Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Final Project : Visual Analysis
LECTURE NOTES
Lecture 8 @ Visual analysis
Visual analysis :
👉Is a method of understanding design that focuses on the visual elements and principles. / a description and explanation of visual structure for its own sake.
👉 purpose of visual analysis can also recognise the choices that a designer made in creating the design, as well as to better understand how the formal properties of a design communicate ideas, content, or meaning.
👉 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 works ?
Visual analysis can include three phases:
Figure 1 : The sample of writing by Dr. Jinchi
Phase 1 : Observation - closely looking at and identifying the visual elements of a design, trying to describe them carefully and accurately in your own words.
Phase 2 : Analysis - think about your observations and try to make statements about the work based on the evidence of your observations.
Phase 3 : Interpretation - 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.
FINAL PROJECT : VISUAL ANALYSIS
MODULE INSTRUCTION
INSTRUCTION
Students are to utilise their understanding of design principles found in the design work. This project requires the students to assess, investigate, document and analyse a design material (billboards / television commercial / movie clip / work of design) of their choice. They should notice, size, placement, purpose, effectiveness, as well as aspects of design principles found in that work.
Thereafter, they are to produce a work of design, inspired / influenced by the one they studied on, or a a reaction to it. They should also apply knowledge of design principles in their design.
Requirement :
Select a work of design of your choice.
1. A 350-word visual analysis, briefly describing and analysing the design principles of the selected design.
2. Create a work of design of your own, inspired/influenced by the one you analysed, or as a reaction to it.
3. A 50-word rationale explaining and defending the decisions made in your design.
VISUAL RESEARCH
I looked into a Korean artist named Aeppol (애뽈), who enjoys depicting the beauties and mysteries of isolation. Her collection of "a diary of a forest girl" grabbed my curiosity, and I began to analyse her work. Her artwork is shown in the author's "her own" and portrays her style as smooth, tranquil, relaxed, dreamy, and also harmonious.
Phase 1 : Observation
Figure 2 : 기억을 담아 (with my memory), by Aeppol
This illustrative artwork is done in the shape of a portrait. The artwork is done in the manner of one-point perspective and appears to depict a world in a cylindrical glass bottle; a girl and her pet are swinging under a tree.
As for the visual elements, the artwork is rich in green, purple, and red in terms of visual aspects. Overall, it is applied in a slightly dark tone yet with a feeling of harmony. Moreover, the cylindrical glass bottle is created in a three-dimensions form. The author even created visual textures in the artwork, such as the textures of a cylindrical glass bottle, soil, and even the leaves. Swirly, parallel lines, and even organic forms are used throughout the arrangement to make the artwork seem attractive. The backdrop is purple, evoking a sense of dreams, imagination, and starry nights. Furthermore, many swirly leaves encircle the cylindrical glass, implying a sense of woodland or perhaps the author's love of nature.
Phase 2 : Analysis
This artwork is well-balanced in terms of symmetry. This is clear since the illustration creates a nice balance between having the same on both sides :
Figure 3 : symmetrical balance
Imaging when the artwork was folded in half, an equal balance on the trees, cylinder glass, and swirly leaves was revealed, demonstrating the principle of symmetrical balance.
Furthermore, the artist drew attention to the centre of the image, a girl in a red dress, providing a sense of emphasis. The artist emphasises the character by contrasting it with other areas. Obviously, the girl is shown in a dominant position with the highest contrast and brightest hue, indicating to the viewers the importance of the character (figure 4):
Figure 4 : the emphasis of the girl with red dress.
The present of emphasis the red dress girl had focused the moment she swings under the tree, as well as showing a sense of movement. The evidence shown when her feet sway in the air, the movement of her body, and the folds of her red dress, testify to the existence of the principle of movement (figure 5).
Furthermore, movement is displayed in the form of organically shaped clouds and stars emerging and shining all over the artwork. Also, the movement of the swirly leaves in a variety of directions and perspectives was depicted in the artwork (figure 6).
Figure 5 : the movement of the swings
Figure 6 : the movement of artwork
When focusing on the swirly leaves that surround the cyclindral glass, it is clear to see that there is unity in the entire composition since the elements are positioned in a way that compliments one another. Clearly, the artwork was done using a variety of green plants, demonstrating the unity of plants.
Figure 7 : the unity of plants
Following the unity, the swirly leaves, organic-shaped clouds, and stars demonstrated the theme of repetition. Apparently, repetitive patterns of the elements are regularly used to create artwork and even make the artwork appear more dynamic. For example, the swirly leaves' various patterns, angles, exposure, and composition, as well as the organic-shaped clouds and stars, keep the rhythms dynamic and energetic in order to convey the sense of repetition.
