Design Principles - Project 2 : Visual Analysis
22/2/2024 - 7/3/2024 ( Week 3 - Week 5 )
Ho Winnie / 0364866
Design Principles / Bachelor's of Design Honors In Creative Media
Project 2 : Visual Analysis
INSTRUCTIONS
Submission Requirement :
1. Recap Task 2 brief
2. Write a 300- to 350-word visual analysis of the selected design
(refer to Visual Analysis lecture notes and guide).
3. Include reference links where applicable.
Lecture
Visual Analysis is a method of understanding design principles that focus
on visual elements and principals. It is a description and explanation of
visual structure at its own sake. The purpose of visual analysis can also
help recognise the choices that a designer make in creating design. There
are 3 parts to visual analysis which is observation, research and
interpretation.
Observation :
- Closely looking and identifying the visual elements, describing them in
your own words. Do not read beforehand about the design.
- It is all about looking, thinking , and finding a good
language.
Analysis :
- Requires you to think about your observation and try to make statement
about the work based on evidence.
- Think about how the specific visual element communicates the design
principle
Interpretation :
- The analysis and observation are fused with facts about the design work
and historical context
.
Visual Analysis
Task 2 Brief :
This task requires you to assess, investigate, document and analyse
the existing art/design work you selected in Task 1. You will study
the design principles found in that work, as well as the size,
placement, purpose, effectiveness of the design in relation to the
UNSDG goal that you have chosen.
Below is a detailed visual analysis of my chosen artwork split into 3
parts : Observation , Research and Interpretation.
Observation :
This piece of artwork is designed in a portrait format that combines text and imagery in a framed layout. Bold typography and colors can be observed , placing a strong emphasis on the message of power and equality. The dominant colors observed here are black, red and green. At the centre focal point, a woman’s face is depicted in a style of an early 20th century artwork and her expression is calm and determined.
Surrounding the portrait are floral designs and decorative elements that add an ornamental quality to the artwork. Overall the arrangement of the elements follow a symmetrical layout
(101 words)
Analysis :
The design is symmetrically balanced with both sides of the elements bringing the viewer’s eyes to the centre. Bold vibrant colors like red and blue were placed against a more muted tone background, creating color contrast. The main emphasis is the woman in the centre and the designer used central focal positioning to emphasize her as a strong icon representing woman empowerment. Her head was put in the central and her body mimics a tree being rooted to the ground, symbolizing stability. Repetitive floral shapes were used as halos around the icon , visualising her as a holy being . Visual elements were paired with textural messages such as "power and equality" were used to create a powerful synergy and brings unity. Serif font was used and they are perceived as more stable due to their design. There is visual hierarchy and proportion where we first see the head and text in the centre followed by the words around it.
( 159 words )
Interpretation :
The poster was created in 2007 and is associated with promoting gender equality and social justice for a campaign by The Art of Elysium organization which uses art to empower individuals. This style of arts reflects the art movement known as Russian Constructivism and old Soviet propaganda posters.
As this artwork advocates for gender equality and social justice, the design elements are reminiscent of vintage propaganda, which suggests inspiration from previous historical movements. This is designed in a bold contrasting style which signifies a sense of urgency and importance from the viewers to consider the message of justice and equality.
( 100 words )
Extra Practice :
I did a second visual analysis based on an artwork related to gender
equality. I realized that doing another analysis can enhance a
designer's writing skills.
Observation :
This piece of artwork is designed in a landscape mural format that utilizes a vivid and diverse range of colors, predominantly blues, pinks and yellows to bring about a lively and energetic feeling. The central focus here is a woman’s face that appears serene and is surrounded by swirling patterns and waves. The artist blended in mix of realism and abstraction as the face is designed with hints of realism and capturing human’s feelings and emotions while the elements surrounding it are more abstract.
Overall the mural is a compelling blend of realism and abstraction with strong use of colors with detailed patterning.
Analysis :
This design uses color contrast as cool and warm colors are being put together to create harmony. The left side of the mural used a darker color scheme as it illustrates the daily struggle of gender inequality. The right side used a bright color scheme as celebration for women and girls. The main emphasis here is the woman in the middle with one side of her hands tied and the other side of her hands opened wide. The face is surrounded by swirling patterns of hair which creates a wave-like movement in the mural art. The surrounding patterns especially at the hands are filled with henna inspired patterns to symbolise cultural influence on it. Symbolism is portrayed strongly here as the presence of hands and gaze symbolises human connection while the flowing hair symbolises the wave of life. There is visual hierarchy as well where the perspective is predominantly frontal and focus viewer’s attention on face and hands. Unity is brought along by the central human figure being surrounded with abstract elements creating a harmonious and integrated whole.
Interpretation :
This piece of mural was created in 2016 by artist Joel Bergner and 26 other college students from Sophia College in Mumbai. It was created in conjunction with Kala Ghoda Arts Festival. The artist’s style of art reflects the psychedelic artstyle which utilises bright colors, fluid forms and and intricate patterns.
Psychedelic art is known for their hallucinatory imagery and vibrancy where swirling movements are often used inside. This artwork is designed to bring awareness on gender equality and illustrate the struggles women faced. This large scale, public nature of the artwork combined with bold colors and forms creates an impactful and unique visual experience, bringing across the message of gender equality clearly.
Feedback
Week 3 :
Specific Feedback : Dr Charles pointed out under the "analysis" part
that the repetitive floral elements do not just fill up the negative
spaces but rather more serve as a halo effect to the woman in the
middle. Overall, the visual analysis is done very well.
Week 6 :
Dr Charles said to try adding arrows to the point you are explaining so it is easier for us to pinpoint which part you are trying to explain.
Reflection
I particularly enjoyed this task as i am someone who is very expressive in words and knowing how important articulation is in design challenges normal perceptions that design is just the visual outcome.
Through this task, i explored different ways in understanding design decisions made by the artists and how writing communicates their idea across. This task also touched on practicing our task 1 which is to identify and explore design principles. After feedback sessions with Dr Charles, I honed my writing skills and understood how to better let audiences better understand the rationales behind my explanation.
Further Reading
For further reading, I picked an article called " Why writing is a valuable design skill " by Lillian Xiao recommended by Dr Jinchi in myTimes.
As designers, writing is a vital skill that we need to own in order to clearly explain our design decisions as well as understanding other artist's rationale as well. Most of us will only think that technical design skills are important but writing is of no less importance.
1) Great writing produces effective content
With good writing skills, viewers will be able to understand our thought process and guide them effortlessly through all interactions. Well structured, organised content will make it easy to understand and good choice of words will cater to big audiences.
2) Great writing helps imagine future scenarios
We often think that design is just the visual outcome but there is more to that. Design is how it functions in different scenarios. Writing helps us to explore different point of views and grasp a better understanding of the big picture.
3) Great writing communicates with clarity and impact
Writing will help articulate a designer's point of view so it can be evaluated by everyone. Good writing will be able to persuade, inform and entertain a large crowd. Visuals are vital but words will aid in communicating the difficult decisions made behind the artwork
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