Design Principles / Task 3: Design

2024.03.06 - 2024.03.20 Week 5 - Week 7

Teh Ming En/0364908

Design Principles -Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media--Taylors University

Task 3: Design


Instructions

Recap

We are required to create a design influenced by our analysis in Task 3. We should apply the knowledge of design principles to the creations. We can use any materials or medium to convey the message.

Visual References

Fig 1.1 Visual Reference of Sketch 1
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Fig 1.2 Fig 1.2 Visual Reference
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Fig 1.3 Visual Reference 
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Fig 1.4 Visual Reference 
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Drawing inspiration from these visual references, I have created an illustration with the aim of raising human awareness about the urgency and importance of protecting the marine environment. Through depicting various threats faced by marine animals, such as wounds, the poor environment of the ocean, and the garbage eaten in their stomach, to instills a sense of responsibility and inspires action for ocean conservation among the viewer.

Sketches
Fig 2.1 Sketch 1

Rationale: The background is dark to represent the ocean, the creature is white, and there is a lot of garbage in its body. It represents the harm to marine life caused by human waste. 

Design Principles: 
1. Principle of Proximity 
2. Principle of Closure

Fig 2.2 Sketch 2

Rationale: The picture depicts a whale stranded on the beach, with a human face on the left part symbolizing ocean pollution caused by human over-development. The lower right part shows the polluted ocean, with creatures transformed from garbage. Colors are used, bright colors are used for the beach part, and dark colors are used for the ocean.

Design Principles: 
1. Principle of Closure 
2. Color Contrast 

Fig 2.3 Sketch 3 (ver.1)

Rationale: The middle part of the picture shows a dolphin and a human face, symbolizing the connection between humans and the ocean. The lower part features buildings and factories that are polluting the air. The upper part of the picture depicts a forest that remains unpolluted. The message appeals to everyone to protect the environment.

Design Principle: 
1. Principle of Closure 
2. The Golden Ratio 
3. Symmetrical Balance

Fig 2.4 Sketch 3 (ver.2)

I have created three sketches for my title, each with a different style: a simple version and two complex versions. After receiving feedback from Mr. Zeon, I decided to proceed with the third sketch. Before digitizing, I have made the adjustment in the Sketch 3. Then, I am in the process of digitizing it with Adobe Illustrator.

Digitize


Fig 3.1 Dolphin Line Shape

First, I drew the line shape of the mother dolphin.

Fig 3.2 Drawing Baby Doplhin

Next, I drew the line shape of the baby dolphin based on the golden ratio.

Fig 3.3 Complete Drawing

After finished the dolphins, I colored them and added details, then added a background.

Fig 3.4 Drawing Bubbles

Fig 3.5 Applying Gradient

Moving on, I started drawing the bubbles for the baby dolphin. I used the Ellipse tool to create two circles and adjust the opacity of them.

Fig 3.6 Sketching Factories

Fig 3.7 Creating Pollution & Rubbish

After that, it is time to draw the land scene. I started by drawing the factory and the house, adding the smoke from the factory operations. Next, draw the factory sewage flowing to the sea. The first version of my artwork was completed. 

Fig 3.8 Illustration (ver.1)

After receiving feedback from Mr. Zeon, I  have applied dark and light tones in my work to make it more engaging. 

Fig 3.9 Applying Gradient in Work

I have used gradient on the dolphin and the ocean background.

Fig 3.10 Adding Details

I have added some details to the land scene - the factory and the house. By drawing the shadow, stones, and smoke from the factory operations. Next, I change the color of the factory sewage flowing into the sea from brown color to a dark green gradient. The second version of my artwork was completed.

    Fig 3.11 Illustration (ver.2)

To highlight the main part, I follow Mr. Zeon's suggestion to change land and rubbish to darker tones in the last physical class. Finally, my artwork is completed. I named it 'Escape From Mother Ocean'.

Fig 3.12 Final Design, Illustration, Escape From Mother Ocean

Rationale:

The final design that I created is an illustration named 'Escape From Mother Ocean.' The UNSDG that I chose is Goal 14: Life Below Water, which aims to raise awareness among humans about protecting the marine environment. Humans need to coexist harmoniously with the ocean to ensure its preservation.

The illustration depicts the dolphins living in a polluted area, surrounded by sewage and rubbish. Mother dolphin has been polluted, her skin has turned grayish-white. She encases her child in a bubble to protect it. The dolphins are facing a survival crisis because this place is no longer suitable for them. By depicting the situation of these creatures, I hope to inspire a sense of responsibility in viewers to take action to protect our ocean.

The design principles that I have applied are emphasis, the golden ratio, and movement. My design uses a dark-colored background with a light-colored main part to emphasize the central focus. I utilized the golden ratio when drawing the baby dolphin, aligning its body with the line of the golden ratio. I incorporated movement into the main part of the design; we first see the mother dolphin, then follow the curve of her body, leading our eyes to the baby dolphin.


Weekly Feedback

Week 6 (12/3/2024):  I can expand on the concept of Sketch 3 and generate additional ideas by creating more sketches. Remember to use visual references.

Week 6 (13/3/2024): According to Mr. Zeon's guidance, I have made adjustments to the elements and details in Sketch 3.

Week 7 (19/3/2024): I need to add more layers and experiment with dark and light tones to make the illustration more engaging because it looks too flat. 

Week 7 (20/3/2024): I need to adjust the color balance between the main part and the background.

Reflection

This task is the most challenging one for me in Semester 1.5. I feel that I've embarked on a journey that not only challenged my creative abilities and brain but also deepened my understanding of the importance of ocean conservation.

At first, I needed to familiarize myself with the effects of human activities on the ocean. Through this process, I've learned about the dire consequences of marine pollution, overfishing, and climate change on marine ecosystems. The process of sketching was particularly difficult, as I struggled to brainstorm and depict scenes effectively. However, with the guidance of Mr. Zeon, I was able to find the direction of my design. Additionally, I learned to utilize visual references as sources of inspiration to enhance my designs.

Further Reading

1) Chapman, C. (2018, December 13). The Principles of Design and Their Importance. Toptal Design Blog. 


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