Design Principles : TASK 3 (Development & Design)
Design Principles GCD60804
10/02/2025 - 17/03/2025 | Week 6 - 7
Jesslyn Octavia Tjong / 0374562 / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media
Design Principles / Taylors' University
Table of Contents
I. LECTURE
II. INSTRUCTION
III. FEEDBACK
IV. REFLECTION
V. QUICK LINKS
I. LECTURE
II. INSTRUCTION
III. FEEDBACK
IV. REFLECTION
V. QUICK LINKS
I. LECTURE
Lectures for
Design Elements and Principles
and
Visual Analysis
II. INSTRUCTION
MIB February 2025
In this task, I need to create a work of design based on the sketches of
ideas proposed in Task 2 using my knowledge of design
principles. For my development & design task, I decided to continue from my previous post on sketch #2.
RECAP
chosen artwork :
chosen sketch :
Figure 2
focusing on design principles of emphasis, contrast & harmony
Idea: A vibrant and abstract interpretation of "Impression, Sunrise" using bold
geometric shapes and a playful color palette.
Rationale: This reimagining draws inspiration from abstract
works of Bauhaus and tiles, which Mr. Vinod suggested during feedback. With
a softer, muted color palette and the deconstruction of Monet's scene into a
dynamic composition of triangles and squares of modern aesthetic. The
central orange circle, reminiscent of the sun, acts as a focal point.
DEVELOPMENT
Figure 2 "Grid on Illustrator"
I started by setting up an 8x8 grid in Illustrator. Since there was
extra grid space around the edges, I decided to use it to create a defined
border. This would help contain the composition, giving it a clear boundary
and preventing it from feeling like it was floating in space. It also
added a sense of structure, which felt appropriate given the grid-based
nature of the design. The grid structure is extremely clear,
simplifying the composition into easily digestible units. This aligns
perfectly with Prägnanz.
Figure 3 "Squares on the Grid"
Next, I filled each grid square with colored shapes. I realized mid-way
through creating the squares that I'll be providing an extra design
principle: repetition. The original sketch had a different size and
orientation, so I had to adjust the placement of the shapes to fit the
grid. It was a bit like solving a puzzle, making sure everything fit
together visually.
Figure 4 "Colour Study" ( second picture
source
)
I spent time sorting out the shapes and colors of muted blues to the range
of the burning orange sun, making sure they worked together to create the
desired effect. My artistic intention was to achieve harmony through
the eyes and layering it by putting squares of different values or hues of
colour next to each other which made a nice contrast, ultimately leading to
a visually pleasing composition. This was inspired by Nirmana, which
in Jainaism means the act of creating a foundation (www.wisdomlib.org,
2024).
The color and shape choices were crucial to establishing
harmony and for instance, the correct balance for visual to
the viewers' eyes. For the sun, I added triangles around it. This was
to emphasize it as the focal point of the composition, drawing the
viewer's eye and adding a touch of dynamism. This also employs the
Gestalt principles of proximity and similarity, grouping the triangles
around the sun to create a cohesive visual unit
Figure 5 "Colour Study" ( second picture source )
In completing the composition's color, I added the effect of Texturizer to
provide a bit of depth and not make the harmony monotonous and flat. I used
the brush tool to add some of the port's background and boats.
Figure 6 "Before and After Editing"
The original sketch lacked depth as it was displayed in a 2D format. To
really portray the rising sun, I realized shadows were crucial. With
the texture I'd added, it felt unnatural not to enhance the dimensionality
of the piece. The shadows brought a sense of realism and groundedness,
complementing the texture and maintaining the artwork's visual
harmony. The industrial silhouettes were formed by grouping shapes based on
proximity, providing a stark contrast to the organic feel of the
sunrise.
Finally, I added a hazy effect by brushing the spots with circles of white,
recognizing its importance in conveying the atmosphere of the original
'Impression, Sunrise'.
Figure 7 " Almost Final "
FINAL ARTWORK
Jesslyn's Geometric Impression, Sunrise Task 3
Rationale
This artwork began with a simple question of how to bring Monet's work
into a contemporary context and of my own personal style. I decided to use
a grid as my foundation, a way to organize the
visual elements and play with Gestalt principles. In one of the
main elements of the original artwork, harmonious colour has
changed into basic geometric shapes with the colours, making the
composition instantly readable.
The central circular element, the sun, became the focal point. Gestalt
theories of proximity and similarity were used to group the
triangles around it, drawing the eye and creating a sense of unity.
The industrial silhouettes, formed by grouping shapes based on proximity,
provided a
stark contrast to the organic feel of the sunrise. To maintain the hazy atmosphere of Monet's original, I used textures and
soft edges, creating a sense of closure where the viewer's eye fills in
the missing details. I tried to also portray
figure-ground relationships where it was constantly shifting,
allowing for multiple interpretations of the composition.
Most importantly, I also aimed for
a balance between harmony and contrast. The contrast between the warm sunrise hues and the cooler
industrial elements created visual tension.
Repetition of shapes and colors helped to unify the composition,
while emphasis was placed on the sun to guide the viewer's gaze.
Ultimately, this piece is about reinterpreting a classic through a modern
lens, using Gestalt principles, repetition, contrast, and harmony
to create a visually engaging and thought-provoking composition.
( 247 words )
III. FEEDBACK
Week 6
General : Finish Task 3 for the
last consultation on W7 and come at noon for W7
Specific : Mr. Vinod suggested a recap of task 2 and sketches to
provide the context for the sketch I selected. Mr. Vinod suggested
trying out textured paper in Illustrated so that my work wouldn't be
flat from the sketch that was in 2D format.
Week 7
General : Finish Task 3
and the final compilation before Wednesday midnight.
Specific : Mr. Vinod told me to add a link to download
JPEG if my jpeg doesn't load again.
IV. REFLECTION
Experience:
This project was a journey into understanding the heart of
Impressionism, specifically through the lens of Claude Monet's
"Impression, Sunrise." I learned that reimagining a masterpiece isn't
simply about copying; it's about understanding its soul and
translating it into my own visual language. Through this task, I
was able to understand the balance between honoring Monet's vision and
injecting my own contemporary perspective. I also realized the
importance of being open to feedback and willing to refine my work
based on careful observation.
Observations:
Initially, my reimagining felt somewhat flat. I noticed a lack of the
atmospheric depth and subtle color variations that made Monet's work
so captivating. The editing in later stages revealed how adding
atmospheric haze and employing color techniques significantly enhanced
the Impressionistic feel. I discovered that subtle adjustments, like
implying reflections and emphasizing the light source, could
dramatically shift the viewer's interpretation. Zooming in and out
allowed me to appreciate the importance of both the overall
composition and the minute details in conveying the intended message.
Findings:
I found that placing industrial forms within Monet's atmospheric style
created powerful visual tension. Subtle edits, like implied
reflections and haze, significantly strengthened the work.
Reimagining the artwork is also about focused choices, not just
changes. I learned how to make a similar narrative although different
from the original which in the end showed a vision between Moent's and
mine. This project proved that even within a style, personal
expression is key.
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