Labels

TASK 1 (Exploration)

03/02/2025 – 17/02/2025 (Week 1 – Week 3)

Valerius Ethan Wirawan / 0372774

Design Principle / Creative Media / School of Design

Task 1: Exploration 

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Instruction
2. Lectures
3. Task 1 (Exploration)
4. Feedback
5. Reflections

OTHER TASKS

TASK 2 (Visual Analysis & Ideation)

TASK 3 (Development & Design)

1. INSTRUCTION

Fig. 1.1. Module Information Booklet

2. LECTURES

2.1. Elements and Principles of Design

Design Elements

  • Point: Simplest element, repeated points create line and shapes.



  • Line: Convey directions, boundaries, motion.

  • Shape: Shapes are defined by lines enclosing an area and can be geometric (precise) or organic (irregular). 

  • Form: Refers to three-dimensional shapes that enclose space, often used in sculpture and architecture. 

  • Texture: The tactile quality of surfaces, which can be actual (felt) or implied (visual representation). 

  • Space: The area around and between elements, crucial for effective design. It can be positive (filled) or negative (empty). 

  • Color: The visual product of light, defined by hue, value, and intensity. Color schemes can be monochromatic, analogous, or complementary. 

A Brief of Design Principles

  • Contrast: Differentiating elements to create visual interest.
  • Balance: Distributing visual weight evenly.
  • Emphasis: Highlighting focal points.
  • Repetition: Creating consistency through repeated elements.
  • Rhythm: Establishing a sense of movement through patterns.

2.2. Contrast and Gestalt Theory

Contrast
Defined as the use of opposing elements: Color, shape, or size.

  • Creating visual interest and direct attention making the design won't be feel flat or monotonous.
  • Book covers often use contrast by placing bold, vivid colors behind focal images to grab attention.
Gestalt Theory
Describe how the human eye perceives visual elements as unified forms rather than separate parts.

  • Principle of Similarity: Similar elements are perceived as a group.
  • Principle of Continuation: The eye prefers a continuous flow of visual elements.
  • Principle of Closure: The mind fills in missing information to perceive complete shapes.
  • Principle of Proximity: Related elements should be placed close together to indicate a relationship.
  • Principle of Figure-Ground: Objects are perceived as either in the foreground or background, which helps in distinguishing elements.

  • Law of Symmetry and Order: States that human eye percieved symmetrical elements as a unified group.

2.3. Emphasis and Balance

Emphasis
  • Emphasis is used to create focus and dominance.
  • Achieved by color, shape, or value. 
Balance
The distribution of visual weight, creating a sense of equilibrium in a composition.

  • Symmetrical Balance: Featuring equal arrangements of elements on either side of a central fulcrum, resulting in a mirror image effect. 
  • Asymmetrical Balance: Characterized by unequal visual weight, where a dominant element is balanced by smaller elements on the opposite side. This type of balance is more complex and dynamic, often evoking feelings of modernism and vitality.

  • The Golden Ratio: The golden ratio, approximately 1.618, is a mathematical concept that has been used for centuries to create visual balance in art and design. It can be applied to achieve harmony and structure in compositions, enhancing their aesthetic appeal.

  • The Rule of Thirds: Composition guideline that divides an image into thirds both horizontally and vertically. Placing the subject at the intersections of these lines creates a more dynamic composition.

Fig. 2.2.7. Car Photoshoot. © 2023, Valerius Ethan Wirawan 

2.4. Repetition and Movement

Repetition, Pattern, Rhythm
  • Repetition brings a sense of activity to a design. 
  • Repeating design elements, rhythm and patterns are created within the composition. To create a dynamic and engaging design, variety is needed, to prevent monotone design.
  • Patterns enhance visual appeal by adding texture and complexity to the surface. Additionally, repetition can also suggest movement within a design.
Fig. 2.2.8. https://images.app.goo.gl/ivHgUysFpb2VBwD18

Movement

  • How the eye is guided through a composition, creating a visual path of attention and focus. It occurs when elements such as shapes, forms, lines, and curves generate the illusion of motion.  
  • By positioning elements to align with natural eye movement, clarity and engagement are ensured within the composition.
Fig. 2.2.9. Circular movement Illustration. © 2024, Valerius Ethan Wirawan 

2.5. Harmony and Unity

Harmony
Selection of design elements that share a common trait, creating a cohesive look.
  • It can be monotonous without variations, adding small changes keeps things interesting. For example, The use similar colors that go well together, making the design space warm and welcoming.
Unity
The repetition of specific elements (colors, shapes, materials) throughout a design to create a sense of oneness, it is achived by balanced elements to achieve a theme.

