DESIGN PRINCIPLES - EXERCISE 1 : CONTRAST & GESTALT

24.08.21 (Week 1)
Christie Angelica Bakhary (0350655)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Design Principles

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INTRODUCTION
On the first week, we were briefed by Mr. Charles on the module and future tasks that we will be doing for this semester.

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LECTURES

Lecture 1.1 : Introduction to Elements and Principles of Design

Visual communication is used to delivered messages to targeted audiences. It can also be useful for people to help them know more information about the story behind the design. The elements of design are point, line, form, shape, texture, space, and color.

Fig. 1.1 : Design Elements (Source : Pinterest)

Lecture 1.2 : Gestalt Theory & Contrast

↳ Contrast
     This create visual interest, emphasize a point and express the content. It consists
     of different strongly dissimilar elements that helps to prevent monotonous of the
     visual experience.

Fig. 1.2: Example of color contrast (Source from Pinterest)

↳ Gestalt Theory
    This is a rules that describe how the human eye perceives visual elements and shapes
    as a single and united form. These also show how complex scenes can be reduced to
    more simple shapes. Some forms of gestalt theory are:

    • Principle of Similarity
      We tend to see similar elements as a complete picture, shape, or group, even if                   those elements are separated.

Fig. 1.3 : Example of similarity (Source from Pinterest)

    • Principle of Continuation
      Our eye prefers to see a design with a continuous flow rather than separated objects.

Fig. 1.4 : Example of continuation (Source from Pinterest)

    • Principle of Closure
      Our brain tends to fill in missing visual information although it is not a complete shape       or element.

 Fig. 1.5 : Example of closure (Source from Pinterest)

    • Principle of Proximity
      Process of placing related design elements together and close to one another to
      indicates that they have a relationship to each other. Commonly seen in web designs. 

Fig. 1.6 : Example of proximity (Source from Pinterest)

    • Principle of Figure / Ground
      Our eyes tend to see two figure in one picture, either it is in the foreground or the 
      background.

Fig. 1.7 : Example of figure & ground (Source from Pinterest)

    • Law of Symmetry & Order
      Elements or objects that are symmetrical to each other will be likely be grouped 
      together than objects that are not symmetrical with one another.

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INSTRUCTION

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PRACTICAL

Contrast Exercise :
Visual Research
For this exercise, I went through Pinterest to seek for inspirations. Some ideas that came up to my mind was using either a color contrast or shape contrast for the design. At first I was really confused and have no clear idea on what I will be doing. But after hearing some feedbacks that were given by Mr. Charles to several classmates, I started figuring out and search for more inspo on Pinterest. Then I saw this artwork that really inspires me.

Fig 2.1 : Contrast reference 1 (Source : Pinterest)

Fig 2.3 : Contrast reference 3 (Source : Pinterest)

For this task I am planning to make a mental health and depression theme illustration. However I am quite struggling to find an idea and color choice. But after a few hours, I decided to just start drawing first and finally I came up with this :

Fig 2.4 : Outcome

Below is the progression on Procreate:

Fig 2.5 : Progression video

As you can see in the progress, I am really struggling to find a good contrasting color that matches the whole vibes, and also I keep changing elements and stuffs.

Final Outcome
In this illustration I wanted the viewer to see how people with mental illness suffered, where they need to consume different type of pills just to feel 'better'. Contrast here are shown in the color usage between the head (which is full of pills) and the face as well as the tears.

Fig 2.6 : Final Outcome

Gestalt Theory Exercise :
Visual Research
I was also having a hard time figuring out ideas for the gestalt theory. I was thinking of applying the figure/ground principle and doing a concept about domestic violence.

Fig 2.x : Gestalt theory reference 1

As I'm not that satisfied with the previous result, I search for more different ideas and came up with a concept of environment issue.  

Fig 2.x : Gestalt theory reference 2

Idea Exploration
I started out by sketching the people out and then adding a house to show that this whole concept is about abusement that happens within a relationship. However, I found out that this design looks too straightforward, obvious and simple. 

Fig 2.x : Gestalt theory sketch 1

Because I have too much ideas going on my head, I sketched out two of them. The first one is about air pollution produced by the factories/industries and the second idea is about causes of drinking too much wine/alcohol. Both of these ideas have the same concept which can cause many problems including death. That's why I use skull to represent the danger and 'death' that can be caused by this two actions. 

Fig 2.x : Gestalt theory sketch 2

I like both of the ideas but the first one seems too mainstream, so I proceed to do the second ideas instead. Started out by sketching the initial idea with some photo references I found on Pinterest, then I decided to do 'painting technique' for the coloring so it will become more realistic. I am actually quite worried about how it will looks in the end, as this is my first time doing digital painting and still learning about the digital drawing.

Fig 2.x : First draft

Fig 2.x : Second draft

Fig 2.x : Third draft

Fig 2.x : Gestalt theory process video 

Final Outcome
For the final result it turns out pretty messy and the skull is quite hard to be figured out, but I quite like how the glass turns out pretty realistic. 

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FEEDBACKS
General feedback :

Framing is important. Try to crop and focused on certain part of you work and you will be surprised on how interesting it'll going to look.

Specific feedback :
Very interesting! Good attempt to explore framing. However, the reflection of the glass can be better balanced with the flow of liquid.

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REFLECTION

For this exercise, I got stressed a lot but also learnt many things from it. I got overwhelmed by too many ideas that have gotten into my head and ending with confusion on which one to go for. I also found myself keep comparing my work with the other classmates a lot, as they were all doing so great. But in the end I manage to finish this task although I am not that satisfied on what the final work look. I will surely learn to love my own work more in the future and learn to be focused on one task first, as well as managing my time better.