Illustration & Visual Narrative | Task 2

October 17, 2024

17/10/24 - 1/11/24 ( Week 4 - Week 6 )

Nicco Chew Jin Xun  (0366563)

Illustration & Visual Narrative | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media


Table of Contents


1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Task / Work Process 

4. Reflections



Lectures


[ Week 4 ]


COMPOSITION THEORY 2 // PERSPECTIVE

The art of representing three-dimensional objects on a two-dimensional surface so as to give the right impression of their height, width, depth, and position in relation to each other


*One-Point Perspective

- drawing your objects emerging from a single point on the horizon

- as images get closer to the vanishing point the smaller they become, until they become so small they actually vanish completely


figure 1.1 - example of one-point perspective





*Two-Point Perspective

- vanishing points on either side of the horizon, and the objects and buildings within the scene are drawn to both of these vanishing points
- place two vanishing points on the horizon and establish two sets of overlapping perspective lines fanning out from them
- the network of lines allows objects to recede toward two separate points, allowing more dynamic views
than that one point alone
- create a greater sense of space in a scene and helps give objects more of a sense of dimension and place



figure 1.2 - example of two-point perspective



*Three-Point Perspective

- consists of two vanishing points on opposite sides of a horizon (as in two-point
perspective), but with the addition of another vanishing point high above or below the horizon
- achieve a sense of drama and scale, or to show more objects in a single scene
- third vanishing point on the vertical axis gives you a far broader range of angles, and really allows your viewers to “look down” into your city


figure 1.3 - example of three-point perspective


*Isometric View

- for creating detailed concepts of individual buildings
- clearly present three sides of your design without distorting perspective or obscuring details


figure 1.4 - example of isometric view



*Dynamic Application

- can be applied to almost any illustration or scene
- it doesn’t need to be rigid or boring, and don’t need to adhere to the perspective method in a strict way
- like the example try mixing different perspective methods as visualize by the crashing spaceship and the ground below 


figure 1.5 - example of dynamic application






[ Week 5 ]


Composition Theory 3 // Fore, Mid & Background

- refers to how ur image is put together, if the tricks used in the right way, your art can be the next level.



*Intro
- it's very important to create an effective sense of the space


[ Illustrating Elements ]

- foreground (close to the viewer)
- middle-ground
- background (far away)


figure 1.6 - example of nice composition


*Foreground - objects that are nearest to the viewer
*Middle-ground - objects in between foreground and background
*Background - objects that are the furthest away from the viewer




You can arrange the subject matter to be at the foreground
- example: by using size differences and colour contrast to highlight foreground as main focus



figure 1.7 - Adventure Time (Cartoon Network, 2010)




Or arrange the focus to be in the middle-ground
- example: by using size differences and light / shadow contrast to highlight the main focus



figure 1.8 - Adventure Time (Cartoon Network, 2010)



Or in the further view of the visual in the background
- example: by using shapes and light / shadow contrast to highlight the main focus



figure 1.9 - Adventure Time (Cartoon Network, 2010)




Good arrangement of visual focus using foreground, middle-ground and background should also indicate a sense of movement, and rhythm in design

- this is known to be Design Flow


figure 1.10 - Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba - The Movie: Mugen Train (UFOTABLE, 2020)





*Design Flow
- the way that your eye moves or is led around a composition
- a design with good flow will lead the viewer's eye throughout the layoutmoving from element to element with ease


figure 1.11 - Turning Red (Disney, 2021)



- your visual should be able to influence the way the viewer will digest your content
- important in interface and information design types where you need to combine type, line, contrast, colour, and imageries


figure 1.12 - Google Images





[ Week 6 ]


3 - Acts Structure


Storytelling basics

*Central Theme
- core message or underlying idea of a story

 - it reflects the storyteller's viewpoint and can include major themes (woven throughout the narrative) and minor themes (subtle and occasional)

-give depth, offering audiences a lens to explore complex ideas, values, or beliefs.


*Conflict
- the driving force of any story, creating the tension and suspense that keeps audiences engaged

- it pits the protagonist against challenges, whether from antagonists, circumstances, or inner struggles

- this element is crucial for maintaining interest and advancing the narrative


*Characters
- protagonist and antagonist, are essential

protagonist is the main character striving to overcome obstacles, while the antagonist opposes them, embodying the source of conflict

- this relationship between characters fuels the story's momentum and emotional stakes


*The Three-Act Structure
The Three-Act Structure provides a framework to develop the story:

  1. Setup: Introduces the protagonist’s world and establishes the central conflict, ending with an inciting incident.
  2. Rising Tension: The protagonist faces a series of increasingly challenging obstacles, keeping the audience engaged as stakes rise.
  3. Resolution: The climax brings the story to its peak, followed by a resolution where conflicts conclude, and the protagonist’s journey reaches its end.


figure 1.13 - Traditional three-acts structure chart




Instructions : Module Brief



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Task / Work Progress


Inspiration [ week 4 ]

For this task, I designed 'Florastral' , a Pokémon-inspired character born from my love of flowers. Florastral is crafted to resemble delicate flower petals, embodying a blend of natural beauty and mystical energy. Set in a tranquil forest clearing, this character feels like a hidden guardian, bringing harmony and balance to its environment.

Florastral’s design emphasizes its floral essence, with its body and dress-like lower half resembling blooming petals. A soft, fluffy collar represents growth and fertility, while the star-like background elements hint at a celestial connection, symbolizing Florastral’s dual role as both a protector of nature and a channel for cosmic energy. This unique blend of earthly and mystical qualities allows Florastral to nurture life while exuding a calm, enchanting presence.

