Design Principles | Task 2 : Visual Analysis and Ideation

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17.02.25 - 03.03.25 / week 3 - week 5
Subhana Salim / 0375936 
Design Principles/ Bachelor's of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University 
Task 2 : Visual Analysis and Ideation


TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instructions
2. Task 2
3. Feedback


INSTRUCTIONS

Task 2 : Development and Design
This tasks requires us to write a 300-350 word visual analysis of the chosen artwork. We also have to sketch 3 ideas on how the selected design can be improved. Each idea must be supported with a rationale of 30-50 words. Visual references are also suggested to be included in this assignment.

TASK 2

For task 2 I begin by breaking down the elements of the piece through an in depth visual analysis process :- observation, analysis, interpretation.

Credit Source : Art by Akiya Kageichi (2015)

Title : 'Untitled'
Artist : Akiya Kageichi
Year : 2015
Medium : Digital Art
Size : 29.7 x 42 cm


Visual Analysis

Observation
This illustration is beautifully and intricately made. There are several aspects to this that made it stand out to me. To begin with is the presence of several elements and details, however its still well interconnected. Despite the chaotic nature of the illustration there is still a proper focal point, being the central character that is tied up. There is also a good flow to the piece where the eyes are being led from the central character to the two background characters to the other elements around the pieces in the top, and along his body to the jar with snake in it to the other elements in the bottom part of the piece. Another aspect of the piece that I really liked was the cohesive color palette. The shades of purples, yellows, blues, whites used in elements are scattered around the piece to make it a cohesive. The art has intricate detail, but simple line art and shading. The is barely any line variation the line art and simply consists of simple gradients. The artist also adds a watercolor texture to the coloring which makes the illustration more lifelike.

Analysis
This composition incorporates asymmetrical balance with most of the visual weight being shifted to the centered character in the piece and this is balanced out by the smaller elements scattered around the rest of the piece. This artworks reuses a lot of symbols in the piece such as hands, flowers, sun, moon, stars, four leaf clovers, which may have symbolic ties to it. It also follows several principles of Gestalt Theory such as proximity, continuity, and closure. The elements closers together in the piece can be interpreted as part of one story. The composition and placement of elements allow the eye to be lead through a continuous path around the piece. There are several part of the piece that are disconnected or not fully illustrated, however our brain perceives them to be part of one object. We can see this on the centered characters body where his lower half is seemingly disconnected from the top half. Yet we perceive them to be connected. This illustration also has a strong emphasis on the main centered character. We can also see the incorporation of movement in the piece as the eye is being led around the elements in the illustration in a smooth manner. Overall this piece has both harmony and unity as their is a good flow, cohesive color palette, interwoven elements, and repetition of elements (such as sun, moon, hands, four leaf clover), all these factors ties the piece together.

Interpretation
This illustration incorporates very vague but related elements, which makes the viewer question the message behind the piece. The centered character is tied up and is seen to make effort towards escape. We can see that there is a person behind him trying to catch him. There is also another man in the background pouring down a mysterious liquid. Astrological elements (such as the sun, stars, moon), moving hands, weighing scale, black cat, four leaf clovers, indicate that there is some fantastical elements involved. The two men in the background seemingly is part of maintaining the order of power, while the centered characters is held victim to the system and makes a conscious effort to escape.

Sketches and Ideation

After the visual analysis process I begin making 3 sketches based on the changes I wish to make in the piece. My main emphasis was to make changes to the position of the elements of the piece that strengthens the piece. 

Sketch 1
For my first sketch idea I decided to make no considerable changes to the composition, design, colors, etc. I more focused on the idea of creating an infographic based on the illustration selected. My main aim to take the most relevant elements of the piece and placed them in circular bubbles and give detailed descriptions of the meaning behind them. I also made the centered character the main focus of the infographic as he takes up most of the space and plays the largest role in the message. I decided I would reduce the opacity of the rest of the elements in the background and apply a purple gradient over it to bring it towards the background. I also made sure to add the title of the piece in the top of the illustration in bold letters. There was special note taken to the flow and composition of the piece as well.


Sketch 2
For my second sketch idea i decided to move , remove and simplify elements in the piece according to my liking to improve the flow of the piece and intensify the message I would like to convey through this artwork. I decided to stray away from the infographic idea for this sketch. I decided to move the character pouring the liquid to the other direction to reduce the visual weight in that area. I also made the balance scales larger and placed at either side of the piece. I also enlarged the jug with snake to give it more emphasis. Both the main centered character and the character with the sword seem to be tied down to one of the balance scales.




Sketch 3
For my third sketch idea I decided to use the 2nd sketch with changed elements and turned it into an infographic explaining the new message behind the piece. The title of the illustration is place on the top. Even here the centered character is enlarged and the main focus while the other important elements are place within circular bubbles. There writing place next to the elements elaborate the message behind specific elements. The other irrelevant background elements are reduced opacity to blend it more into the background and gradients will be placed over it. 

Sir approved my second sketch. But he requested that I add text to fill up the white space. This is my edited sketch





FEEDBACK

Week 3 -
For week 3, Mr. Fauzi recommended that I include various changes to the illustrations for my sketch ideas. He recommended that I make an infographic of the illustration where I highlight different elements in the piece and explain the message behind them. He also suggested that I name the piece as this illustration is unnamed. 

Week 4 -
For week 4, Mr. Fauzi reviewed my sketches. He approved my 2nd sketch and told me to make a fourth sketch that included the title and a subtitle in the empty space between the centered character and the person pouring the liquid.


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