Design Principles Exercise 3 || Harmony & Unity

Design Principles

Week 4 - 6
Jodiann Yeoh Chooi Kit 0352238

Module : Design Principles

Task : Exercise 3

Lecture

Notes of all 4 topics touched on

We were directed to watch the pre-recorded lectures posted in Microsoft Teams on Lecture 4 (Harmony & Unity) and Lecture 5 (Symbol, Word & Image) which will be touched when I move forward to Exercise 4. For now, I will be concentrating and diving in deeper on Harmony & Unity.

In simple terms, Harmony is the selection of elements within a composition that shares a common trait. It can be shown through the use of similar shapes(repetition), similar colours, strategic placement, compositions that are similar, all of which will contribute to being aesthetically appealing and harmonious. A harmonious design would give a sense that all elements of the design fit together in the same theme, aesthetic, style or mood. However, it should be used appropriately as it can become monotonous without variety.

Next, Unity relates to Harmony in a way that they both include repetition of particular elements, colour, shapes, style, that pull the look together. Furthermore, its "closeness" plays a role in forming a whole unit as grouping it in a cohesive manner allows our gaze to read/ view and tell what it is easily. Moreover, the structure and organisation of composition is fairly important as it is used to guide ones attention systematically. Through unity, elements are composed in a way that they are balanced which gives a sense of oneness, creating a theme. 

Lecture 5 consisted of Symbol, Word & Image which is also available in Microsoft Teams. It started off with a brief explanation of what symbol is and how it came into existence. Symbols have been prevalent since the start of civilisation thus why there are ancient scripts available in historical museums containing tablets which have symbols that tell a story of what happened at that present time. Symbols are still widely used in the modern world, in logos, concepts, values etc. thus why it is important. Figurative representation include visuals and graphic symbols. Graphic symbols which contain 3 types.

Firstly, Pictorial symbols. It is image related and simplified pictures. It's very much representative of the actual form but simplified. For example, educational material like they cycle of life of perhaps a bee or human anatomy and much more as they enable the learner to see it in an almost real and visual form. 

Secondly, Abstract Symbols. Can look like the object they represent but has less detail. It is commonly seen all around us and does not take long to devise what it is. For example, washrooms with show a simple gender distinction, an accept or decline symbol for calls.

Lastly, Arbitrary Symbols. It means the symbols have no resemblance at all to the objects/ ideas that they represent. The symbol is invented then meaning is constructed. Much arbitrary symbols are based on geometric shape & colours whereby the viewer has to learn what it is.

The lecture then moved on to touch on the next principle which was Word & Image. Imagery is seen as a vital aspect of design, be it print or digital. The purpose of imagery is to ensure viewers and users are able to relate to a concept or a brand. That would be the case if the right images are used in a work of design. It is crucial to use suitable and relevant images when designing. An example of effective imagery is the McDonald's logo which has a strong red colour. It has been researched that the colour itself creates a sense of hunger amongst consumers/ viewers thus why it is so commercially effective.

Alongside imagery is Word/ Typography where the right words should be used to pair the imagery which then deepens the meaning of the design. The use of an appropriate typeface and a strategic positioning of the typeface results in visual hierarchy & balance which was touched in previous lectures. 

Instructions

Exercise 1 : Harmony

GRAPHIC-ISH IMAGE BELOW

Fig 1. Parts of the discarded tilapia parts

Fig 1.1 Original photograph reference

Fig 1.2 Oil Painting of a tilapia's head

The reason why I had chosen to do something gory as opposed to something visually perceived as what's beautiful and harmonious in a design like what I often see in Pinterest when searching for inspiration, is because I want to show that a conflicting idea of what's normally seen as harmony, like death, can be seen as harmonious as well. 

I asked my dad to get some random fish from the market which he did. I ended up gutting it myself then proceeding to take different angles and parts of the fish for a variety of options to pic from. I ended up choosing Fig 1.1 as I liked the facial expression made by the fish as well as the angle. 

The material I painted on is a brown parchment paper, for which I painted on the waxy/ slippery side. The reason why I've used parchment paper rather than regular brown paper was because I've ran out of it and often find myself staring at a blank white piece of paper for a long time, not knowing where to start. So by using a brown paper, it makes it feel as though I got the background covered. I also felt that the waxy surface made it easy and enjoyable to paint on as opposed to the rough texture of a paper thats meant of oils but of course that served a purpose. I also liked the see-through, thin material of the paper which made it took a tad bit more interesting.

I wanted to use earthy tones as opposed to the natural colourful skin to paint the fishes head as I wanted it to show a set theme and how it is similar traits making it harmonious.

