DESIGN PRINCIPLES: Task 1 - Exploration
03/02/2025 - 17/02/2025 (Week 1 - Week 3)
Te Li Wen (0367811)
Design Principles - Bachelor of Design in Creative Media - Taylors University
Task 1: Exploration
Table of Contents
1. LECTURE
2. INSTRUCTIONS
3. TASK 1
4. FEEDBACK
5. REFLECTION
Lecture
Visual communication
♡ Usage of designs to convey messages
♡ Application of elements and principle of design for better effectiveness
Elements of Design ➢ Individual building blocks
1. Point
♡ The most fundamental element of design
♡ When repeated, it forms a line
♡ Movement in space creates both 2D and 3D forms
♡ Movement in space creates both 2D and 3D forms
2. Line
♡ Can be dynamic, static, forceful/subtle, expressive/mechanical
♡ Defines direction, boundaries, and suggests volume/mass
♡ Can imply movement or emotion
♡ When grouped, it represents light, shadow, and texture
3. Shape
♡ The area contained within a 2D outline
♡ Formed when a line encloses space
♡ Can be defined by contrast in value, color, or texture
♡ Includes geometric (precise/structured) & organic (free-flowing/informal) forms
4. Form
♡ A three-dimensional structure
♡ Enclosing space creates volume
♡ Common in sculpture and architectural design
♡ Must be implied in two-dimensional media
5. Texture
♡ The surface quality of an object
♡ Can be real (physical/tactile) or visually simulated
6. Space
♡ The area around and within objects
♡ Three-dimensional space is perceived when we occupy it
♡ From an external view, we observe mass
♡ Internally, we perceive volume
♡ Can be categorized as positive or negative
♡ Depth can create the illusion of three-dimensional space
7. Color
♡ A visual effect resulting from light waves
♡ Perceived based on different wavelengths of light
♡ Hues: Distinct colors of the spectrum (yellow, green, etc.)
♡ Value: The lightness or darkness of a color
♡ Intensity: The saturation or purity of a hue
♡ Color schemes: Harmonious groupings of colors
♡ Monochromatic: Variations in value and intensity of a single hue
♡ Analogous: Colors positioned next to each other on the spectrum
♡ Complementary: Colors directly opposite on the spectrum
Principles of Design ➢ Fundamentals guiding element arrangement
♡ Contrast
♥ Placement of highly contrasting elements side by side
♥ Lack of contrast results in a dull visual experience
♥ Creates visual intrigue, highlights key points, and conveys meaning
Gesalt Theory ➢ "Gesalt" refers to shape or form in German.
Instructions
Task 1
Gesalt Theory ➢
Gestalt principles are fundamental laws of visual perception that elucidate the cognitive processes by which individuals organize and group visual elements into cohesive patterns.
In figure 1, the placement of each elements that were drawn is well thought out, creating a structure of a raven in the center of the illustration. The artist included some typography above the raven and below it as elements which make it interesting to look at.
Contrast
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Figure 2. Heaven Official's Blessing Artwork by STARember (2019) - Comic Cover
Contrast refers to the pairing of two opposing colors from the color wheel, which results in a visually striking and aesthetically pleasing composition.
In the official illustration of Heaven Official's Blessing, the artist effectively employs this technique. The use of a teal blue background juxtaposed with the red tones of the main subject directs attention to the central figures, enhancing their prominence within the piece. This deliberate use of contrasting colors serves to guide the viewer’s focus towards the two primary characters, emphasizing their importance in the composition.
Emphasis
Figure 3. Artwork by Vivinos ALIEN STAGE_official (2025) - Digital Illustration
https://x.com/Official_ALNST/status/1885251679731560929/photo/1
Emphasis is a design principle that highlights a specific element within a composition, often making it the dominant focal point.
In this illustration, emphasis is clearly placed on the central subject, as evidenced by the surrounding elements, which are intentionally less pronounced and subdued. This strategic use of weaker and more subtle features ensures that they do not compete with or detract from the main subject, allowing the viewer's attention to be drawn predominantly to the center of the composition.
