Design Principles | Final Compilation & Reflection

Week 1 (24/08/2021) - Week 14 (26/11/2021)
Shamiella Baziella Binti Mohamad (0333104)
Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) Digital Media Production 

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EXERCISES & PROJECTS: 

Exercise 1: Contrast & Gestalt Theory 
Exercise 2: Balance & Emphasis 
Exercise 3: Harmony & Unity 
Project 1: Self-Portrait
Project 2: Sense of Place
Final Project: Visual Analysis 

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FINAL COMPILATION

Exercise 1: Contrast & Gestalt Theory 

Figure 1.0: Contrast Final Submission JPEG

Rationale: This design represents that to every dark side, there is a bright one. Hence, do not underestimate the power of the dark side. 

Figure 1.1: Gestalt Theory Final Submission JPEG

Rationale: This design indicates the snow globe in which symbolizes the thumbs up and the sleeve cuff is the bottom of the snow globe. 

Exercise 2: Balance & Emphasis

Figure 1.2:Balance Final Submission JPEG

Rationale: This design incorporates daily objects in which reminds me that sometimes we have to let life turn us upside down, so we can learn how to live right side up. 

Figure 1.3: Emphasis Final Submission JPEG 

Rationale:  This design indicates that oftentimes, we questioned ourselves how are we different from others and what makes us stand out from them. Therefore, I decided to emphasize on one person among the crowd. 

Exercise 3: Harmony & Unity 

Figure 1.4: Harmony Final Submission JPEG

Rationale: As for this design, I incorporated sunflowers. Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers as it symbolizes happiness, good luck and it brings many meanings across the world. Different cultures believe it means anything from positivity and strength, admiration as well as loyalty. 

Figure 1.5: Unity Final Submission JPEG

Rationale: I decided to represent tulips in my design for this exercise, as tulips symbolize perfect and deep love. Hence, with love, it can unite people for a purpose be it- culture or peace, it has the power to unite the whole world with people coming from different backgrounds, races, and diversity. Ultimately, love and unity are closely intertwined. 

Project 1: Self-Portrait 

Figure 1.6: Self-Portrait Final Submission JPEG 

Rationale: In this design, I wanted to portray myself through bits & pieces of my pictures throughout the years that each bits & pieces represent more of myself as a person today. 

Project 2: Sense of Place 

Figure 1.7: Sense of Place Pinal Submission JPEG 

 Figure 1.8: Sense of Place Final Submission Video  

Rationale: If there was only one place that I could choose to make cozy in my home, it would definitely be my bedroom! A few may just see the bedroom as a place to crash after work/studying/partying- you fill in the blank- but to most people or me personally, the bedroom provides a private sanctuary in which to unwind, chill out and recharge after the day. 

Final Project: Visual Analysis 

Figure 1.9: Visual Analysis Final Submission JPEG

Figure 2.0: Visual Analysis Final Submission GIF

Rationale: In response to my design, I wanted to convey a message that despite the darkness invading our minds, we are still worth the growth, healing, and recovery and by that, we're still here fighting and trying to make things better although it can be hard, tough and excruciatingly frustrating at times. 

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REFLECTION 

What have I learned from this module? 

There are several things I've come to observe throughout this module, things about me personally and knowledge on Design Principles. I never understood how Design Principles actually work as I never studied them in-depth and understand Design Principles from a design perceptive. But with guidance from Dr. Charles, I get to slowly understand how Design Principles were applied in my artwork. I also realized that my classmates are able to portray an interesting design/artwork in which they convey according to their own styles. I'm very glad that I could express myself in this module through my artwork as there's no wrong way of doing art, and it's mainly on the expression of the individual.  

What did I enjoy the most?

I enjoy experiencing and exploring all of the tasks given as I get to experiment with the medium be it- manually or digitally. Aside from that, this module allows us to expand our creativity. I believed I have developed different skills, and one of them being my observational skills. Being in online classes, I was able to learn, depict and scertain the littlest details from my classmates artworks or be it my own. As all of my classmates had their own art style in which their work was all unique and eventually tells their own story, I was able to understand from their design perspectives guided by our lecturer. 

What did I not enjoy the most? 

Overall, I enjoyed the learning process and generally the class itself even though its online learning. Everything was well planned and layed out which makes it easy for me to follow. The work load (exercises & projects) was just enough, so I could finish everything within the time, and not feel over loaded and rushed. Although at times, I do find myself rushing to finish up my assignments and the pressure to get them done. Hence I guess, nothing to change on this module but it's me and my procrastinating behavior. 

What have I learned about myself through this module?

Personally, I've always been one to be harsh on myself and rely on others for their opinion, especially when it comes to thing I'm unsure about. However, this module has made me become tougher and made me learn to just go with the flow. I'd say I'm now confident expressing myself be it creative means or simply just by expressing, brainstorming and sharing my ideas. 

What has changed and has not in my learning journey?

Throughout my learning process taking design as my minor,  I realised that most of my artworks I create/illustrate them digitally. But specifically for this module, I switched from illustrating them digitally (software and etc) to manual in which I portrayed most of my artworks using different mediums. Aside from that, I'm now able to create pieces that are truly effective in conveying messages. One thing that has not has changed in my learning journey would be my never ending dissatisfaction on my work as I believe that I can do better than what I've. From this module, I realized that I can never have enough ideas, instead, there are more ways and opportunities to create more quality work than what I already have. 

What could be improved for this module? 

My experience throughout the past 14 weeks for this module has been extremely enjoyable which indirectly sparked a lot of new ideas and skill I acquired. As for me personally, I don't think there's anything to be improved for this module per say as I found this class was very much like a stress-free, therapeutic class. Big thanks to Dr. Charles Sharma Naidu, one of the most compassionate educator as well as our personal Design Principles counsellor who genuinely concern with our mental well being and his enduring patience. Thank you so much for keeping us engaged, learning and laughing. You're an amazing person, and you made a meaningful impact on my life mainly on taking care our mental health. Sir, you're ROCK.