Figure 8 : the repetition of green leaves
Figure 9 : The repetition of organic-shaped clouds
And finally, there is a scale used in the arrangement; the cylindrical bottle, in actuality, cannot hold a human or even a tree. The layout had made the artwork more compelling and added additional areas for viewers to perceive.
Phase 3 : Interpretation
Aeppol is a Korean artist that who describes herself on creating and painting little happiness in our daily life and small special things that we easily pass by. She did create a collection 'the dairy of a forest girl',which showing the illustrations of simple everyday moments.
Figure 10 - 14 : Some examples of Aeppol's collection
Throughout Aeppol's collection, it can be concluded that she enjoys capturing all of life's wonders and secrets. Her artwork is displayed in the author's "her own" and represents her style as smooth, serene, relaxed, memorable, and also harmonious, preserving the moments of her day, including the artwork "with my memory" that I visual analysed. After Exploring her collections may make ones feel warm and familiar, as her collection pictures the bits and pieces of enjoyment in our daily lives, as well as the particular small things we often overlook.
Indeed, in any case, it can be said that the author is a nature lover. According to her collection, most of her illustrations include flowers and trees, and the furniture is mostly made of wood, reflecting her love of nature. Moreover, she may also a girl who adores animals. Evidently, she actually created her illustration collection all along with her small buddies, as seen by practically every illustration in her collection (figure 15):
Figure 15 : The presence of small buddies
As a consequence, I can assert that the artwork I studied, "with the moment" also having the presence small buddies (figure 16) :
Figure 16 : The presence of small buddies
Although the artist does not contrast the character in the artwork, she does detail the character's presence in this illustration, emphasising the importance of the character to her. In fact, she is thoroughly enjoying the woodland adventure with her small buddies.
Last, the author included a caption for the illustration 'with the moment', "what if I can put today's precious and interesting memory inside a glass bottle?". This demonstrated the author's appreciation for the present moment, and she may have wished to keep the memories in a bottle for all time.
TASK 2 : DESIGN ARTWORK
VISUAL RESEARCH
Figure 17 : 기억을 담아 (with my memory), by Aeppol
Following the visual analysis, I was inspired by the micro-world in the glass container. I like the concept of capturing a moment in a bottle and preserving it for all time. So I decided to make something micro as well! 🙌
IDEA EXPLORATION AND DESCRIPTION
At first, I explore the types of glass bottles by using Pinterest :
Figure 18 - 19 : The type of bottles
After the exploration of the bottles, I decided to create the artwork by using the circular corked bottle. (CKRD250, figure 20)
Figure 20 : The selected bottle
Then, I tried to get some exploration towards to "the world" in the glass bottle, and below were the some of the examples for my exploration :
Figure 21- 23 : Reference for the micro-world
I like the notion of having a universe in a glass jar, so I chose to combine it (Figure 23) into my drawings, because the illustrations is just something I normally did in my room, sitting in front of my laptop, listening to music.
After some exploration and idea inspiration, I finally summed up my 1st draught sketches on my final idea :
Figure 24 : Idea Draft sketch 1
The idea was [ The moment I enjoy myself, sitting in front of my table, with my laptop and listening to the music ]
The elements means : -
Coffee - to express the spirit of me loving coffee ☕️
Green plant or animal beside - to show the harmonious of the artwork on having the main nature cultures; human, plant and animal. 🐈 🌳
Music player or headsets - to portray the moment I listen to music 🎧
Following the idea sketches, I begin to develop them into finer drawings with lines and patterns ✍️ :
Figure 25 : idea sketch 1
Figure 26 : idea sketch 1 - coloured
As I was inspired by the uniqueness of the glass bulb during my creation, I created a form of having bulb-shaped glass to exhibit the moments of me in the space.
Figure 27 - 28 : Inspiration of bulb-shaped illustration
Figure 29 : idea sketch 2 - lines
Figure 30 : idea sketch 2 - coloured + lines
Figure 31 : idea sketch 2 - coloured
Figure 32 : idea sketch 2 - after 1st adjustment
Figure 33 : idea sketch 2 - after 2nd adjustment
After finishing the initial idea for the micro-world, I spent some time brainstorming backdrop ideas. As the artwork "with the moment" that I examined is themed in the love of nature, I could want to create the backdrops to generate a sense of nature, yet tranquility.And, I did gained some ideas from :
Figure 34 : Reference on backdrops
Figure 35 - 36 : Reference on backdrops
Figure 37 : Idea sketch 3
Figure 38 : Idea sketch 3 - black background
I send the idea sketch to Dr. Charles and told me about my idea "light up the moment".
