ILLUSTRATION & VISUAL NARRATIVE: EXERCISES
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01/04/2022 - 22/04/2022 / Week 1 - Week 4
Tay Yee Shien / 0341472
Illustration & Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Mass Communication
Task 1: Exercises
LECTURES
WEEK 1 (01/04/2022): INTRODUCTION & BRIEFING
Week 1 consisted of a warm introduction of what illustration is about and the briefing of the Module Information Booklet, Rubric, Assignment Briefs and Tracker, and e-portfolio set up guide, to ensure that we are clear on the contents and what's needed to be done to achieve a satisfactory grading through the credit system and the minimum credits needed to move forward. Ms. Anis alongside Ms. Jennifer explained to us how this module would be highly applicable and useful to a wide range of fields and how it would assist us in the future. I am certainly looking forward to my journey & progression in illustration and visual narrative.
WEEK 2 (08/04/22): CHARACTER DESIGN BASICS
This week, we learnt how to create stylised character designs.
3 Principle of Stylised Designs
- Iconic: Characters are often iconic that you can immediately recognize them even in black silhouttes
- Simplified: The simplicity of the design allows viewers to digest and understand the purpose of the characters
- Unique: Memorable, but also makes an impact on the viewers
Principles of Character Design
- Shapes – They design a character’s silhouette and add some weight to their personality
- Colours – They establish the basic roles of the characters and are related to colour psychology
- Emphasis & Contrast – They exaggerate to memorate through colours and shapes.
- Harmony – Elements should compliment each other
- Expressions & Poses – Expressive emotive characters win the audience
LECTURE REPORT 1
Week 2 (08/04/22)
fig. 1.0 Ice Bear (08/04/22)
Ice bear, voiced by Demetri Martin, is a polar bear from the cartoon We Bare Bears. He is the youngest of the brothers, although ironically the tallest, most mature, and apparently the smartest. Ice bear is also an experienced chef who manages to keep his cool most of the time.
His body is completely covered in white fur. Polar bears can camouflage themselves in the snow to disappear. The character, Ice Bear, also tends to disappear into the background connecting his natural behaviour to this personality. He barely talks as compared to the other bears and does mostly one-liners in the show. He exists in the background and it’s almost like a joke you don’t even see but he’s back there doing his own weird thing.
fig. 1.1 We Bare Bears Cartoon Scene (08/04/22)
For example, in the episode “Ranger Tabes”, a package isn’t delivered to the Bears on time so they enlist the help of overzealous park ranger Tabes to help find it. There is so much dialogue going on with Tabes and Panda/Grizzly and Ice Bear is just in the background staring at a wanted poster of himself (Wanted, Ice Bear).
fig. 1.2 Ice Bear Character Design (08/04/22)
I can see it being referenced from childrens’ book illustrations like Winnie the Pooh. The character certainly has a storybook feel and with like a painted style that felt natural and not too graphic with the design. The overall look of Ice Bear is comforting. The shape of Ice Bear is round, there are not a lot of sharp edges and feels very squishy, which makes seem huggable and cute.
WEEK 3 (15/04/22): CHIAROSCURO
Chiaroscuro: It uses dark and light to create an illusion of 3D on a flat surface. It creates dramatic tension by using, colour and lighting to emphasize something.
Tenebrism: Adding highlights in contrast dark backgrounds in paintings.
Low-key Lighting: A lightning technique in filming where there is an emotional or dramatic scene going on. A shadow is cast on an area and a fill light or reflector is used to shine light on the area while controlling contrast.
LECTURE REPORT 2
Week 3 (15/04/22)
"I See the Light"
Tangled(Disney Animation Studios, 2010)
fig. 2.0 "I see the light "MV (15/04/22)
“I See the Light” is the theme song from the animated 2010 film Tangled. The story is based on the fairy tale Rapunzel, and the song is written by composer Alan Irwin Menken and lyricist Glenn Evan Slater. The only source of light in the scene is the lanterns released by Rapunzel’s parents, the King and Queen, as part of an annual festival trying to signal to Rapunzel how to return home to the kingdom.
fig. 2.1 "I see the light" movie scene (15/04/22)
In the middle of the lights all around, Rapunzel was beginning to remember the meaning of the lights and their source. The lanterns brighten up the scene in contrast to the navy blue night sky. The entire world has been transfigured in that state of consciousness. “Warm and real and bright,” just like the lyrics of the beautiful song. You can almost feel the satisfied sigh escape Rapunzel. It made the scene very comforting.
fig. 2.2 "I see the light" GIF (15/04/22)
The lanterns also created a sensational effect and ignited romance that emphasised Eugene and Rapunzel, the two love birds on the boat. They both hold hands and sing the words of the duet looking into each other’s eyes. Both are young and falling in love for the first time. The feeling is truly elevating. They sit engulfed by the floating lights like dancing fireflies across the night sky. A blinking lantern comes into focus. The rhythm of the dimming of the light reminds me of a beating heart. And in this picturesque, absolutely dreamy background they lean closer.