Balance
Figure 4. Omniscient Reader's Viewpoint by BLACKBOX/1L9l2Aa8UCL0IGJ (2019), Munpia
Balance in design refers to the equitable distribution of visual elements, which fosters a sense of equilibrium and stability within the composition.
In this illustration, the two characters are positioned at the center, with the title serving as a distinct division between them. This arrangement effectively underscores the spatial relationship between the characters, utilizing the title as both a structural and symbolic element that separates and defines their interaction within the composition.
Repetition
Figure 5. Arttwork by haneulbamgang (2025) - Digital Illustration
Repetition in design refers to the recurrence of an element or pattern within a composition, creating a sense of continuity and cohesiveness.
In the illustration above, the artist employs repetition through the depiction of the characters singing, suggesting an ongoing or repetitive action. This technique reinforces the idea of continuity, as the characters appear to be engaged in an act that requires repetition, thereby enhancing the overall thematic consistency of the piece.
Movement
Figure 6. Artwork by old_xian (2022) - Digital Illustration
Movement in design refers to the visual flow or arrangement of elements that gives the impression of motion or directs the viewer’s eye through the composition.
In this illustration, the artist creates a sense of movement by incorporating various floating elements, while the depiction of the characters walking down the stairs further enhances the perception of dynamic action. This combination of visual cues effectively conveys the idea of movement, guiding the viewer’s eye and imbuing the composition with a sense of fluidity.
Harmony in design refers to the seamless integration of all elements within a composition, where they work together cohesively to create a unified and pleasing visual experience. This principle is often achieved by pairing elements that complement each other in terms of color, shape, or texture.
In Figure 7, the girl’s dark blue dress harmonizes with the night sky, creating a visual connection between her attire and the surrounding environment. Additionally, the flowers appear to encircle both her and the wolf, further reinforcing the sense of unity and balance within the composition.
Symbol
Symbolism in design can be employed both abstractly and literally, often serving as a means to convey a deeper message or theme related to the subject. It utilizes visual elements that represent or signify ideas beyond their immediate appearance.
In Figure 8, the book cover of Arcane features numerous writings surrounding the central character, which symbolize the character's chaotic and erratic personality. The surrounding explosions and scribbles further emphasize this instability, visually reinforcing the narrative and psychological traits of the character.
Word and Image
Figure 9. Episode 4 Paint The Town Blue from Arcane (2024), Produced by Fortiche
The combination of word and image is a powerful tool in design, often utilized to convey a message or narrative, particularly in mediums such as comics. This integration allows for the amplification of emotions or ideas, enhancing the overall impact of the composition.
In Figure 9, a screenshot from the series Arcane illustrates the use of this technique, where multiple wanted posters featuring the character’s name prominently displayed serve to emphasize her significance and the narrative surrounding her. The juxtaposition of the image and text effectively communicates the character’s notoriety, reinforcing the visual and thematic elements of the scene.
Title: ⋘ 𝑃𝑙𝑒𝑎𝑠𝑒 𝑤𝑎𝑖𝑡... ⋙
Artist Name: BLACKBOX / 1L9l2Aa8UCL0IGJ
Year: 2024
Size: 2800px x 4000px
Medium: Digital Illustration
Observation
This artwork was created by Blackbox, the illustrator responsible for the novel cover of Omniscient Reader’s Viewpoint. The novel served as a significant source of entertainment and solace during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. Amid prolonged periods of isolation, it provided a meaningful escape, allowing me to momentarily detach from the uncertainties of the world.
The illustration, completed in August 2024, was specifically drawn to commemorate the character’s birthday. Despite its monochromatic composition, the artwork is visually compelling. Blackbox’s rendering technique, while seemingly simple, demonstrates a meticulous attention to detail, strategically emphasizing key elements to enhance the depth and expressiveness of the piece. The character’s gesture of holding the screen while reading the artist’s fans’ comments is a remarkable way to integrate audience engagement directly into the artwork. This creative approach not only acknowledges the fans but also enhances the piece’s emotional depth and interactivity. The subtle glitches in the background, combined with the stream of comments, create the illusion that the character is breaking the fourth wall, blurring the boundary between fiction and reality.
Feedback
Week 2
My tutor said I could proceed to task 2 with my chosen illustration.
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