Design Principles /Task 3: Design

Start from 12.3.2024

7.3.2024 -24.3.2024 /Week 5- Week 7
Kong Cai Yi / 0363862 
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media 

Task 3: Design

---

INDEX

1. Lectures: All lectures 1 to 6 completed in Task 1/ Exploration

2. Task 3/Design

3. Feedback

4. Reflections

5. Further Reading

---

INSTRUCTIONS

Week 6/ Task 3: Design

Task 3 recap/Instructions:

1. Find some visual references (cite the sources) that inspire your own ideas.
2. 3-5 sketches (manual/digital) of your own ideas
3. Final design in A4 size, JPEG
4. A rationale, in about 150-200 words, explaining/defending the decisions made in your design, the meaning/purpose of the design and the design principles that are found in the design.

Chosen SDG Recap: 

12 Responsible Consumption and Production

• Advocates for sustainable consumption and production patterns worldwide. It emphasizes resource efficiency, waste reduction, sustainable procurement, and awareness-raising efforts. By promoting responsible consumption habits and sustainable production practices, the goal aims to decouple economic growth from environmental degradation. 
• Recognizes the importance of minimizing waste generation, maximizing resource efficiency, and ensuring equitable access to resources for all.
• Achieving this goal requires collaboration among governments, businesses, civil society, and individuals to promote sustainable lifestyles and mitigate the negative impacts of unsustainable consumption and production patterns on the environment and future generations.

MOODBOARD

In terms of reference, I stumbled upon a mixed media artwork that caught my attention. In this piece, the artist creatively repurposes waste materials like shirt buttons, feathers, and cloth to fashion hair accessories and clothing for the depicted figure. It struck me how this artwork aligns with the goal of responsible consumption and production. It got me thinking about the potential of using often-overlooked waste materials, like pencil shavings, to create art. This simple yet innovative idea has sparked my interest as I work towards promoting sustainable consumption and production final artwork.

 

Fig 1.1 Colour pop mixed media https://pin.it/3TDHcBHXe (8.03.2024-week 5)

Fig 1.2 Illustration art with pencil shavings https://pin.it/7g0xVq4w4  (8.03.2024-week 5)

The butterfly-shaped mixed media artwork, rich with repurposed waste materials, has left a profound impression on me. It serves as a remarkable example of how balance and contrast design principles can be applied to art, particularly when portraying animals. Inspired by this piece, I am eager to incorporate these principles into my own artwork, aiming to achieve a harmonious yet visually striking composition.

Fig 1.3 Butterfly shape mixed media artwork https://pin.it/jPDU9aTmB  (9.03.2024-week 5)

Fig 1.4 Broken Mirror butterfly https://pin.it/5oLrE7sgC  (9.03.2024-week 5)

Moreover, the use of broken mirrors in the artwork to enhance its aesthetic appeal has sparked my creativity. I envision incorporating broken mirror pieces into my own creations to add an element of uniqueness and visual interest. By repurposing materials in this way, I aim to not only create aesthetically pleasing artworks but also promote sustainability by giving new life to discarded items.

Fig 1.5 Broken Mirror butterfly with flower https://pin.it/5IluViLbK  (9.03.2024-week 5)

I noticed that the butterfly in the artwork I found doesn't really show mass consumption. 

Form this artwork what inspired me was how the artist used a bunch of waste stuff to cover up a human . It's like the person is buried under all the waste we create from consuming too much. The hand in the artwork looks like it's reaching out for help, and it's all dirty and dark, showing how bad things can get because of our consumption habits. This got me thinking about making my own art that shows how important it is to be careful about what we use and throw away.

Fig 1.6 

Paterson, S. (2018, August 13). Buying green: is ethical consumerism a perfect distraction? Lowimpact.org. https://www.lowimpact.org/posts/buying-green-perfect-distraction

 (14.03.2024-week 6)

Guerra de la Paz is a creative team consisting of Miami-based and Cuban artists Allain Guerra and Neraldo De la Paz. Since the birth of this creative collaboration in 1996, Guerra de la Paz has examined our culture of overconsumption through a futuristic and artistic lens. Through installations constructed from discarded textiles and fabrics, pieces such as Atomic and Ascension emphasize the extent of our fashion footprint and consumerist habits and their possible effects on the future of our planet.

