Final Project: Presentation & Review

Here we have the one and only Bumpies, well three and only if you want to be exact. Included in this pic are our corny yet confident mugs, but Jason left early to go clubbing (just kidding, he went to see his uncle). We are ultimately satisfied with the final product. Now, all that's left is to present it to the class and let it be reviewed by Ms. Lisa.

Here we have the bumpies spinning and bumping in true bumper cars fashion.

There were some problems that we had to troubleshoot before the bumpies were spinning perfectly. The video above shows that the base doesn't spin in the correct alignment that it was supposed to. It took some time and a lot of extra hands, but we managed to fix it (thanks guys).

Rationale

The bumpies are a metaphor of friendship. The three different colours of the bumpies represents different personalities with the emojis highlighting that particular meaning even more. The base represents their origins or the foundation that brought them up. The bumpies will spin, often than than not bumping into each other signifying the hardship that the bumpies face together or even those that are caused by themselves even.

On a more deeper note, the purple base gives the sense of a regal and royal background that the red bumpy was brought up with. Even with all that wealth, the red bumpy comically shows off an angry and agitated emotion. Just to show that money may not bring happiness to a person even with all the importance that it brings toward him. It sort of embodies real rich men these days who are habitually angry at other people especially those of a lower status level.

Moreover, there is the orange base that signifies the rearing that the yellow bumpy receives when it was growing up which is to have a positive outlook on life. The product of that is great which you can see from the smile the yellow bumpy has. However, the personality that the yellow bumpy personifies can also be seen as a catalyst for problems as its outgoing nature are thought to  be unhelpful and ignorant of other people's problems. Hence, the yellow bumpy should bump the other bumpies more often than the others.

The green base though, characterises a balance and modest upbringing that the blue bumpy went through. The blue bumpy personifies people with a high regard of integrity. Nonetheless, the design of the blue bumpy gives the sense that it embraces a sad personification. This can be inferred into two different conclusions. One, the personified person is crying as he is grateful for a normal, and peaceful life. Two, the person is confused on the basis of his integrity is being tested with a horrendously tough life decision that has an affect on other people around him. A good example is the character Walter White, from Breaking Bad as he is a man with lung cancer who decides to sell crystal meth to support his family. Along the way, he meets with different situations where he has to kill or end up being killed.

To conclude it all, even with the different personalities and backgrounds that each bumpies have, they always stick together. Get it, stick together, because they are all glued to one base. Ahhh... forget it.

Reflections

Working in a group is challenging if I were to be truthful. Even with the burden of creating is somewhat lifted, managing each other's time remains the difficult part of working together. Especially with the different schedule that each member's have. On the contrary, the problem was soon disentangled when we're able to do task division. Assigning each member with significant amount of work did us wonders. We were also able to finish ahead of schedule, leaving the finishing touches to be done on the morning of presentation. I guess maybe we're ready for the working world. Hopefully......

Final Project: Creation Process

On the 8th of November (still the holidays), we gathered at Design Studio to start constructing this huge monstrosity of a base. We bought five thick styrofoams, arranged them together and cut a big circle. We then continued pasting all these styrofoams together. Later, we covered the circle with papier mache and left it to dry.

On that same day, we began constructing the bumpies as well. We figured out the best way to construct it is by measuring and cutting one piece of the iron mesh and just fold it into a bumpy. We also fold the pointy parts of the iron mesh, to make wrapping the bumpy with coloured plastic easier.

From the picture above, you'll see the bumpy being wrapped with the red coloured plastic. There was a bit of a difficulty where these plastic wrappers are easily torn, repairs were done multiple times throughout the creation process.

We coloured the base based on the aforementioned colour palette which are lighter-toned secondary colours. A LOT of poster paint were sacrificed during the making of this tremendously-sized base. We used a lighter tone so that it won't look too intense when it accompanies the bumpies.

The bumpies are wrapped with the primary colours palette.The emoticons are made from cardboard cut-outs painted with poster colour paint. We also made rods out of tissue roll tubes painted with silver spray paint and tied them to the the bumpies. A smaller base was made to make it easier for us to attach the bumpies to the 'lazy susan'.

Wait for the reveal of our final product.

Final Project: Ideation Process

Based on the knowledge we had gathered from our colour theory study, we are to make a sculpture for our final project. We get to pick the theme for the sculptures, and the whole class wanted everyone to follow that particular theme. With the majority's vote, we picked 'Carnival' as our theme. Hence, the sculpture sketching begins.

