Illustration & Visual Narrative / Task 1 - Exercise (Vormator)

23.09.2024 -  21.10.24 (Week 1-5)
An Hongzheng / 0378415 
Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelors of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1 - Exercise :Vormator

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CATALOGUE

1. Lectures
2. Instruction
3. Project
4. Feedback
5. Reflections

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LECTURES

Week 1 :

CHARACTER DESIGN BASICS

• Character design is built upon a few fundamental principles that make characters both iconic and memorable. The use of stylized design ensures that characters stand out, often recognized even by their black silhouettes due to the simplicity and clarity of their design. This simplicity allows viewers to easily understand the character’s role and purpose.

• Shape and silhouette are critical in establishing a character's identity, making them instantly recognizable. Exploring different combinations of shapes can create unique and interesting designs, which become memorable to the audience. Color plays an important role in conveying the character’s role—whether they are heroes, villains, or background characters. Understanding color psychology helps in expressing different emotions, with certain colors triggering specific feelings in the viewer.

• Elements like emphasis and contrast are used to exaggerate certain visual aspects, helping the character design stand out. Lastly, harmony is vital—every aspect of the design, from shapes to colors, must complement each other and align with the character's narrative. The expression and pose of the character also help convey their personality and emotions, making them more relatable and appealing to the audience.

Figure 1.1.1

Week 2 :

CHIAROSCURO

• Chiaroscuro, an Italian term meaning "light-dark," refers to the use of light and shadow to create a three-dimensional illusion on flat surfaces, enhancing the dramatic impact of a scene. This technique was famously employed by artists like Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio, who used clear tonal contrasts to model objects and figures, thereby emphasizing their importance.

• In modern applications, chiaroscuro is effectively used in visual narratives, such as comics and films, to highlight subjects against dark backgrounds, establishing a clear distinction between positive and negative spaces. This differentiation not only elevates dramatic tension but also enhances the emotive depth of scenes. Notable filmmakers like Coppola and Kubrick utilize chiaroscuro to create memorable, impactful moments in their films, often highlighting characters' emotional states through strategic lighting choices.

• Ultimately, chiaroscuro serves to attract attention, create visual hierarchy, and contribute to aesthetically pleasing compositions by balancing light and shadow, thereby enriching the overall narrative experience.

Figure 1.2.1

Week 3 :

COMPOSITION 1 - VISUAL TYPES AND SHOTS

• In visual design, composition refers to how elements are arranged within a frame to convey meaning and enhance storytelling. Effective composition incorporates several essential rules, including visual narrative, flow, balance, and hierarchy, all aimed at directing the viewer's attention and conveying the intended message. The way a subject is visualized can significantly influence the overall impact of the artwork.

• Different types of shots are crucial in achieving effective composition. Establishing shots provide context and grandeur to a setting, while bird's eye view shots offer a unique perspective from above. Techniques like framing within a frame enhance depth and interest, emphasizing the story's underlying themes. Medium shots capture a character in balance, and close-ups reveal intimate emotional insights, engaging the audience's investment in the character's journey. Lastly, worm's eye view shots provide dramatic emphasis from below, further enriching the narrative depth.

Figure 1.3.1

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INSTRUCTION

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Task 1: Vormator

1.Reserch

Figure 3.1.1 Reference & Research Images - Herohero. Week 3 (09/10/2024)

Figure 3.1.2 Reference & Research Images - Herohero 2. Week 1 (09/10/2024)

Figure 3.1.3 Reference & Research Images - Solution Epsilon. Week 3 (09/10/2024)

2.Sketches

Figure 3.2.1 Sketch. Week 1 (09/10/2024)

3.Digital Work on AI

Figure 3.3.1 Vomator. Week 3 (10/10/2024)

Figure 3.3.2 Vomator with pathfiinder & shapebuilder. Week 3 (11/10/2024)

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FEEDBACK

Week 1

Learned the basic concepts of Illustration & Visual Narrative and looked at some cases.

Learned the basic arrangement and learning objectives of the course.

Week 2

Learned and practiced how to use the pen tool to assist in creating in Adobe Illustrator.

Learned the general production steps and requirements of the first task - Vomator.

Week 3

I made my own Vomator.

I found that if I want to make good-looking designs efficiently, I must be proficient in various functions and shortcuts of the software. Vomator's projects have many limitations, which requires me to focus more on learning and mastering existing skills and shortcuts and other software functions.

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REFLECTIONS

Week 1

Experience: 

Delving into the principles of character design has been a transformative experience. I learned how critical decisions about shape, color, and silhouette influence how characters are perceived. By experimenting with these elements, I began to appreciate how they evoke specific emotions and establish character identity.

Observations:

Through analyzing various character designs, I observed consistent patterns, such as the use of simple shapes for instant recognition and color coding to signify roles. For instance, heroes often use bright colors, while villains tend to favor darker shades. This reinforced the idea that effective design communicates personality and enhances relatability.

Findings: 

Key findings from my exploration highlight that simplicity and color psychology are vital for creating memorable characters. Additionally, principles like emphasis, contrast, and harmony ensure that design elements work together cohesively, reinforcing the narrative. Overall, these insights emphasize that character design is crucial for building meaningful connections with the audience.

Week 2

Experience: 

Exploring chiaroscuro has deepened my understanding of how light and shadow interact to create depth and drama in visual art. Learning about its historical significance, particularly in the works of masters like Leonardo da Vinci and Caravaggio, provided insight into the intentionality behind lighting choices and their impact on the viewer's perception.

Observations: 

In analyzing contemporary uses of chiaroscuro, I noticed how filmmakers like Coppola and Kubrick effectively utilize this technique to enhance emotional resonance in their narratives. The strategic play of light and dark not only defines characters' emotional states but also guides the audience's attention, making pivotal moments more impactful.

Findings: 

The key takeaway from my study of chiaroscuro is its ability to create a visual hierarchy, distinguishing between positive and negative spaces. This technique not only heightens dramatic tension but also enriches the overall composition of a scene, contributing significantly to the narrative experience. Understanding chiaroscuro's role in both classic and modern contexts has enhanced my appreciation for its application in visual storytelling.

Week 3

Experience: 

Studying composition has highlighted the importance of arranging visual elements thoughtfully to enhance storytelling. Engaging with various types of shots deepened my appreciation for how each angle can evoke different feelings and narratives within a frame.

Observations: 

I observed that effective composition relies on rules such as visual narrative, flow, balance, and hierarchy, which guide the viewer's attention. For instance, establishing shots set the context and scale of a scene, while close-ups draw the audience into the character's emotional experience. Each type of shot serves a specific purpose, contributing to the overall impact of the visual narrative.

Findings

One significant finding is how techniques like framing within a frame and varying perspectives (such as bird’s eye and worm’s eye views) can enhance depth and create visual interest. These compositional strategies not only elevate storytelling but also engage the viewer on multiple levels, making them more invested in the narrative. Understanding these elements will inform my future design work, enabling me to craft more compelling visual stories.