Fig 1.7

Moreira, L., & Moreira, L. (2022, January 8). How modern artists are shifting perspectives on waste and consumption. INKspire. https://inkspire.org/post/how-modern-artists-are-shifting-perspectives-on-waste-and-consumption/ (14.03.2024-week 6)

SKETCHES

My concept is to use waste materials to create a mixed Media artwork, waste materials intend to use below:

1. Cardboard
2. Rope
3. Rubber
4. Pencil shavings
5. Cotton stick
6. Plastic straw
7. Coffee cup
8. Food packaging (plastic)
9. Receipts
10. Stickers/lables
11. Battery
12. Twist stick
13. Fairy light 
14. Rubber hand gloves

Sketches 1:
Earth- This artwork shows Earth split into two parts. On the right side, the colors are bright and lively, like a healthy world. But on the left, it's dark and gloomy. Different materials are used to make this contrast clear. The split represents a warning: our planet isn't united like the normal vibrant side. Instead, too much waste and consumption are causing it to break apart. It's a reminder that if we don't change, the Earth could break completely. We need to work together to save our planet before it's too late.
Design principles: 

Contrast in colour (Vibrant vs grey)

Symmetrical Balance of visual weight in a work of design

Fig 2.1 Sketches 1 (17.03.2024-Week 6)

Sketches 2:
Hand-In this artwork, I've covered a human figure with various waste materials like snack packaging, balloons, and can lids. It symbolizes the overwhelming amount of waste we generate from excessive consumption. The hand protruding from the pile appears to be reaching out for help, while also clutching a rubber band, representing human habits of consumption and waste generation. This sketch serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of our actions and the urgent need to address our habits to protect the environment.
Design principles: word & image for bringing information out

Fig 2.2 Sketches 2 (17.03.2024-Week 6)

Sketches 3:
Planet- Atomic blast and burning our earth, in the centre a lightning bolt strikes the Earth, representing a moment of comparison between these two eras. This sketch aims to show the stark difference between two scenarios: On the left, the Earth is vibrant and balanced, while on the right, it is depicted as polluted and unhealthy. This serves as a reminder of what could happen if we don't reduce waste and use resources wisely. It's a call to action to take care of our planet and make sure it stays healthy for future generations.
Design principles: 

1.Contrast in light blue colour and dark brown colour, compare ideal world and polluted world

2.Symmetrical Balance of visual weight in a work of design

3.Unity: The elements group together to bring attention to one details (A blast lead to comparison earth)

Fig 2.3 Sketches 3 (17.03.2024-Week 6)

Week 7/ Task 3: Design

3.Final Design

Materials Preparation:

I have prepared three categories of materials that could be used for my final project: acrylic paint, waste materials, plastic string and idle twist sticks. These materials were sourced from my kitchen and a large art box.

Fig 3.1Materials used (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Progress:

Step 1

A) Find a piece of cotton 

B) Paint contrast colour

I first lay cotton on the cardboard to give it more texture before applying colour. It’s a bit tricky to paint because the cotton tends to stick to the brush, but adding a little water helps.

Fig 3.1 Painting process(20.03.2024-Week 7)

I measured the size of the cardboard and then evenly divided the colour area into two parts.

Fig 3.2 Painting process(20.03.2024-Week 7)

Step 2

A) Cut plastic box in earth shape

B) Use cardboard cover hollow top part 

C) Painting the plastic box 

I found some used plastic takeaway containers at home, and then I cut one in half to create the surface of the Earth and painted it. Since the top of the plastic container is hollow, I cut a semicircular piece of cardboard to fit on top and secured it with hot glue. I plan to use white color to represent the clean and polluted parts of the Earth.

Fig 3.3 Cut plastic box in earth shape(20.03.2024-Week 7)

Fig 3.4 Use cardboard cover hollow top part (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Fig 3.5  Painting the plastic box  (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Step 3

Use plastic string to create explosive effect

At first, I intended to use twist sticks to create an explosive effect, but then I stumbled upon a lot of plastic strings at home. Their irregularity inspired me to combine them into strips. I cut a rectangular piece of cardboard to secure the plastic strings, then used hot glue to connect each one together.

Fig 3.6  Plastic String  (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Step 4

Cute waste duster cloth in small part to create explode bottom part

For the bottom part, I cut discarded fabric into small pieces and glued them onto the cotton. I created a sense of upward extension to establish connectivity with the plastic strings.

Fig 3.7 Duster cloth  (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Step 5

Decorating by using pencil shaving, battery, cotton and pin.

For the final step, I added white cotton to the left portion to create a sense of a beautiful world. Meanwhile, on the right portion, I included brown clips and batteries to contrast how this world has been polluted by waste.

.

Fig 3.8 Adding element (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Step 6

Use black acrylic to paint cardboard frame 

I used staples to create buildings and stamps to represent factories. I also used tissue paper dyed with colour to depict factory smoke. 