Week 4 (22/04/22): COMPOSITION THEORY 1 - VISUAL TYPES AND SHOTS
Basic composition visual rules:
- Visual Narrative: The visuals in the scene complement the overall narrative.
- Visual Flow: The scene has a clear flow that directs the viewers' eyes.
- Visual Balance: The visuals are arranged to balance the composition.
- Visual Hierarchy: The visuals are arranged in a way that directs the viewers' eye to certain details first.
LECTURE REPORT 3
Week 4 (22/04/22)
1. Using your phone camera, take pictures that depict the six different types of composition explained in this lecture.
2. Upload these pictures into your blog.
1) Establishing Shot
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fig. 3.0 View from DK Senza balcony (22/04/22)
I took this picture from my old hostel's balcony as the sunset looked crisp and whimsical.
2) Bird's Eyeview
fig. 3.1 View from upstairs to downstairs (22/04/22)
I took this picture from the hallway upstairs to downstairs.
3) Frame within a frame
fig. 3.2 A temple in Cambodia (22/04/22)
This picture was when I went to Cambodia with my family and relatives.
4) Medium shot
fig. 3.3 My friend's mini photoshoot (22/04/22)
I gave my friend a mini photoshoot below my apartment.
5) Close-up shot
fig. 3.4 My friend's mini photoshoot 2 (22/04/22)
I gave my friend another mini photoshoot with flowers
6) Worm's eye view
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fig. 3.5 The ladder at my high school (22/04/22)
I took this picture as I thought it was an interesting place at my high school.
PRACTICAL
WEEK 4 (22/04/22): CHIAROSCURO EXERCISE 1
fig. 4.0 Five different illustrations of pears (22/04/22)
Mr. Hafiz asked us to draw 5 pears following his example. We could also choose to create our own versions of his design. Here is mine.
WEEK 5 (29/04/22): COMPOSITION THEORY 3 - FORE, MID, AND BACKGROUND
Composition
Composition refers to how your image is put together. If used in the right way, it can take your art to the next level and make a piece really grab your audience's attention. When composing a scene, creating an effective sense of the space is very important.
1) Foreground
Using size differences and colour contrast to highlight foreground as main focus
2) Middle-ground
Using size differences and light/shadow contrast to highlight the main focus
3) Background
Using shapes and light/shadow contrast to highlight the main focus
Design Flow
Good arrangement of visual focus using foreground, middle-ground and background should indicate a sense of movement, and rhythm in your design
What is Design Flow?
- The way your eye moves or is led around a composition
- A design with good flow will lead the viewers' eye throughout the layout, moving from element to element with ease.
- Able to influence the way the viewer will digest your content. (Important in interface and information design types where you need to combine type, line, contrast, colour and imageries).
LECTURE REPORT 4
Week 5 (29/04/22)
1. From any video, screen capture scenes that portray foreground, middle-ground and background in the story.
2. Outline areas in the scenes for each grounds.
3. Upload these pictures into your blog.
4. Explain what design principles applied for each visual and how it affect the narratives.
Foreground
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fig. 5.0 Sven, Kristoff, Anna, Elsa, and Olaf looking at the scenery. (29/04/22)
The foreground consists of the main characters of Frozen 2. They are all looking towards the horizon deep in thought. The background is blurred as compared to the foreground. Even though we can’t see their face we know who each of the characters are through their outfits, body shape, and character colour palette.
Middle-Ground
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fig. 5.1 Elsa feeding Bruni Ice (29/04/22)
Background
fig. 5.2 Elsa and Anna entering the enchanted forest (29/04/22)
The background has very striking and contrasting colours from the fog and stones. Elsa and Anna are very small in the foreground which shifts the focus to the scenery which is dynamic. It paints the details of the enchanted forest’s entrance telling the viewers the location of where Anna and Elsa will be heading next.
PRACTICAL
WEEK 5 (29/04/22): CHIAROSCURO EXERCISE 2
fig. 5.3 Chiaroscuro Practice (29/04/22)
We made another chiaroscuro-related artwork in practical class, guided by Mr Hafiz. We outlined the man and made the highlights white and the shadows into another pattern. It was a cool experience.
INSTRUCTIONS
fig. 5.0 Module Information Booklet (01/04/22)
fig. 6.0 Vormator Challenge Brief (01/04/22)
EXERCISE 1: VORMATOR CHALLENGE
Vormator Challenge is a design challenge that requires artists to come up with a character by using only 8 shapes given and a few rules that are required to follow. The rules are:
1. You are allowed to: rotate, flip and duplicate the shapes.
2. You can add, subtract, intersect, and group elements as you see fit
2. Scaling is allowed, but only proportionally, so no skewing or free transform!
4. You are not obliged to use all the shapes
5. The use of colour is unrestricted, you can create your own colour schemes
6. You are allowed to use gradients
7. Background is not necessary
fig. 6.1 Vormator Shapes (01/04/22)
VISUAL RESEARCH:
I went on Pinterest to see vormators done by other artists to give me an idea of what to expect. They all look very impressive and surprisingly good!
fig. 6.2 A dragon (01/04/22)
fig. 6.3 A horned cartoon and unicorn (01/04/22)
fig. 6.4 A lion (01/04/22)
I had a few ideas of what I wanted my vormator to be. It wanted it to be an axolotl, or it could be a character with plant elements because I love nature, or something whimsical.
fig. 6.5 An axolotl (01/04/22)
(https://www.supercrazypets.com/axolotl-stopped-eating/)
Here’s
a picture of an axolotl that I found on Google images. I find that it is so cute.