Here we have some of the presented sketches that we showed to the class. There's the popcorn, the one giant cotton candy, a collection of cotton candy on a pole, and even the balloons. However, these were not the ones that were chosen as our final sculpture as they are not exactly things that you'll actually come to a carnival. So, we decided on something that's a bit more outstanding and not a giant unedible version of an edible item like a ride. 

Therefore, the bumpies were borne. Here we have the initial plans for our bumpies. The bumpies are to be made using the primary colour palette with each coloured bumpies pasted with different emojis. For making the bumpies spin, we decided to use the 'lazy susan' as our spinning mechanism.In the early sketches, we thought that we can get some sparklers to put on top of our rods.

Later on, with the advice from Ms. Lisa we tried to mix it up with the colour palette to avoid it from looking too plain. We tried adding different palettes to the base that accompanies the bumpies such as complimentary colours, darker hues, and even lighter hues. However, the one we favoured was the palette with lighter tone of secondary colours that relates the colour of an area of the base to each bumpy such as blue to green, red to purple, and also yellow to orange.

Here's the final sketch for our bumpies with the colour palettes as told. Other additions to the final design is that all bumpies will in fact spin as well with the 'lazy susan' mechanism. We are also hoping to make the bumpies actually bumping into each other in true bumper car action. Hence, a resize of the bumpies and base is in order to ensure that they are placed correctly for the bumpies to bump each other. The size will also need to be increased to proportion it with the other artworks.

Our next move is to make mock-up of our sculpture, we have a bit of difficulty to make the colours a lighter tone. Still, we managed to make it so that it'll be our returning reference point for the the creation of our masterpiece.

Assignment: Colour Theory

We were assigned to study these prospects of colour.

Definition

Hue

One of the main properties of colour, it is described as colour itself or in painting colour theory as the purest form of the colour that is perceived by our sight without any added white or black pigments. Another definition for it is the attribute of colours where it lets them to be categorized as red, yellow, green and blue or in between any adjoining pair of these colours. 

Example:

Blue to red hues

Yellow to green hues

Value

Defined as the amount of lightness or darkness of the hue. Adding some white would give the hue a lighter value, while adding more black would give it a darker value.

The different values for each colour

 

Different values of orange.

Saturation

Is the intensity of light that goes through a range of different wavelengths. The highest saturation of colour can be achieved by using a very high intensity wavelength such as a laser light. If the intensity decreases, so does the saturation.

A picture with a higher saturation

The same picture with a lower saturation

Secondary Colours

Colours that are obtained or resulted from of mixing two of the primary colours (red, yellow, blue). Secondary colours are green, orange, and violet. 

Analogous Colours

Colours that are adjacent to each other in the colour scheme.

For example: - Yellow & Violet

                    - Orange & Blue

                    - Red & Green

Tint

Is the adding of white to a colour mixture to increase the lightness of that particular colour.

Shade

Is the adding of black to a colour mixture to increase the darkness of that particular colour.

Monochromatic Colours

Is the colours derived from a single hue and then protracted with different shades, tones and tints by adding different amounts of black, white and grey to that particular hue

Red Monochromatic Colours

Blue Monochromatic Colours

.

What can be said in general about:

Warm Colours

Often regarded as the hues of red to yellow with brown included there as well. Also used to describe daylight or sunsets in paintings. Most often used to create an uplifting and conversation stimulating environment.

Warm Colours

A cafe that was designed with warm colours in mind

Warm coloured environment makes people more lively and chatty

Cool Colours

Usually associated to hues of  blue green to blue violet. Describing cloudiness, low temperature areas, or rainy days. Gives the sense of cooling when looked at. Usually used to create a calming and relaxing environment.

Cool Colours

Cool colours of the sea that gives it a calming look

 

Symbols Of Colour

Royalty

This may come as a shock to some, as they might think that yellow or gold colours symbolizes royalty. However, it is a fact that Royalty is symbolized through purple colours such as violet and mauve. This came about during the time of Queen Elizabeth I, where purple coloured fabrics were disastrously expensive that only the royalty could afford it. It was also forbidden for people other than family members of the royalty to wear purple.

These purple dresses would cost a fortune if it was made centuries ago

Freshness

The colour green will often than not represent nature. That natural look of green gives off a sense of something being fresh. Looking at green coloured objects will relax your eyes, which is good for the health of your eyes. 

Look Into The Green.... Look Into The Green.......

Passion

There are no other colour that represents passion as well as the colour red. Not only do we associate red with an emotion such as anger, but red can also represent love. Red gives off a sense of heat. The heat that the colour red produces shows intensity whether in fights or even in the act of making love.

Red gives a very intense look

The red dress compliments the baby's emotion.

The red nature of the rose makes you think about your true love.

