Illustration & Visual Narrative/Task 2: Digital Triptych

27.9.2022 - 2.10.2022/ Week 5 - Week 6
Sim Jian Xiong (0356498)
Bachelor Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 2: Digital Triptych

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LECTURES

Week 5: Digital Triptych Briefing

Fig 1.1 Digital Triptych Briefing, Week 5 (27.9.2022)

Week 6: Composition Theory and Use of Fore, Mid and Background

Fig 1.2 Use of Fore, Mid and Background, Week 6 (4.9.2022)

When compositing, it is important to create a sense of space to:

• communicate a sense of scale to the viewer
• to highlight a main focus
• grab audience's attention

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INSTRUCTIONS

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Task 2: Digital Triptych

For this week's project, we were assigned to create to create three illustrations in one artwork based on one of the themes.

1. Cultural Celebration
2. Renewal of Life

Attempt #1

Initially, I went for "Cultural Celebration" because I already had an idea in mind. It is to have objects and symbols from different celebrations in each panel.

Fig 1.3 Cultural Celebration Progress, Week 5 (28.9.2022)

I've shown my progress above to Miss Noranis and she said that it doesn't look good. She suggested me to trace from images online.

Fig 1.4 Traced Durian, Week 5 (28.9.2022)

Upon tracing the durian, I realised that the project deadline is drawing closer and there's no way I'll can search and trace all the objects I've sketched on time. I had to come up with something. Fast.

Attempt #2

I had an idea of creating a life cycle of an apple tree for "Renewal of Life". But then, what does apple have to do with Malaysia? I wanted my design to link with my home country. As I stared at Fig 1.4, a great idea popped into my head. I can do a life cycle of a durian tree!

Fig 1.5 Renewal of Life Progress #1, Week 5 (29.9.2022)

As Miss Noranis suggested, I traced images I've searched online and compose them into a three panel story. In Fig 1.5, I arranged the dirt blocks going higher like stairs as the tree grows. However, I was worried that the sprout might be too small to see; so I rearranged them into a descending order.

Fig 1.6 Renewal of Life Progress #2, Week 6 (1.10.2022)

Step by step progress (Top to Bottom)

1. I've shifted the sprout higher so that all three roots create one smooth downwards movement. I added grass to fill up some negative space.
2. Then, I added stones and clouds to emphasize the plants.
3. Finally, I added a fallen durian and sprout in the first and third panel so that there's continuity. The life cycle of a durian tree renews and repeats over and over

Final Submissions

Fig 1.7 Digital Triptych Final Submission "Life Cycle of a Durian Tree", Week 6 (1.10.2022)

Fig 1.8 Digital Triptych Open Design Final Submission "Life Cycle of a Durian Tree", Week 6 (1.10.2022)

Fig 2.5 Wallpaper & Personalized Cards Final Submission "Life Cycle of a Durian Tree", Week 6 (2.10.2022) 

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FEEDBACK

Week 5

Specific Feedback: If you don't like the design, I won't like it as well

General Feedback: None

Week 6

Specific Feedback: Lower the roots of the durian tree

General Feedback: None

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REFLECTIONS

Experience

I was so relief when I finished this task on time. Why are we given only one week to complete it? My guess is so that it challenges our time management. I was glad I shown my first attempt to Miss Noranis earlier, otherwise I'm screwed.

Observation

During the process of this task, I noticed that I had trouble transferring my sketches to Abode Illustrator. My digital work appears to be more bland than my sketches. I also noticed that my classmates' work are more vibrant and interesting than mine. 

Findings

I found my digital work is bland because I traced from my rough sketches rather than the reference image online. There is a lack of shade and a lack of sense of perspective, both of which ruin my first attempt. Knowing this, I will be tracing from online images rather than my sketches.