Design Principles - Task 1: Exploration
Samuel Keane / 0376236
Design Principles / Bachelors of Design (Honors) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
JUMPLINKS
INSTRUCTIONS
TASK
1. Gestalt Theory
The word "gestalt" originated from German, which means "shape" or "form". Gestalt theory is a rule that give details the way human eye perceive visual elements. This principle is meant to show how the eye perceive shapes as a single form rather than separate simpler elements.
These are 5 types of principles in gestalt theory.
Principle of similarity is when eyes perceive similar elements as a whole picture, even when all elements are separate.
Principle of continuation is when the eye follows the paths, design and curves of a design as a continuous flow.
Principle of closure is when the eye fills in missing visual information to perceive a complete shape.
Principle of proximity is the process of ensuring related design elements are placed together. The elements that do not relate with each other should be separated.
Principle of figure/ground is when objects are being perceived as either the foreground or background.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.1, Source: https://userpeek.com/blog/what-are-gestalt-principles/ |
These images applied the principle of ground. For example, on the first image, we can see a weirdly-shaped table. However, after looking at the silhouettes on both sides of the image, it changed into a silhouette of two men facing each other. It allows us to perceive the image in two different ways.
2. Contrast
Contrast is the comparison of two strongly different elements. It provides visual interest, emphasize a point, and express content.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.2, The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) by Wes Anderson Source: https://screenrant.com/grand-budapest-hotel-behind-scenes-facts/ |
3. Emphasis
Used to create dominance and emphasize an object in one design or work. Emphasis can be achieved by using color, shapes, or value to achieve dominance.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.3, Source: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/emphasis-setting-up-the-focal-point-of-your-design/ |
In this work, Emphasis is created by the black circle which directs the eye to that object. The black circle in the middle creates a focal point due to its difference in size and color.
4. Balance
Balance refers to the visual weight distribution in a work of design. It is the visual equilibrium of the elements that makes a whole image to appear balanced.
Symmetrical balance has equal weight on equal sides of a centrally placed fulcrum, resulting in bilateral balance.
Approximate symmetry is when there is an equal division, however, both sides are not exactly the same.
Asymmetrical balance has unequal visual weight on each side of the composition. This style is more dynamic and interesting since it evokes feeling of modernism.
The golden ratio is a mathematical ratio that can be found anywhere in nature, from the number of leaves in a tree to the shape of a seashell.
Rule of thirds is a guideline that divides an image into thirds by using two horizontal and two vertical lines along with four intersections that can be used for the focal points of the image.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.4, Decalcomania (1966) by Rene Magritte Source: https://id.pinterest.com/pin/1016617315895663793/ |
5. Repetition
Repetition creates rhythm and pattern within the work. Furthermore, pattern increases visual excitement by enriching surface interest.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.5, Source: https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/repetition-pattern-and-rhythm |
6. Movement
Movement is the way a design leads the human eye through a composition. It comes from shapes, lines, forms, curves, and so on.
Hierarchy is the choreography of content in a certain composition to communicate and convey meaning.
Alignment, on the other hand, is the element placement that edges line up with common rows or columns.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.6, Source: https://id.pinterest.com/pin/119556565104212840/ |
7. Harmony & Unity
Harmony is a sense that all of the elements of a design fit together. It usually involves the selection of elements that share a common trait. However, harmony can be monotonous without variety.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.7, Luncheon of the Boating Party (1881) by Pierre-Auguste Renoir Source: https://id.pinterest.com/pin/27936460190426247/ |
8. Symbols
A sign, shape, or an object that is used to represent something. Symbols can give information equal to one sentence to a whole story.
There are 3 types of graphic symbols
Pictorial symbols are simplified and image-related pictures.
Abstract symbols can look a lot like the object they represent, but with less detail.
Arbitrary symbols have no resemblance to the represented object. Instead, they are invented with meaning constructed.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.8, Source: https://looka.com/blog/adidas-logo/ |
9. Word & Image
Using suitable and relevant images are a vital part of designing. As for words, it is also important to pair as it would deepen the meaning of a design.
Example:
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| Fig. 2.9, Jaws (1975) by Steven Spielberg Movie Poster Source: https://www.ebay.com.my/itm/123890983476 |
Below is an artwork I had chosen for this task:
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| Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Last_Supper_(Leonardo) |
Title: The Last Supper
Artist: Leonardo da Vinci
Year Created: 1495–1498
Size: 460 cm × 880 cm
Medium: tempera & oil paint, dry wall.
The reason I chose this artwork:
The Last Supper is undeniably one of my favorite artworks of all time. From the usage of composition, the implementation of da Vinci's theatrical knowledge, to the Biblical references throughout the whole painting, everything was done perfectly. However, the painting that was left of today was only 25% of Leonardo's original work. Most parts of the original painting was heavily damaged due to poor maintenance, weather, and the experimental technique used by Leonardo when he was creating the painting instead of the usual 'Fresco' technique.
This painting is also quite complex in terms of Biblical references despite Leonardo being not the most religious. To start with, this painting has a single point perspective with The Christ painted in the middle of the dining room to indicate the centrality of Christ. The details on the 12 apostles are also quite specific, like how Judas was holding a pouch of silver as a symbol of his betrayal to Jesus and Peter holding a knife, which he used to cut off the right ear of the high priest which I find quite interesting.
180 words
Artwork Analysis:
There are quite a few design principles implemented in this piece of art. Here are some of the references and symbolization I analyzed from this painting.
Contrast: The windows behind The Christ was painted with brighter colors compared to the rest of the painting. The contrast visualizes how Jesus Christ is the light between the divine and the earth.
Emphasis: Jesus Christ, in this painting is emphasized by da Vinci by isolating The Christ in the middle compared to the apostles on both of His sides appear to engaged and interact with each other. In addition, the bright colors behind The Christ also further emphasized His figure in the middle.
Balance: Leonardo divided the 12 apostles into 2 groups, which is separated by The Christ in the middle. However, the apostles was painted to appear messy and panicking. It made them scattered all of the place, which made this painting has approximate symmetry.
Harmony & Unity: The colors used throughout the painting appears to be somewhat uniformed, moreover the way the apostles were divided into groups of three makes the painting somewhat harmonious.
Conclusion:
By utilizing contrast, harmony, and other design principles, Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper is a storytelling masterpiece. Leonardo uses all of his knowledge about art and theatres and turn it into such a detailed painting. The symbolism and atmosphere are also captured very well, resulting in a dramatic piece of art.
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Week 2
Mr. Fauzi told me that my progress is good already. All I need to do is continue working on the blog.
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