Assignment 3: Pt.3 Final Review

Artwork:

Tadaazzzz.....

Rationale

I've been playing video games since I was able to utter the word "can I play?" which I was aabout 3 or 4 years old. So, these artworks are sort of a homage to the old school games that I was brought up with thanks to my dad and uncles. What I wanted to do was to portray modernly-known protagonists in a retro games setting. The first one is sort of a reimagining of an Assassin from the Assassin's Creed series in a retro style portrait where pixelated human beings are painted in different colours other than the main skin colours. Brighter colours are used to give it a more funky look.

The second artwork portrays Iron Man fighting a big yellow dragon. This piece is a tribute to one of my favourite games of all time which is Megaman or Rockman(in Japan). The Ironman is designed with the same measurements as that of Megaman and put in a position where Megaman would usually be during boss fights. The dragon serves as a juxtaposition for the Ironman as being something that exists in myths or fairytales instead of something that's real or even modern.

Symmetry Design

Review:

It has a certain element of surprise to it as I made it an interactive design. It's adorable but could've been better if the surprise element followed the same theme and style that it has out front. Craftsmanship could've been improved a lot especially in the glueing.

Asymmetry Design

Review:

Very good cutting skills and very intricate. Adorable and the interactive nature of the design is good.

Reflections

I'm not that satisfied with the Symmetry Design especially in the glueing. My glue broke, so I had to use PVA glue which was quite wet and it gave my design bubbles which totally ruined the design in my honest opinion. The whole experience of doing this project was totally amazing. Well, there is a few setbacks along the way if I was truly honest, yet being able to accomplish something that I thought was quite impossible for a man of a lower skill level such as myself. However, it all came through even with the extensive amount of time it needed to create such masterpieces.

Assignment 3: Pt.2 Mid-Review

Design Draft

Before I cut out my design, I used Adobe Illustrator to create these retro games design. First off, I did the Ironman with his arm at a 60 degrees angle.

8-bit Ironman

Then I designed the dragon, which I went with the colour yellow and orange because I don't want my design to have to many different colours that could affect the composition by not having a good contrast.

Cut-Out Process

It took me a few hours to make the Ironman. I printed out the digital design and cut it into different pieces. I use those different pieces as a measurement for my cut-out.

Mid-review

Oh nose!!!!!!!!!!!!

I lost my Ironman cut-out. I tried to retrace my steps but I can't find it. Atleast I had the dragon printout or not I would've nothing to show. Luckily, Ms.Lisa gave me a pass this time. This time.........

Assignment 3: Pt.1 Instructions

Theme

We had to think of a theme for our next assignment. I was going for something that has to do with videogames. I did a mind map of my favourite games. Split it into two genres retro and modern.

I also branch out those two subjects into different games and their colour palettes. Then, I showed it to Ms. Lisa for her to review.

She advised me that the retro games theme is a bit more interesting compared to modern games. So I went with it and sketched out a few designs for my theme.

Format

We had to sketch out two designs, one is a symmetry design while the other is an asymmetry design.I was thinking of something from the megaman series of games(the older ones to be exact) and I wanted to give a contemporary take on it. I thought of using modern know heroes from movies and other modern video game heroes.

I finalised my decision by choosing Iron Man for the asymmetry design, which he fights a dragon and an assassin from the assassin's creed series for my symmetry design.

What we need to do

We actually have to make cut-out designs for this assignment. This seemed harder to me because the idea I had in mind will have very intricate designs and I'm not sure whether I can do such intricate cuts. So I bought a new knife. Wait.... Knives. My bad.

Assignment 2: Pt.3 Published

So, I've finished the video for the Rule Of Thirds. Now, you can watch it here or at Youtube.

The only problem that I had with this video was lighting. And......... uhhhhh. Well, I think that's it. Thanks for watching.

Don't forget to watch the other videos made by my friends that I will post soon.

Assignment 2: Pt.2

It's a big day today. We have to show Ms. Lisa our photographs for our Rule Of Thirds assignment to see if most of them have the right composition. Much to my dismay, the pictures of the dust bins (or my favourite word for it, 'trash cans" made her go green. Green, not in the sense of wanting to save the environment but more towards the releasing of fluids from her trachea.

The advice she gave me was to try harder or change the subject matter. Me being a fickle big boy that I am, changed my subject matter immediately after she reviewed my work. And guess what? I am GLAD! Very glad indeed as I was really having a hard time taking pictures of trash cans.

The horrifying smell of those moulded meat and bread, the horrendous colour tones of those trash cans (why can't shopping malls have better looking trash cans?), and the humiliation I had to endure when people look at me manipulating those trash cans. All these thing made me sick like the colour purple (Which is Bieber's favourite colour, ugh. Adding insult to injury).

