3. Movement
4. Hierarchy



Rationale : 

This artwork follows design principles like the golden ratio and rules of thirds to create a pleasing layout. It guides the viewer's attention with a clear hierarchy of elements. Movement is added through bubbles and the mermaid's flowing tail. By mixing cyberpunk elements with marine life, the piece prompts us to think about how technology impacts our environment. The use of metal armor and see-through tails adds a futuristic vibe while reminding us of the need to protect our oceans. It's a reminder of the delicate balance between nature and technology and urges us to take care of our underwater world. Through the details of the artwork such as using everyday items like forks and spoons to represent coral, while the mermaid wears metal armor for protection. It encourages us to think about pollution and its impact on nature. The inclusion of futuristic elements, such as transparent tails and machine-like jellyfish heads, highlights how unchecked technology can harm marine habitats in future.



FEEDBACK
Week 5
Mr. Charles provided me with some insightful suggestions. Instead of portraying the mermaid in distress, he proposed the idea of showcasing the mermaid and other marine creatures coexisting with the trash contentedly. He introduced me to the concept of visual satire

Week 6
Mr. Charles suggested me incorporating some cyberpunk elements into the artwork.

Week 7
After reviewing my final outcome, Mr. Charles expressed satisfaction, remarking that the result looks good. He further suggested naming the mermaid and exploring the possibility of incorporating her into animations for future projects.


REFLECTIONS
Throughout these seven weeks of design principle lectures and classes, one standout highlight has been the creation of my Task 3 artwork featuring a mermaid. This project allowed me to apply the principles and techniques learned in class to a tangible creative endeavor.

In crafting the mermaid artwork, I was able to explore various design elements such as balance, hierarchy, and movement. By incorporating the golden ratio and rules of thirds, I achieved a visually pleasing composition that effectively guided the viewer's eye. Besides, I experimented with adding cyberpunk elements to the artwork, which not only enhanced its aesthetic appeal but also conveyed a thought-provoking narrative about the intersection of nature and technology.

Reflecting on this project, I've realized the significance of merging artistic expression with meaningful storytelling. The mermaid artwork served as a canvas for me to communicate messages about environmental awareness and the delicate balance of marine ecosystems. Overall, this project has been a valuable learning experience, allowing me to apply design principles in a practical and impactful way.


THE END

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