FEEDBACK The moment retains its light, I think its clever!
After, I did add some idea into the artwork too, a door.
Figure 39 : Idea sketch 3 - added a door
I am curious to see how the outcome will the previous circular bottle was made, so I tried to place it into the backdrop too.
Figure 40 : idea sketch 4 - circular bottle
I think it's well-executed as well, and I attempted to make some adjustments and improvements to it. I will decided to contemplate what bottle shapes should be used after the upgrades.
Figure 41 : idea sketch 4 - add-ons
Figure 42 : idea sketch 4 - with backdrop
Figure 43 : idea sketch 4 - with black backdrop
I believed that the curtains and windows would not have a nice transparency effect, so I chose to remove them, and the results are seen below :
Figure 44 : idea sketch 5
Figure 45 : idea sketch 5 - black backdrop
Figure 46 : idea sketch 5 - white backdrop
Then I send my most recent artwork to Dr. Charles again, hoping he may give me some guidance on the final decision on the bottle shape.
FEEDBACK I like the way this is side by side (figure 47). It seems to naturally showing a sense of continuity and juxtaposing the two bulbs. One in the bright and darkness and the difference is the girl and the desk retains the light. Not sure you realised that when you shared it. Other than that, the finishing bit. Colouring effects, outlining - just some minor refinement.
Figure 47 : Feedbacks by Dr. Charles
Dr. Charles offered me an excellent concept for the creation, and I never imagined the beauty and uniqueness of my self-production before he told me. Thank him for allowing me to expand my horizons so much!
But, I informed Dr. Charles about my own concept; I want to merge these two photos into a GIF, one white and one black, but I'm still thinking about how to do it.
FEEDBACK Good idea! You can have both! Serependitous discovery! Nice.
I'm delighted to have such kind reviews hehe!! After the joy, I'd like to continue my idea exploration journey. And my current concept is to make a 10-15 second animation film with a light and dark effect.
Due to the time constraint, I choose the Applications that I frequently use, capcut (剪映), to complete the output.
I used figure 37 and 38 as a combo to make the video. In the video, I inserted the switch on/off BGM.
Figure 48 : The clipboard
The outcome :
Video 1 : the outcome of switching effect
However, I feel I should redraw the character who is holding the bulbs/glass bottle.
I deliberately make the character blank and let it blended with the background colour to express a mentality of "empty". Below is the updated outcome with white backdrops :
Figure 49 : idea sketch 6 - bulb
Figure 50 : idea sketch 6 - corked bottle
Figure 51 : idea sketch 6 - corked bottle with curtains
I realised that black and white would be boring for the animation, so I looked for some inspiration on galaxy backdrops :
Figure 52 - 53 : idea exploration on galaxy backdrops
I like the both ways of galaxy either the dark (figure 51) or the warm (figure 52). However, I believe a warm tone will be more appropriate for my designs.
I used the warm (Figure 52) as reference for colour palettes 🎨 :
The artwork are created in 4 layers : galaxy, clouds, stars and moon.
Figure 54 : The layers of galaxy backdrop
My time- lapse recording :
Video 2 : time -lapse recording for galaxy backdrop
Figure 55 : The outcome of galaxy backdrop
I combined the galaxy backdrop with the 3 previous outcome :
Figure 56 : idea sketch 7 - corked bottle with curtains
Figure 57 : idea sketch 7 - corked bottle
Figure 58 : idea sketch 7 - bulb
After some feedbacks and suggestion from my friends and family, I decided to proceed my drawings with the bulb. As I received feedback on changing the colour of bulb, so :
Figure 59 - 62 : Different colours of bulb
I even make a combination of the cork of the corked bottle + the body of the bulbs :
Figure 63 : combination of corked bottle + bulbs
But after the changing, I still prefer the original version which is the most suitable for 3 types of backdrop : black , white and galaxy 🌌.
Figure 64 : final outcome - white backdrop
Figure 65 : final outcome - black backdrop
Figure 66 : final outcome - galaxy backdrop
After I've finished the first three frames, I'll start working on the video animation
I have chose to include some warm song BGM music. After a few listens, I decided to go with the music "萤火虫” by 幽基斯. It is a piece of music that requires the use of numerous musical instruments.That music is really restorative, very self-healing, and it feels entirely empty and calm. This music, I feel, expresses the sense I wish to convey: emptiness.
< your life > = the idea of the girl in the micro-world is a daily basis of me, sitting in front my laptop, busying on inspiration and exploration regarding the design projects and jobs.
The idea lasts, shine your life whenever you are (different backdrops).