I changed my subject matter to toy cars, which I collected throughout my childhood. I stopped collecting when I went to boarding school and I was planning to give them to my cousin, who is an avid collector of toy cars (He's 2 years old by the way) but I haven't had time to pack all these cars. So hopefully, I will be able to show you the final product next week.

Regards,
Wan Mohd Danial (Danny)

Assignment 2: Composition

The lesson never stopped there people. We were taught a few things related to our assignment:

Composition

The process of placing, arranging, and rearranging text and graphics on a plane. Able to convey the message to the target audience.

Format

There are formats that you can use to depict your design, whether it's in landscape (horizontal), portrait (vertical), and circular.

Layout

Two types which are symmetrical or asymmetrical.

Grid

Order and consistency using columns and rows.

Rule Of thirds

The breaking the board up into thirds and placing elements along the upper lines and at the intersection to avoid discomforting tangents. It also gives the object room to breathe visually by providing more negative space.

The Assignment

The assignment was to build a 12x9 inch and 1.5 inch thick frame from a mounting board. The frame is our viewfinder that we can use to help us in taking a picture with good composition.


We were tasked to choose a subject matter (a doorknob, electrical outlet, and etc) and take pictures of it with the right amount of composition. I choose dustbins as my subject matter and I didn't get as many pictures of dustbins as I would've hoped for. Here are some of the pics:

So we came back to class for our work to be reviewed by Ms. Lisa and my work was okay but there was one picture(which was a very lucky shot) which she said had a very good composition. Also, she adviced me to keep taking pictures like this:

Ta-daa!

Week 5: Composition & Design Lecture

The first question that Ms. Lisa asked us was what do we understand about Design. Knowing absolutely nothing, I tried using my 'not so obviously blur' face to not attract attention to myself in the hopes of not being asked to answer the question (I got lucky, THIS TIME). She then continued on with the lecture by explaining visual aesthetics. Which means how an object looks.

Elements Of Design

She also explained the Elements Of Design and how good elements of design can succesfully convey a message and able to grab people's attention visually. So here are 6 elements of design:

Line

Different lines can imply emotions or behaviour of an object through illusion. Horizontal lines implies a calm and serene situation as it is parallel to our horizon (where the sky meets the earth/sea). Diagonal lines implies power and motion and is usually used to show movement. Different thickness of lines can also depict the characteristics of the object.

Texture

Texture is defined as the surface characteristics of a material that can be experienced through the sense of touch or the illusion of touch. Texture is achieved through imagery such as brick, fur, rock and marble. A good texture is able to show a proper contrast.

Positive & Negative Space

Positive space is the space taken by object at focus. While negative space is the leftover space from the object. These spaces are often used to create optical illusion pictures.

Time/Motion

Motion is the utilizing repetition to create movement. Repeated circles that are increasing in size gives the illusion of something is moving towards you.

Colour

Colour is the part of light that is reflected by the object we look at. Colours can be differentiate by its value, hue, and also chroma (intensity of colour).

Typography

Also known as fonts. The types of fonts include serif (fonts with tails), sans-serif(fonts without tails),

script(connecting fonts), square serif(fonts with blocky tails), decorative(fonts with extra decorative details like flowers, machine, and etc), and custom (your own font).

Principles Of Design

After the 4 weeks of self-discovery, we finally get to know Principles Of Design(the core subject here) through its principles of design.

Unity

Unity is the relationship among the elements of a visual that helps all the elements function together. Through aesthetic unification of design elements or consistent colour schemes in a composition, unity is achieved. Other ways to achieve unity is through using similar shapes, common patterns, space, and using a common background. 

Variety

The adding of a contrast towards harmony to avoid the design from becoming mundane. Variety can be achieved by changing sizes, patterns, inputting different elements and point of views to add interest to a visual image.

Balance

The variety of objects in an image through the sense of equilibrium is the definition of balance in design. Balance is needed to arrange parts of a visual in a manner that the aesthetics looks pleasing.

Scale & Proportion

The usage of different sizes to show distance between objects.

Hierarchy/Dominance

The contradiction of colours, size, and texture between the focused object and the background or other objects in higher numbers to make the object visually grab people's attention.

Rhythm & Repetition

The repeating of objects at different size to give a dynamic feel to its visual.

Each of these elements of design provides us the ways to create a great design. Also with the principles that has been listed above applied to our designs, the visual aesthetics of our design would improve significantly and be deemed successful to other people's eyes. The End. Of the lecture part only.