Dr. Jinchi requested for me to add in(if I wanted to) the innards of the fish, so I decided to do so. 

Fig 1.3 Painting of innards & carcass of the fish

Fig 1.4 Close-up of the innards 

The painting shows the organs and carcass of the fish that was cut up. It is also referenced from Fig 1.1. Painting the fish, I used acrylics as opposed to oils as acrylics dry faster but has a similar texture and look to oils. I am able to layer the paint and blend the colours easily without having it smudge with other unwanted colours and without the need of waiting a long time to paint over the layer. 

As opposed to Fig 1.2, I used a vibrant colour scheme and went for the realistic approach where detailing is obvious. I wanted to replicated the moisture shown through the reflection of the innards by using white highlights. As for the background, I used pastels for media exploration and to resemble the effect of the wooden cutting board.

Chosen Final Design of "Harmony"

Exercise 1 :Unity

Searching for inspiration from Pinterest

Fig 2. Inspiration from Pinterest 

The colour usage and the theme demonstrated in the 3 images above is clear and straightforward creating a sense of unity. The images shows a literal meaning of "closeness" where the models contort their bodies in odd manners in a way that suggests a tightness in space. 

I was mainly fond of the interesting poses that is seemingly so casual but uncanny.

A self-photoshoot in my bedroom

Fig 2.1 Self-photo 1

Fig 2.2 Self-photo 2

I wanted to pose in a manner which is similar to the Pinterest images above but involves less flexibility and gives off a "this is how I feel on a daily basis". 

Fig 2.3 Image chosen to be used for "Unity"

I edited out the backdrop of my room using photoshop as I wanted an empty background for my design. I also just thought it looked messy.

Exercise 1 : Unity

Fig 2.4 Screen grabs of my render as I progress

Fig 2.5 Initial Final design for "Unity" done in Photoshop

I made a custom background of a beige colour which matched the lighting of my room then inserted my referencing image and reduced the opacity then proceeded to render the design. When you look closely to my knitted cardigan, you can see the texturing which resembles the surface of that material. I chose to do this digitally instead of traditionally like my design in "harmony" as it is a good practice of both worlds and I think that doing something thats newly introduced to me is sort of like a challenge and helps me improve & expand my skillset. 

I put a lot of detailing on myself as that is the main focus therefore easily deciphered. I made a simple outline of my bed as making it as realistic as myself would make it confusing to the gaze.

I feel that I have effectively created a sense of oneness which creates a theme therefore shows unity.

Fig 2.6 Amendment after feedback

Fig 2.7 Further Amendment after detailed feedback(Final Design)

Fig 2.8 Final Design PDF

How I came to Fig 2.7 & 2.8 were from the feedbacks specified in the Feedback section. I researched more into impressionism and wanted to show the styles used through my use of colours which shows unity and  the strokes, very much like thick paint being placed effortlessly onto a canvas.

Feedback

Week 5 (21/9/2021)

When she reviewed my work on harmony, she stated that my sense of humour was there as I did the total opposite of what's usually seen as harmony. She also noticed that my colour scheme of the fish was very much harmonious, of which I agree on. She then said that I could be a satire designer if I wanted to be which I felt flattered about. Dr. Jinchi then recommended me to view some work by surrealist, Rene Magritte  who goes against the norm, which she feels is what my style resembles. She then said that my designs and explanations of them resonates with the work of Francis Brown who she proceeded to show examples of what he has created. His style of colours is very harmonious but gory at the same time.

Dr. Jinchi went on to suggest that I include the innards of the fish above/ look at the different parts of the fish. She concluded with, "your direction is very interesting and its quite cool, I look forward to the progress that you will show me next week."

Week 6 (28/9/2021)

Dr. Jinchi stated that my update on "Harmony" of the fish's innards was very detailed and that the colours are very much harmonious. She stated that Fig 1.3 should be my Final Design.

As for "Unity", she said that the background and the bed I'm laying on does not look complete and is considered unfinished. She suggested that I look into some paintings/ artworks on impressionism of women laying down on the bed, to observe how the colours unite with one another to create a sense of togetherness and unity.

Dr. Jinchi proceeded to provide thorough explanations and examples of how and what to improve on which really helped me get the idea on what to add into my current design as shown through the screen grabs below. When I sent in my amended work, she acknowledged that it was better.

Fig 3. Personal Feedback from Dr. Jinchi

Reflection

Week 6 (28/9/2021)

Though I feel that I have improved after feedback, I do think that I could've done better as I have to practice more and do more research on these techniques in order to effectively convey the message.

The experience with exercise 3 was enjoyable and a great learning process.