It is smiling 24/7.
fig. 6.6 A leafy character (01/04/22)
Next, I am inspired by nature-inspired characters. They remind me of childhood stories and look cute as well. I also love being surrounded by mother nature.
fig. 6.7 A rainbow character (01/04/22)
A whimsical aesthetic is something I would usually go for as I love a dreamy look and light pastel colours.
IDEA EXPLORATION AND DESCRIPTION:
fig. 6.8 A Character Outlines Draft (01/04/22)
I tried using the vormator shapes to create axolotl variations, nature-themed cartoons as well as attempted to create a “dreamy” character. It is just the outline as I find that the shapes do not accommodate all the designs I wish I could have drawn. I still wasn’t sure which theme to pick so I tried to attempt them all.
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fig. 6.9 Axolotl Drafts (08/04/22)
In the end, I decided to do an axolotl. I combined the shapes to form the character and give it colour. Then I created different hand positions for it.
fig. 6.10 Axolotl Draft (08/04/22)
I like the progress of my work, but it still needs improvement. The body shape looks out of place and the colours look a bit bland. Over it looked too simple.
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fig. 6.11 Axolotl Draft 2 (15/04/22)
Now the body looks smoother. I added curvy details to the horns and moved the eyes further away from each other. I’ve made the mouth more “smiley.”
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fig. 6.12 Axolotl Draft 3 (22/04/22)
I have also edited the colours to have a gradient so it would look more vibrant. This is the final one.
Final Submission Exercise 1: Vormator Challenge
fig. 6.13 Final Submission Exercise 1: Vormator Challenge (JPEG) (22/04/2022)
fig. 7.0 Vector Illustration Brief (24/04/2022)
EXERCISE 2: VECTOR ILLUSTRATION
Here, we must create a game card for my character. I can create your own design or trace any existing template for my card.
VISUAL RESEARCH:
As I am not very familiar with game/trading cards. I looked up Pinterest for different ideas and genres.
fig. 7.1 Research 1 (24/04/2022)
This card has a deadly vibe. It has elements of blood, death, and dangerous weapons.
fig. 7.2 Research 2 (24/04/2022)
This card has a simpler and colorful design which I think is more child-friendly.
fig. 7.3 Research 3 (24/04/2022)
This one is cuter and more girly, so I think it is more suitable for female children.
IDEA EXPLORATION AND DESCRIPTION:
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fig. 7.4 Draft 1 (25/04/2022)
I wanted to design a cute card to complement my character. And as I was laying out the card, I had to think of its description and color palette at the same time.
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fig. 7.5 Character Background (25/04/2022)
I made an “under the sea” background with pastel colours.
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fig. 7.6 Draft 2 (29/04/2022)
I put the game card details, axolotl, and background together. For the overall colour palette, I am going for pink and predominantly pastel colours.
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fig. 7.7 Draft 4 (29/04/2022)
I’ve made minor adjustments to the colours and the edges of the card to make them thinner. I also applied a cuter font and icons. All in all, I am happy with the overall look of my game card. This is the final one.
Final Submission Exercise 2: Vector Illustration
fig. 7.8 Final Submission Exercise 2: Vector Illustration (JPEG) (30/04/2022)
FEEDBACK
Ms Anis said my vormator character, the baby axolotl looks cute. I have also asked my friends for feedback as well and they think it looks adorable. My brother said that the game card looks good too.
REFLECTION
EXPERIENCE:
The vormator was a fun assignment for me. It did challenge my creativity. And I am satisfied with the results I have made. The game card was tough for me as I rarely have exposure to these kinds of cards, but I am happy with what I have done. It allowed me to venture into designing a different product that I usually create, which might be vital to me in the future.
OBSERVATION:
I observe that gradients can make a big difference to an illustration. If my axolotl character were in solid colours only, it would look very plain. I observe that the practical lessons with Mr. Hafiz helped me learn more tools in adobe illustrator and the shortcuts which aided me in doing my assignment. The more time I spent exploring my designs, the better I got in amending my work to create an improved result.
FINDINGS:
I find that going back to campus helps me focus on the class better. I can mingle with my coursemates as well as ask Ms. Anis questions. I can also use my laptop and the Mac at the same time so it was more convenient for me. In the online classes, I was able to follow, just that I felt more alone. Being able to return to the computer lab gave me the better classroom environment I needed to study and collaborate with my coursemates and produce more and better outputs.
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