Fig 3.9 Black colour frame (20.03.2024-Week 7)

BTS

Fig 3.10 BTS (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Final Outcome

Fig 3.11 Final outcome (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Fig 3.11 Left side close up (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Fig 3.12 Right side close up(20.03.2024-Week 7)

Fig 3.13 Top partclose up(20.03.2024-Week 7)

Fig 3.14 Bottom Close up(20.03.2024-Week 7)

Fig 3.15 Final Outcome (20.03.2024-Week 7)

Description:

I've chosen to focus on SDG12: Responsible Consumption and Production. The concept involves utilising waste materials to create a mixed media artwork. 

After the explosion, thick and scorching smoke permeates to the bottom of the Earth, yet to ascend upwards. On the left side, there's our beautiful environment, even with a rainbow, while on the right side, it's predictably polluted, engulfed in black smoke. Overall, it's like a pause button pressed while the explosion hasn't completely shattered the Earth. This approach aligns with SDG 12 by advocating for the reuse and repurposing of materials. It serves as a reminder of the potential consequences of failing to reduce waste and use resources wisely.

The contrast between bright, ethereal shades of blue representing the "ideal world" and deep, somber hues of brown depicting the "polluted world" creates a powerful visual impact. Utilising symmetrical balance of visual weight to equalise the sizes of two different worlds conveys the message that continued environmental pollution will result in the final world occupying the same area as the original world. The principle of variety is employed through a diverse array of materials, shapes, texture creatively used to represent various elements enriching the piece with liveliness. (199words)

---

FEEDBACK

Feedback from Mr Zeon

WEEK 6:

My artwork need to related to SDG my goals, butterfly is not represent mass consumption, is either add others drawing to bring out what the main information of artwork or create a new concept. 

WEEK 7:

After our consultation in week 6, I've developed new sketches aligned with my SDG goals. Seeking feedback, I contacted Mr. Zeon via email. He recommended proceeding with the third sketch. 

During the final week of consultation, Mr. Zeon pointed out that my third design principle, unity, might not be suitable for my artwork. He emphasized the importance of providing specific explanations of my design principles that are closely related to the overall theme and concept of my artwork.

---

REFLECTIONS

Experience

When I first started conceptualizing my artwork, I felt lost and searched through numerous references without finding any ideas. It wasn't until I stumbled upon a butterfly made from waste materials that I felt a spark of inspiration. As someone who adores butterflies, I was drawn to the idea of presenting them in a beautiful and elegant manner. However, during consultations with my teacher, I realized that I should focus more on conveying a message through my artwork rather than solely on aesthetics. So, I went back to the drawing board, sketched a few ideas, and sought feedback from my lecturer. He suggested proceeding with the third sketch, which I also found challenging yet meaningful.

I dedicated a day to preparing materials, coloring, and assembling everything, and finally completed the artwork. I felt ecstatic but also apprehensive about whether my piece would meet my teacher's expectations or if anyone would understand its significance. To address this, I attempted to explain the symbolism of my artwork in a blog post.Throughout the process, I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Unlike coding, which can be complex, this felt like a relaxing and enjoyable journey through my first design module.

Findings

From this task, I learned that the symbolism conveyed by an artwork to the audience is crucial. It's not about beauty for the sake of beauty, but about ensuring that viewers can grasp the intended message at a glance. That's what makes an artwork successful. Additionally, I believe that creating artwork from waste materials is highly meaningful. It promotes environmental conservation and frugality while also resonating with humanity.

---

FURTHER READING

Contrast Principle Of Design

• A good grasp of design theory will mean there is always substance behind your work.
• The key principles of design are: contrast, hierarchy, alignment, balance, proximity, repetition, simplicity and function.
• A good designer will keep these principles and guidelines in their toolkit and will consciously use them to develop their ideas.

Contrast

• Contrast occurs when two or more visual elements in a composition are different.
• In design we use contrast to generate impact, highlight importance, create exciting graphics and create visual interest and dynamics.
• Context is integral to contrast. We may think that the chosen visual object in a composition says something about itself but it is more often the visual elements around it that give it it’s meaning.

Contrast in Shape

Contrast in Colour

Contrast in Scale

Contrast in Layout

Contrast in Type

Contrast in Type + Colour

Contrast in Type + Alignment

Contrast in Shapes + colour

Contrast is such a strong method of communication that it is used on some of the most important visual communication like road signs.

Some of the most iconic logos are some of the most simple and contrasting. Just like how contrast plays it’s role in road signs to communicate bold important messages, contrast is used in logos for the same purpose to be remembered.

Reference: Ashraf. (2023, March 20). Contrast principle of design. Graphic Designer in Nairobi, Kenya. https://254-online.com/contrast-principle-of-design/