FINAL OUTCOME AND SHORT RATIONALE
Figure 69 : Final outcome in PDF
The artwork "shine your life" was inspired by the artwork "with the moment" by Aeppol, a Korean artist. I was inspired by her ways of creation in glass bottles, with the idea of capturing the moments endlessly. Furthermore, her artwork captures the little joys in our everyday lives and the small special things that we often overlook, and it evokes a sense of attraction, drawing people to read the stories through their images.
The artwork "shine your life" mostly displays a girl holding a bulb container containing a micro-world throughout several backgrounds. The concept of a micro-world in a glass container is inspired by Aeppol's work. Also, Aeppol's artwork brings a smooth, relaxed, memorable, and harmonious sense, which makes me feel empty and calm. So, the use of lines rather than colour for the character who is holding the bulb container is used to prompt the sense of nothingness, empty.
Moreover, the artwork is created by using multiple design principles. The artwork brought attention to the left side of the image, the bulb container with the micro-world, creating a sense of contrast. Obviously, the lines are the only elements to create the backdrop and the backdrop's character . The microworld in the bulb container, on the other hand, is portrayed in a dominant position with the highest contrast and brightest hue, demonstrating the juxtaposition of dissimilar elements. Furthermore, the repetition of the figures with various backdrops is shown in the video animation. To make the creation more interesting, a variety of backdrops, including light, dark, and galaxy, are shown, and more areas are given to the viewers to perceive. Also, the artwork is created by using the principles of movement, showing the variety of light from the backdrops, and it can be easier to spot when the stars and moon shine in the video. Harmony is also used to form the artwork, as the same colour themes are used to create every frame, which shows the design elements are fitted together.
REFLECTION
Compared to the previous project, I felt like I was having a lot of fun uncovering new ideas and inspiration throughout the project. I spent more time and much more spirit here since I had a lot of thoughts to express. Actually, I was thinking about making the animation video stuff for my previous project, but due to time constraints and the loss of my time management skills, I can't truly create the artwork as my concepts. So, fortunately, I completed one for this module, the final assignment.
By examining other people's work, I discovered that my observational abilities may be enhanced. For example, Aeppol's artwork "with the moment" contains numerous minor nuances that would be overlooked if not paid attention to and examined. For example, Aeppol, for example, has always accompanied her small buddies. She created the artwork in a detailed but not invisible manner, indicating the significance of the small buddies in her collection. To summarise, her small touches make the whole artwork more intriguing and lively. I truly like the Aeppol express style, and I wish I could have my own style and collection one day.
Also, based on Dr. Charles' feedback, I never realised the magnificent expressions of my artwork until now. After going through the entire process, I have a much greater grasp of the importance of observation in the arts. Overall, I enjoyed the entire process, including finishing it at the stroke of midnight. 🤭🤫
REFERENCE
Figure 1 : The sample of writing by Dr. Jinchi. Lecture slides by Dr. Jinchi.
Figure 2 : 기억을 담아 (with my memory), by Aeppol. https://grafolio.naver.com/works/158969#?ref=weheartit
Figure 10-14 : Some examples of Aeppol's collection. https://weheartit.com/katrinavt/collections/111336772-the-diary-of-a-forest-girl
Figure 17 : 기억을 담아 (with my memory), by Aeppol. https://grafolio.naver.com/works/158969#?ref=weheartit
Figure 18 : The type of bottles.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/283304632779071168/
Figure 19 : The type of bottles.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/58828338858915329/
Figure 20 : The selected bottle.https://www.specialtybottle.com/glass-bottles/corked
Figure 21 : Reference for the micro-world.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/34128909667858182/
Figure 22 : Reference for the micro-world. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/6825836925728812/
Figure 23 : Reference for the micro-world.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/68743622969/
Figure 27 : Inspiration of the bulb-shaped illustration. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281543712651320/
Figure 28 : Inspiration of the bulb-shaped illustration. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/5840674501939340/
Figure 34 : Reference on backdrops. https://data.whicdn.com/images/262423538/original.jpg
Figure 35 : Reference on backdrops. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/281543718774404/
Figure 36 : Reference on backdrops. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/634022453771585016/feedback/?invite_code=20188e9f6a3b49529a665bd448611b69&sender_id=862298797311717302
Figure 47 : Feedbacks by Dr. Charles.
Figure 51 : idea exploration on galaxy backdrops.https://www.pinterest.com/pin/812477589008709739/
Figure 52 : idea exploration on galaxy backdrops. https://www.pinterest.com/pin/613122936780070034/feedback/?invite_code=cbbebba61b864a5c9cf0155e138a8d26&sender_id=1081004854215748709
Comments
Post a Comment