Design Principles - Task 2

 27/08/2021 - 25/09/2021 (Week 1 - Week 5) 

Ataka Lukman Hamzah / 0350012 / BDCM Design Principles

Task 1 / Exercise

 

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LECTURE

WEEK 2

Balance

Balance refers to the distribution of visual weight in a work of design. Balance serves as the visual equilibrium of elements. Balance can be both symmetrical and asymmetrical.

Symmetrical Balance

Symmetrical balance has equal weight on equal sides of a centrally place fulcrum. It means that it has the equal arrangement of elements on either side of the central axis. Radial balance is achieved by arranging elements equally around a central point. Approximate symmetry is when equivalent but not identical forms are arranged around the fulcrum line.

Fig 1.1: Batik - Symmetrical Balance

Radial balance is a form of symmetrical balance where elements within an image radiate outwards from central point. This gives more depth, movement and even pattern to the picture. It can help viewers eyes to the center point.

Fig 1.2: Radial Balance Example 1

Fig 1.3: Radial Balance Example 2

Approximate Symmetry is a composition of symmetry where both sides are nearly the same.

Fig 1.4: Approximate Symmetry

Asymmetrical balance

Asymmetrical balance has an unequal weight on each side of the composition. One side of the composition might contain a dominant element, which could be balanced by a couple or more lesser focal points on the other side. Using asymmetrical balance gives more dynamic and interesting look. Also, it gives out the feeling of modernism, movement, energy and vitality. Asymmetrical balance provide more visual variety, however it can be difficult to achieve because the relationships between elements are more complex.

Fig 1.5: Asymmetrical Balance in Photography

Fig 1.6: Asymmetrical Balance in Design

The Golden Ratio

The golden ratio is also known as phi. It is a mathematical concept. The ratio itself comes from the Fibonnaci sequence. It can be found everywhere, from the number of leaves on a tree to the shape of a seashell. Many perceived the Golden Ratio as the representative of perfect beauty or is uniquely found throughout nature. The Golden ratio has been used for centuries as a guide to create visual balance in architecture and paintings. On the other hand, for designers, illustrators or digital artists, the Golden Ratio can be used to bring harmony, balance and structure. Also, it increases the appeal of a design work.

Fig 1.7: The Golden Ratio

Rule of Thirds

It is a composition guideline to create more dynamism to a work of design/photography/film/painting. An image is divided evenly into thirds, both horizontally and vertically, and the subject of the image is placed at the intersection of those dividing lines, or along one of the lines itself.

Fig 1.8: Rule of Thirds in Photography

Fig 1.9: Rule of Thirds in Design

Emphasis and Dominance

Emphasis is used to create dominance and focus in a design work. Variety of elements are used to create emphasis, such as colour, shapes or value, in order to achieve dominance.  

Fig 2.0: Emphasis and Dominance Example

Repetition (Rhythm & Pattern)

Repetition could make a work of design seem active. Repetition elements of design creates rhythm and pattern within the work. To keep the rhythms from being monotonous variety is essential to keep it exciting and active. Patterns increases visual excitement by enriching surface interest.

Fig 2.1: Repetition (Pattern)

Variety is about a change or slight difference in elements and objects in composition, to avoid a boring composition. Variety can also involve varying angles, exposure, composition, etc.

Fig 2.2: Variety in Repetition

Movement

The way a design leads the eye in, around, and through a composition - the path the eye follows. Motion or movement in a visual image occurs when objects seem to be moving in a visual image. Movement in a visual image comes from the kinds of shapes, forms, lines, and curves that are used.

Fig 2.2: Movement 1

Fig 2.3: Movement 2

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INSTRUCTIONS

Task 2

For task two we are expected to create two design that shows movement, repetition, emphasis and balance. The principles that I choose are movement and repetition. For movement, the first idea that I got was from a car photographer that shot a rolling photo of a car (moving car). So I took several photos of my friend's car. To create 'movement' effect, the shutter speed must be low around 1/40 or 1/60, it varies depending on the speed of the car. So the results are:

Fig x.x: Photo 1 (Movement)

Fig x.x: Photo 2 (Movement)

Fig x.x: Photo 3 (Movement)

The second idea was from the same person, which is to shoot milk being poured into coffee. I wanted to get the movement of the milk. Which came out like this:

Moving to the second design, I chose the principle of repetition. I was inspired by an artwork I found from pinterest. It is a dotted pen art, where you create a shape or a figure from dots. However, instead of doing it manually, I created it digitally. The subject that I chose was my cat.

Fig x.x: Repetition 1

Based on the feedback that I got from Mr Charles, it does not really represent repetition because the dots are not visible clearly, what is visible is just the subject. So I took a different approach to create repetition while still using the dotted pen art. I decided to use Andy Warhol's pop arts as reference to create repetition in my art. So I duplicated it into 4 and change the colour of dots and background.

Fig x.x: Andy Warhol Pop Art

Fig x.x: Final Draft

FINAL OUTCOME SUBMISSION:

"Es Kopi Susu"

A photograph of Ice Coffee with milk. The use of milk to represent movement of fluid.

"Cat Cat Cat Cat"

A design piece that was inspired by dotted pen art and 
Andy Warhol's pop art.

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FEEDBACK

Specific Feedback:

For the first idea for movement, it does not show that there that much movement, lacks motion blur. Second idea of movement, it is a great idea, however, solution is to take a much closer shot to have more emphasis on the milk as movement.

Idea for the repetition is good, however, the dots are not really visible making it not a repetition. Solution is to create an aspect of repetition to the art. 

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REFLECTION

Experience

I experienced from this task is struggle. Due to the holiday on the second week, I am loss at what are we supposed to do in that week. I start this task a bit too late than we are supposed to do. I can improve on regularly check on the module booklet to keep track of what are the things we are expected to do during that week. 

Observation

More exploration. Also, to have created the progression updates when doing the work.

Findings

Composition is very important, with composition designs could communicate to the audience even better. Also, the messages that are trying to be delivered would reach the audience better. 

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FURTHER READING