Design Principles - Final Compilation & Reflection

5/2/2024 - 20/3/2024   
Week 1 - Week 7
Ng Jia Ern 0363033
Design Principles
Final Compilation & Reflection


Links

Task 1: Exploration
Task 2: Visual Analysis
Task 3: Design

PDF Compilation of all blog posts 



SUBMISSIONS

Task 1: Exploration

I chose Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
This goal aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. This involves promoting renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, and expanding energy infrastructure to support economic development and environmental sustainability.
Clean energy works by producing power without having negative environmental impacts, such as the release of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.


Title of artwork: Don't Be a Dirty Player
Artist's name: Wu Li (李悟)
Date: 15/1/2023
Medium: Digital Art


Why I chose this design in relation to the UNSDG goal:

I chose Wu Li's "Don't Be a Dirty Player" poster because it effectively aligns with UNSDG Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy. He uses a chessboard to represent the power between non-renewable energy like nuclear power towers, fossil fuel oil pumps and a lonely nature plant. This highlighted the urgent need to transform traditional energy into sustainable energy to protect the environment. Besides that, the poster also advocates reducing pollution using the image of huge smoke billowing from the factories and chimneys, showing that air pollution is also an issue nowadays. In conclusion, Li's artwork serves as a compelling call to action, advocating for comprehensive efforts to achieve sustainable energy practices and reduce pollution for a healthier planet. 
 
(118 words)

Design principles in this design:

1. Symmetrical Balance - The smokes from the power tower on two sides of the artwork balance the design symmetrically.

2. Repetition - The repetition of factories on the chessboard creates rhythm and pattern within the work, lead the viewer's focus from bottom left to right.

3. Harmony - The overall colour tone of the poster is grey and uses a little bit of green and orange to embellish the plant, making the picture look harmonious.

4. Contrast of proportion - The contrast between the size of the factories and the little plant creates dramatic results and visual interest.
 
Task 2: Visual Analysis


Observation:
This design is a dynamic poster created by Wu Li, who won a prize in the 10th NCDA Competition. In the centre, there is a line of factories that release smoke into the air and stand on a chessboard. On the opposite side, there is a lonely small plant facing them. As for visual elements, the main colour tone is grey.  and uses a little bit of green and orange to embellish the plant, making the picture look harmonious. The text at the top reads "DON'T BE A DIRTY PLAYER," with Chinese translation in sans serif type looks clean and easy to read.

Analysis:
This design is symmetrically balanced by the smoke from the power tower on two sides of the artwork. A repetition of factories is found on the chessboard. It creates rhythm and pattern within the work, leading the viewer's focus from bottom left to right. The contrast between the size of the factories and the little plant creates dramatic results and visual interest. The arrangement of industrial elements as chess pieces creates a sense of order and hierarchy. The diagonal movement of the smoke rising from the industrial structures directs the viewer's gaze upwards, drawing attention to the title of the poster.

Interpretation:
Li's inspiration came from oil rigs that look like the knight pieces in chess. Then, he was inspired to create other chess pieces by other factories like nuclear power towers as rook pieces, chimneys as bishop pieces, and oil barrels as pawns. 
The factories symbolize the harmful energy that negatively impacts the environment, while the small plants represent our vulnerable environment that appears endangered and unable to withstand the powerful factories' chess.  This indicates that we should take action against harmful energy, avoid using unclean energy sources, and protect the fragile environment.   The poster represents the striking contrast in the level of power between unclean energy sources and nature.   It therefore calls on society and enterprises to improve the energy mix by using affordable, clean energy sources to strive towards a more sustainable future.
 
(Total: 338 words)


Task 3: Design


Final Artwork:




PDF Compilation of all blog posts:



Final reflection:

1. What have I learnt in this module?
|I have learned the common design principles used in design and the skill for visual art analysis. I also learned how to draw with Photoshop in the process of creating the UNDSG poster. Through analyzing various visuals and creating posters for UNSDG goals, I've learned how elements such as contrast, symbolism, and colour can be effectively utilized to convey messages and evoke emotions. Moreover, I've learned about the importance of audience consideration and message clarity in design, ensuring that the intended message resonates with viewers. Additionally, I've explored the role of design in advocacy and social change, particularly in promoting sustainability and addressing global challenges.

2. What did I enjoy the most?
I particularly enjoyed the exhilarating feeling of inspiration striking during the research process for the UNSDG goals. Each moment of creative inspiration felt like a burst of energy, and I relished the rush of quickly capturing those ideas. Moreover, I found great satisfaction in continuously experimenting with new compositions, honing my skills in visual storytelling.

3. What did I not enjoy the most?
What I did not enjoy the most was the frustration of not being able to draw or accurately depict certain elements I envisioned. Especially challenging was my lack of proficiency in drawing the human figure. I struggled with proportions and anatomy, making it difficult for me to portray people in my artwork. Choosing to incorporate human figures into this assignment posed the biggest challenge for me.

4. What have I learnt about myself through this module?
Through this module, I've discovered that I draw inspiration from various sources, including artwork on platforms like Pinterest, the anime I watch, and the games I play. This realization has led me to appreciate the importance of observing the world around me, as inspiration can be found in anything. By paying closer attention to my surroundings, I've learned to cultivate a deeper well of creativity and draw upon diverse influences to fuel my artistic endeavours.

5. What has changed and what has not in my learning journey?
This module has deepened my understanding of design principles and expanded my skill set in visual communication. However, one thing that has remained constant is my passion for creating interesting artwork. Despite gaining new knowledge and skills, my intrinsic motivation to express myself creatively has not wavered. As I continue on my learning journey, I am committed to nurturing this passion and exploring new avenues for artistic expression.

6.  What could be improved in this module?
There is room for improvement in providing more diverse opportunities for hands-on experimentation and collaboration. I believe that the final production of our artwork shouldn't be limited to 2D creations. Instead, students should have the freedom to explore a wider range of mediums, such as 3D modelling, VR interactive art, experimental art, photography, and short animation. By embracing a more expansive approach to artistic expression, students can tap into their creativity in new and exciting ways.

Additionally, I suggest broadening the scope of topics beyond the UNSDG goals. While these goals are important, restricting students to only a few popular topics like climate change, environmental protection, and hunger limits the creative potential. Allowing students to explore a wider range of themes and issues would encourage greater diversity in artistic expression and foster a more inclusive learning environment.

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