Fig. 2.2.11. Text formatting representing unity. (2024, Valerius Ethan Wirawan) 

Scale
The size of one object in relation to others in a design.
  • Effective use of scale can create dramatic effects and certain visual interest.
Proportion
The relationship between elements in a composition regarding size and quantity.
  • Contribute to the overall unity of a design.
  • Example: Main object is emphasized through size proportions.

2.6. Symbol, Image, and Word

Symbol
Assigned shape or object that carries out information.
  • Pictorial Symbols: Simplified images that represent actual objects, useful in educational materials (e.g., symbols of sewing tools or life cycles).
  • Abstract Symbols: These resemble the objects they represent but with less detail (e.g., washroom signs).
  • Arbitrary Symbols: These have no resemblance to the objects or ideas they represent and are often based on geometric shapes (e.g., hospital signs).
Fig. 2.2.14. https://images.app.goo.gl/FcDdP7ABRUSHV4y37




Image and Word
  • Imagery helps users relate to concepts or brands. The choice of images and words significantly impacts the design's meaning. 
  • Typography (word), which involves the design and arrangement of text, is crucial for conveying messages effectively. Different typefaces can reflect different meanings and perspectives.

2.7. Visual Analysis

A method to understand design by focusing on visual elements and principles.

  • It is critical to help interpret artworks and sharpening critical judgement through visual literacy.
  • Three steps of visual Anaylis: 
    • Observation: Detailed examining and describing the design.
    • Analysis: Make statements on how the artwork affect viewers by using principles of design.
    • Interpretation: Summarizing the artwork by using artwork's facts, designer's background, and historical context to convey it's meaning and purpose.


3. TASK 1 (EXPLORATION)

"Gold Mine, Serra Pelada, Brazil, 1986" – Photograph by Sebastião Salgado.

  • Title: Serra Pelada, Brazil.
  • Artist/Photographer: Sebastião Salgado.
  • Year: 1986.
  • Size: Varies (original prints typically range in size).
  • Method: Photograph on Leica R6, 35mm SLR.
  • Medium: Black and white photograph (Gelatin silver print). 
  • Source: Part of Salgado's 'Gold', published by Taschen September 2019.

I chose Sebastião Salgado’s Gold Mine, Serra Pelada, Brazil because of the way he crafts his photographs to tell a deeply emotional and thought-provoking story. This image reveals the brutal conditions faced by gold miners in Brazil, portraying themes of struggle, oppression, and resilience. Salgado captures the intense tension between the armed guard and the miners, freezing a moment filled with emotion and conflict. The scene almost feels surreal, yet it reflects the harsh reality of thousands of workers risking their lives in pursuit of a better future. Several design principles enhance the impact of this photograph. Contrast is seen in the stark difference between the dark uniform of the guard and the miner’s lighter skin, emphasizing their social and economic state. Emphasis is drawn to the guard’s weapon, positioned diagonally and pointed at the miner, weightening the sense of confrontation. Balance is achieved by the positioning of the guard on the right and the miner on the left, creating visual tension. Repetition is evident in the swarm of miners in the background, reinforcing the overwhelming scale of the labor force. Lastly, symbolism, the gun signifies power and control.

4. FEEDBACK

Week 3
The lecturer praised my artwork for its strong composition and tension. However, he suggested improving the text's continuity so the first and second paragraphs align better. He also pointed out how the implied lines from the eyes create a sense of convergence in the artwork.

Week 2
Our blog posts are designed to train us to independently observe and explore art, expressing our observations in our own words and from our own perspective.

Week 1
No specific feedback. Module briefing.

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular Posts