Illustration and Visual Narrative: Task 2: Decisive Moment

30.10.2023- 20.11.2023(Week 6 - Week  9)

Lew Guo Ying/ 0365721/ Bachelor of Design in Creative Media

Illustration and Visual Narrative

Task 2: Decisive Moment


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1. Lectures

1.1 Week 6: Task 2 Briefing

1.2 Week 7: Transparency gradient and noise

2. Instructions

2.1 Week 7: Transparency gradient and noise

2.2 Week 9: Pencil Tool

3. Feedback

4. Reflections


Lectures

Week 6: Task 2 Briefing 

The instructor gave us a briefing regarding our task to explore urban legends and sketch out the climactic moments from these tales. The sketches don't need to be overly intricate, just ensure there are foreground, midground, and background elements.

Assignment Duration and Structure 

  • The duration of the assignment is from Week 6 to Week 8, accounting for 20% of the overall module assessment. 
  • The assignment includes sessions on narrative structure, story research, mood boards, sketches, storyboards, assets in Illustrator, animation, and practical work. 


Assignment Outcome 

  • Students are tasked with interpreting a passage of text and illustrating the decisive moment in an Art Deco style in Adobe Illustrator. 
  • Research keywords include limited animation, animated editorial illustration, and urban legends. 


Illustrated Editorial Case Studies 

  • The assignment references case studies of illustrated editorial works by Victo Ngai and Daniel Egneus. 
  • These examples demonstrate the standards and styles to be followed for the assignment.

Fig6.1 Task 2 Briefing PDF


Week 7: Transparency gradient and noise

  • Foreground, midground, and background are terms used in visual arts to describe different parts of an image, painting, or scene, creating depth and visual hierarchy. 
  • Foreground: It refers to the closest part of the scene to the viewer, usually positioned at the front of the image or scene. It is used to enhance depth, create a sense of three-dimensionality, and often serves as an entry point or focal point for the viewer. 
  • Midground: Positioned between the foreground and background, the midground is the middle part of the picture. It often bridges the foreground and background and, while significant, may not be as prominent as the foreground. 
  • Background: This part is situated farthest from the viewer, behind both the foreground and midground. The background provides the overall context of the scene and distant visual reference points, contributing to a sense of environment and depth. 
  • These elements, when used effectively, contribute to the creation of depth and dimension in visual arts, providing a more immersive and engaging experience for the viewer.
  • The use of lighting can direct our focus towards the key areas intended to convey the storyline.

Fig7.1 Film 1
Fig7.2 Film 2

The Importance of Composition 

  • Understanding how to effectively arrange your image can elevate your art, grab the audience's attention, and communicate a sense of scale. 
  • Foreground, middle ground, and background play a crucial role in creating an effective sense of space within a scene. 


Design Flow

  •  Arranging visual focus with foreground, middle ground, and background should indicate a sense of movement and rhythm in your design. 
  • Good design flow leads the viewer's eye throughout the layout, influencing the way they digest the content. 


Example: The Soloists Animation Short 

  • The use of foreground, middle ground, and background in the animation short 'The Soloists' drives the story forward and ensures solid pacing, heightening the storytelling by giving it a theatrical feel. 
  • This demonstrates the effective combination of foreground, middle ground, and background to create a sense of flow in an animation.

Fig7.3 Composition theory 3 PDF


Instructions

<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WnO3leXnUvBnNmE6_V5QayXCRUDB_87h/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>

 

Week 7: Transparency and gradient noise

We're learning to use gradients and noise to make the graphics appear more unique. This technique adds depth to the visuals and accentuates shadowed areas.

Fig7.4 Exercise 1

We're aiming to experiment with gradients and noise, adjusting the opacity to add shadows to the figures in the image, creating a more natural appearance
Fig7.5 Practice to use add shadow

I'm starting Task 2, searching the internet for Urban Legends. I'm planning to explore an American urban legend, the Candy Man. And I've decided on the climactic scene I want to portray.

Fig7.6 Rationale

I'm searching the internet for related images to better understand how to sketch in a way that appears more natural and captivating. I'm also looking for color schemes as references. Lastly, it's crucial to find examples of the Art Deco style, as this task specifically requires the use of Art Deco aesthetics.

Fig7.7 Moodboard / References


I've started attempting the sketch, but achieving the foreground, midground, and background appropriately has been quite challenging. It has been perplexing to determine the setting and how to convey a sense of horror in the scene. Even deciding on the color palette has been a prolonged thought process.

Fig7.8 Sketch Version 1

Fig7.8 Sketch version 2


I incorporated Art Deco patterns on the walls and used a simple two-tone color scheme. The character's attire is inspired by the common Art Deco long suit for gentlemen, bathroom is complemented by the golden-framed mirror. Even though the protagonist in the urban legend is Black, I felt an excessive use of black might not render the scene aesthetically pleasing, so I temporarily used a grey colour for the skin tone.

Fig7.9 Final illustrate 


Week 9: Pencil Tools

Fig 9.1 Pencil tools exercise

Fig9.2 Pencil tools exercise 2


Final Submission of Task 2 Animation:

To enrich the visual depth, I incorporated lighting to create a clearer distinction between the interior and exterior of the mirror. In pursuit of authenticity, I even took the time to observe the differences in lighting between inside and outside reflections. Furthermore, I introduced elements like bloodstains and various effects to evoke a sense of horror. However, due to the limitations on creating transitional animations, the overall effect feels somewhat lacking in smoothness.
Fig 9.3 Animation of Urban Legend




Feedback

Week 7:

The lecturer commented on Sketch Version 1, mentioning that without a story, it's challenging to discern the intended expression. Also, the representation of foreground, midground, and background needs improvement. I've been advised to refine it at home, and it's suggested that avoiding colors during the sketching process might be more beneficial.


Week 9:

General Feedback: Don't forget that the deadline to submit the animation for the urban legend is Friday. Next week's class will have a briefing for the next assignment on Wednesday.



Reflections

      During the animation production, I came to recognize my shortcomings, both in drawing and other areas. I found that comprehensive research was essential to generate good ideas, although not all of these ideas proved feasible. Furthermore, refining these ideas involved a continuous cycle of iterations and numerous modifications. This process encompassed everything, starting from the overarching concept down to the most intricate details. 

      Moreover, I realized that considering lighting and various technical elements was imperative. Only by factoring in these aspects could I create a final product that met my own satisfaction.




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