Design Principles / Week 5 Exercises

 

30.4.2021 - 7.5.2021 (Week 5) 
Lew Se Win / 0347637 / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Design Principles 
Exercises 

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LECTURES

Week 5: 

Dr. Charles taught us more about symbols, imagery and typography in class. He showed us a lot of examples through Google and explained some principles used in that design. After that, he gave us verbal feedback on our week 4's exercises. 

Pre-recorded lecture: 

• Symbols
  - sign, object, shape
  - represent something else
  - different way to provide/convey information 

Figure 1 Symbols

• Pictorial symbols
  - image-related and simplified pictures
  - used in science book
  
• Abstract symbols 
  - look like the object but have lesser details 
  - not abstract art
• Arbitrary symbols
  - have no resemblance to the objects/ideas they represent
  - invented & constructed 
  
  
• Imagery 
  - virtual part of design
  - able to relate to a concept/brand if right images are used
  - image + word 
  
  
• Typography
  - design & arrangement of text
  - can result in visual hierarchy & balance in a work

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 INSTRUCTIONS

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Zqgp2cirGIhop-aYAMYCkwsJBpTsGBGA/preview" width="640" height="480"></iframe>

WEEK 5 - SYMBOL, IMAGE AND WORD

Symbol

Visual Research

Figure 1.0 from Pinterest

Figure 1.1 from Pinterest

Figure 1.2 from Pinterest

Idea Exploration

Idea #1

I was inspired by Figure 1.2 and I hope to create a symbol with curvy strokes. I draw my sketches using a digital sketching app. 

Figure 1.3 Sketches

After that, I decided to use Adobe Illustrator to create my symbol. 

Figure 1.4 Process

'Lost' was the idea behind this symbol. I started with the shape of letter L. I added different loops to indicate 'lost' in the symbol.

Final Design

Figure 1.5 Final outcome

I named this design 'Lost' because I think that this is me while I am discovering myself throughout these 20 years. There are 3 loops in this design that indicate that I am still finding the way out to pursue my dream. 3 years ago, I thought that I could go for a design-related course after I graduated from high school. However, this was opposed by my family because I achieved good results in science subjects. They wanted me to continue the study as a science student for A-level. After that, I managed to complete A-level but my choice of choosing a design-related course was rejected by my family again. At that time, I felt very lost and I feel like I am in a cycle that they will be keep rejecting me. Through up and down, I am grateful to pursue a design degree now and I am back on the track to chase my dream. 

Image & Word (Collage)

Visual Research

Figure 2.0 from Pinterest

Figure 2.1 from Pinterest

Figure 2.2 from Pinterest

Figure 2.3 from Pinterest

Idea Exploration

Idea #1 

I wanted to do something related to the pandemic we are facing right now. Hence, I thought of the title "mask on". I flip through the magazine and  I found the elements below. 

Figure 2.4 Elements

Idea #2

After that, I have the idea of creating a border to the person. I think that the border should have a contrast with my black background. Thus, I searched for white flowers online and printed them out. 

Figure 2.5 Printed Images

Figure 2.6 Cut out flowers

Later on, I arranged all the elements on black A4 paper. 

Figure 2.7 Process

Next, I arranged the texts for this collage. 

Figure 2.8 Outcome 1

I think that the arrangement of text does not match with the object. Hence, I tried to different arrangement of text.

Final Design

Figure 2.9 Final outcome

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FEEDBACK

Dr. Charles said he likes the collage and I should add more explanations to my logo design.  

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BRIEF REFLECTION 

I have a better understanding of symbols, imagery and typography after completing the exercises. However, I struggled with the exercises. This is because we are assigned to design an arbitrary symbol and I think that it is hard to create one. I spent more time brainstorm and design the idea for the symbol compared to the collage.