Besides, the background setting is inspired by a world I’ve long imagined and craved since childhood—a peaceful, magical place brimming with life and beauty. This forest, full of lush flora and hidden wonder, has been a recurring scene in my dreams, one that I’ve always wanted to bring to life. Florastral’s world reflects my inner longing for this idyllic landscape, a sanctuary where magic and nature exist in perfect harmony.





figure 3.1 - sketch / moodboard




Progress [ Week 5 ]

After submitting the sketch and seeking feedback from Mr Hafiz, he said he likes the sketch and recommended me to look at examples from the Framed Ink PDF in the lecture notes for inspiration to improve my whole composition and to decide the framed ink as template based on which suits the environment of my character / which can provide a narrative and a feel of my characters world.


figure 3.2 - Framed Ink as references



Inspiration

I also explored Pinterest for some aesthetic inspiration for the background and composition. These are the pictures that catched my eyes and where I drew inspiration from. 



figure 3.3 - inspiration


figure 3.4 - inspiration


figure 3.5 - inspiration


figure 3.6 - inspiration



Design Process


First, I created the initial background layer using the mesh tool in Adobe Illustrator and added several colours, with white representing clouds and green representing the grass. This layer serves as a gentle backdrop, setting a calm tone and adding a sense of openness to the scene.



figure 3.7 - design process


Then, I started adding trees on both sides, surrounding the main character to create a sense of depth. I also added a few clouds interwoven among the trees, giving the scene a dreamy, layered effect. By adjusting the size and transparency of the trees, I emphasized the distance between the foreground and background, drawing the viewer's attention toward the main character.  This arrangement also adds layers to the composition, making the scene feel more dynamic. Besides, I apply the use of gradients and blending modes in Illustrator  which helped me to create a more vibrant and dynamic appearance.


figure 3.8 - design process



Designing the Head and Ears

I began by creating two adorable ears and the head for Florastral. These ears are inspired by flower petals, featuring soft, graceful curves that symbolize the vitality of life and the delicacy of nature. To enhance her charm, I carefully considered her facial features, ensuring her expression is both gentle and mysterious.

figure 3.9 - new character making



Designing the Body with Flower Petals

Next, I focused on designing her body. This part consists of several large flower petals, showcasing a bountiful floral form that emphasizes her botanical essence. Each petal is meticulously crafted, with soft, layered colors that evoke the spirit of spring and the vibrancy of nature.



figure 3.10 - new character making


Finally, I added wings to Florastral. These wings reflect a sense of ethereal beauty, enhancing her connection to nature and her role as a guardian of the forest. The wings are designed to look delicate and intricate, mirroring the elegance of the flower petals while symbolizing her ability to nurture life and channel cosmic energy. Additionally, the soft, fluffy collar around her neck is a nod to the plant's reproductive structures, symbolizing fertility and the cycle of life.



figure 3.11 - new character making



Once I completed Florastral’s design, I turned my attention to the background, specifically the majestic mountains that gonna be surround her. These mountains serve as a symbol of strength and stability, contrasting with the delicate nature of Florastral.


figure 3.12 - design process


To enhance the vibrancy of Florastral’s world, I added several flowers of varying sizes in shades of pink and blue in front of the trees on either side. The pink flowers symbolize love, compassion, and nurturing, reflecting Florastral's gentle spirit and her role as a protector of nature. Their soft hues evoke a sense of warmth and kindness, inviting those who encounter Florastral to feel a connection with the natural world around them.

In contrast, the blue flowers represent tranquility, wisdom, and inspiration. Their calming colors evoke feelings of peace and serenity, mirroring the soothing energy that Florastral embodies. The presence of these blue flowers enhances the idea that this environment is a sanctuary, fostering a sense of balance and calm amidst the lush greenery.


figure 3.13 - design process


Finally, I designed two starbursts surrounding Florastral, creating a stunning celestial backdrop that enhances her ethereal presence. These starbursts symbolize that Florastral draws power from the stars, hinting at her profound connection to celestial energies. The bright, shimmering stars serve as a reminder of the vast universe beyond, suggesting that she is not only a guardian of the natural world but also a conduit of cosmic wisdom. The twinkling light emitted from these starbursts creates an enchanting aura around Florastral, emphasizing her role as a protector and nurturer. 



figure 3.14 - design process



Final Outcome


figure 3.15 - Final Outcome





With the final composition complete, I working on the Pokémon card for my character, Florastral.



figure 3.16 - Final Pokémon power card


Reflections


Throughout the design process of my Pokémon character, Florastral, I have gained invaluable skills and insights using Adobe Illustrator. Each step of the project not only contributed to the character’s development but also enhanced my understanding of the software's capabilities.

In the initial stages, as I crafted Florastral’s head and ears, I learned the importance of precision in shape creation and the effective use of tools like the Pen and Shape tools. Experimenting with curves and anchor points allowed me to create fluid, organic shapes that reflect the delicate essence of flower petals.

As I progressed to designing the body and flower petals, I discovered how to manipulate layers and colors to achieve depth and dimension. The use of gradients and blending modes in Illustrator helped me to create a more vibrant and dynamic appearance, enhancing Florastral’s floral qualities.

Incorporating the background elements, particularly the mountains and flowers, taught me about composition and balance. I learned to arrange visual elements harmoniously, ensuring that Florastral remains the focal point while also creating a rich, immersive environment. The ability to group and align objects streamlined this process, making it easier to visualize the overall scene.

Overall, this project has significantly improved my proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, allowing me to explore my creativity while mastering essential design techniques. I now feel more confident in my ability to bring ideas to life digitally, and I look forward to applying these skills in future projects. The process of designing Florastral has deepened my appreciation for the intersection of art and technology, inspiring me to continue my journey in digital design.


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