Design Principles Task 3 - Design

7th Mar - 21st Mar 2024 (Week 5 - 7)

Sin Jun Ming 0364638

Design Principles / Design in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Task 3 - Design



INSTRUCTIONS



Task 3 - Design

In task 3, which is the final task, we need to produce a work of design, inspired by the one we had analysed, or as a reaction to it. We should also apply knowledge of design principles in our creation. 


Research

From the previous artwork that I have picked, the focus on the sun which implies hope to end hunger inspired me a lot. I started to search for other symbols that could imply hope. I planned to create a digital collage using different elements to convey the message.

Fig 1.1 Photo that implies hope

This image of hands holding the sun implies hope. Meanwhile, I noticed that the hands are in a shape like a flying bird, with research, dove is also a symbol of hope, this led to an idea of combining the hands and a dove using double exposure technique. 

Fig 1.2 Photo that implies hope

Sprouting seeds are also one of the symbols that interpret potential for change and the transformation of seeds symbolize that seeds have the power to bring about significant change. From a tiny seed, a mighty tree can grow. (Linda Callaway, 2023 Aug 24)

This research led to an idea which is using hands to replace sprouting seeds from a flowerpot. 

I also wished to include the sun in my design as it symbolizes energy, hope and resource to raise a tree. All living things, including humans, animals, and plants, depend on the sun for their energy needs. It is the primary force behind human survival during the course of our thousands of years on Earth.
References:


Design

The first idea came to my mind is to create a tree which has the 17 UNSDG Goals as its fruits. The message here I wanted to convey is to plant a tree as hope which leads to its fruits - the 17 UNSDG Goals. I started to search for images of branches, hands, flowerpot, logos of the 17 UNSDG goals to form the tree. 

Fig 2.1 Design progress (1)

To think of bigger image, this is a topic related to the whole world, I wanted to include the image of earth into my design. In this case, I tried to replace the flowerpot to plain soil on top of earth and add an image of space as the background.

Fig 2.2 Design progress (2)

To add balance and create sense of hopefulness, I added the sun to the opposite side of the earth.

Fig 2.3 Design progress (3)

I wished to create an image of a person planting the tree or watering it. Since the tree is already growing halfway, so watering it seems more realistic. 

Hence, I found pictures of children watering plant to add them into my design. The reason to use children here is because children symbolize growth

Fig 2.4 Design progress (4)

I named this design with title "Planting The Hope", I wished to add the title into the design. Hence, I add the title below the sun with an arc. The typeface used is Futura PT Light, 36pt.

Fig 2.5 Design progress (5)

After receiving feedback from Dr. Charles in Week 6, I realized that the image of boy wearing yellow raincoat on the left upper part of the design ruins the balance and Dr. Charles suggested to use another image of boy with sideways angle to achieve balance. Luckily, I found another image of boy that suits the requirements to replace it.  
  
Fig 2.6 Design progress (6)



Final Outcome

"Planting The Hope"
Fig 3.1 Final Outcome (size: A4)


Rationale
This is a digital collage design regarding to the 17 UNSDG goals and the emphasis is on the tree which has the goals as fruits. As fruits are the purpose of a tree, hence I replace the fruits to bigger purposes which are the 17 goals and I place some children around the tree with the action of flowering it to convey the message - we must start contributing to nurture the tree of hope as soon as possible to achieve the 17 goals for a better future. The background of space and the addition of the earth and the sun emphasize the importance of this tree as it can affect the whole world and bring us a better world. The sun above the tree acts as one of the hopes nurturing the tree which is a bigger hope. 

One of the design principles found in this design is emphasis, which is on the tree, growing from the earth, with the help of the children and the sun, successfully produce the fruits which are the goals. Symmetrical balance is also found here, the earth and the sun, the children, they all achieve balance oppositely. From the action of the children, which is flowering the plant, achieve alignment to create eye direction to the tree in the middle. The Gestalt Theory - Principle of Similarity is found on the children doing the same action - flowering the plant. Contrast is also present with the dark space background, emphasizing the tree. The huge size of the tree and the size of children comparing to the sun and the earth creates scale and proportion. Pictorial symbols are also very important in this design as they are the purposes - the 17 UNSDG goals.

(286 words)




FEEDBACK

I asked for feedback from Dr. Charles in Week 6, he was satisfied with my design, the only problem is the child on the left upper part is kind of ruining the balance and it draws attention. Dr. Charles suggested to change to another image of boy with sideways angle for better visual experience. Other than that, the overall idea is great. 



REFLECTION

I have to say the art that I have chosen from Vincent Van Gogh did inspire me a lot as it is meaningful and amazing. I like the idea that he used the sun to imply the hope to end hunger, it is very interesting to be honest. With his inspiration, I elaborate my idea with a design on bigger picture which related to all the goals in UNSDG. It feels great to design an artwork with meaningful purpose although a lot of time has been spent to search for suitable images and research. 


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