Design Principle Exercises 1 (Gestalt and Contrast)
Week 1
Design Principles/ Bachelors of Design (Hons) in Creative Media/ Taylor's University/ Exercises 1
LECTURE
WEEK 1
We began our first class with Dr. Jinchi with introductions of the module and briefed us about our tasks for the week which is Gestalt theory and Contrast. She reminded us that it is really important to always take note of plagiarism in our work and put down our source of research while using other's work for reference. We were also encouraged to mention where did we get our inspirations from and include our sketches and working process.
The Principles in Design that I've learned are:
- Balance (Visual weight)
- Contrast (Difference)
- Emphasis (Focal point of a design)
- Movement
- Proportion (Affected by mood and story)
- Harmony
- Unity
- Rhythm (Repetition/ Pattern)
How does Gestalt theory works?
Gestalt theory makes our mind perceive things as one, for example, an object instead of individual shapes and lines.
- Figure-ground (Making your mind tricking you about the objects in the foreground and background)
- Similarity
- Proximity (Example: Different pieces of information that are group together, for example, a poster)
- Closure (Enables your mind to perceive the visual of an object with only shapes and lines present)
- Continuity (Looking at a design with a flow)
- Order
What does Contrast means?
''Difference''. A strong contrast there are very dark values and very light values and in-between values.
TASK:
WEEK 1: CONTRAST AND GESTALT
Do an artwork using only black and white paper to show off the following principles:
For the top 2 sketches is a picture of an ear being seen through a keyhole. This is actually a reminder to me every day to always listen to other's advice and think rationally before doing something. The next picture was just an idea that I came across and I tried to explore it with contrast. Lastly, the last picture is a lady holding a wilted flower and I tried to explore with gestalt's closure principle.
For figure 2.1 and 2.2, I did not have any idea sketches as it was totally random and abstract that popped up in my head when I was running out of ideas. The reason why I chose to tryout Figure 2.3 was that I wanted to challenge myself because I used to be really terrible at precise measurements and neat alignments.
WEEK 1: CONTRAST AND GESTALT
Do an artwork using only black and white paper to show off the following principles:
Contrast and gestalt theory.
Visual Research Pictures:
Figure 1.0
Figure 1.1
Figure 1.2
Idea Explorations:
Before I start creating my artwork, I have done some research and watch many examples on Pinterest to get a rough idea. Then I started to develop my ideas, mostly based on images I like, my observations towards my surroundings, some memories I've had, and also some movies I've watched.
Figure 2.0 Idea sketches
For the first two idea sketches, I was a bit clueless at first so these two sketches were actually inspired by pictures that I've seen on an Instagram account called @residentobjects that sells random objects with very interesting shapes and colours. Then, for the third picture, I used the figure-ground principle to create an image of a trophy in between the human to symbolise and express my competitiveness. Moving on to the next picture is a lady seen in between the curtains which I got inspired by an Instagram account @brookedidonato. The next idea with the alphabets, doLob which makes up a face was actually a memory I had when I was very young. I remember being really impressed by my dad turning these alphabets into a face so I tried to explore it with the figure-ground principle. And lastly, I have also tried to explore the principle proximity and similarity by using squares to come up with a pattern.
Figure 2.1 Idea sketches
Figure 3.0 Tryouts
Figure 3.1 Tryouts
Figure 3.2 Tryouts
Final Artwork that I've Chosen:
Figure 4.0 Contrast
Figure 4.1 Gestalt's Theory - Closure
FEEDBACK
I showed Ms Jinchi my work and I am surprised that she actually like my idea sketches because I wasn't really satisfied with some of it and decided to explore more. For my final artwork for Gestalt Theory, Ms Jinchi actually gave me some suggestions on adding more circles to it and I personally think it turned out much more interesting. Here's the picture before the amendments made before the feedback:
Figure 5.0 Before
Figure 5.1 After
OVERALL FEEDBACK
Exercise 1: There are some interesting idea explorations for Gestalt and contrast. The final ideas for both principles are well executed and successfully reflect the principles.
Use of Media: Well utilised, neat finishing.
Quality of pictures: Satisfactory.
Descriptions and Reflection: Descriptions of ideas and reflection are documented quite articulately.
Lecturer's feedback: Well documented.
Overall blog: Well organised, with the summary of Lectures 1 and 2 found. The visual examples that you found yourself reflects your understanding of each topic. Keep practising idea exploration.
REFLECTIONS
Week 1
Throughout this exercise, I actually really enjoyed the process even though I actually struggled a lot while thinking of ideas. What I've learned is, the thinking process of design principle is not easy and it actually takes up a lot of time. After seeing some works from the seniors that did a lot of extra work, I actually wanted to do the same and was really stressed out about it. However, I slowly realised that being able to produce a large quantity of artwork is not the main thing we are looking for in design but the unique ideas are. Then, I started to take a longer time to think of the best ideas I can come up with to create my artwork.
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