Illustration and Visual Narrative - Task 1: Vormator Challenge

25/09/2023 - 3/11/2023 / Week 1 - Week 6

Cindy Clarissa Leslie / 0367677
Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 1: Vormator Challenge

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LECTURES

Lecture 1

Character Basic Designs

Stylized Design

In order to be appealing, characters should be:

Iconic - Stylized designed characters are often iconic that it can be recognized from the sillhouette alone.

Simple - allows viewers to digest and understand the purpose of the characters easily

Unique - makes the characters memorable for the viewers

Principles of Character Design

Shapes - combine different interesting shapes, use character's persona as a basis for character

Colours - different colours leave different impression of emotions and roles of the character

Emphasis, Contrast - Emphasize and contrast visual elements through colours and shapes to make the character stand out

Harmony - every element in the design should complement each other

Lecture 2

Chiaroscuro

Figure 1.1 Concept of chiaroscuro applied in an artwork

Chiaroscuro - The use of light and dark to create the illusion of three-dimensional volume on a flat surface, increasing the scene’s dramatic tension by exaggerating the subject’s importance using color or light contrast. (Predominantly cast in light)

Tenebrism - details are emphasized using highlights contrasted in a predominantly dark scene.

Positive/Negative Space

Positive - emphasis, subject matter

Negative - background surrounding the emphasis

Lecture 3

Composition Theory/Visual Types and Shots

Basic composition visual rules:

• Visual narrative - visuals in the scene complements all aspect of the narrative
• Visual flow - scene has a clear flow, helps directs viewers' eyes
• Visual balance - composition should be balanced
• Visual hierarchy - visuals should be arranged in a certain way to direct the viewer's to a detail

Different Types of Shots

Figure 2.1 Wide shot in the Wizard of Oz

Establishing is usually set in a wide shot to introduce viewers to the setting, observe the location while letting them process information.

Bird's Eye View is set when the POV is placed directly above the subject.

Figure 2.2 Frame within a frame in Mulan

Frame within a frame refers to the usage of foregrounds/backgrounds to create screen space, add depth and visual interest in compositions.

Medium shot, also known as a three-quarters shot. Shot in between a close-up and long shot.

Close-up allows viewers to look into a character's mind and empathize with their emotions.

Worm's eye view is when the scene is taken from a low angle, creates the illusion that viewers' are looking up at the characters.

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INSTRUCTIONS

Task 1: Exercise 1 [Vormator Challenge]

Introduction

Figure 3.1 Creating a car using the pen tool in the Bezier's game

Before starting the actual task of the vormator challenge, we were introduced to the pen tool which is the most essential tool in Adobe Illustrator, allowing us to make different shapes by combining lines. There is a specific nature of the pen tool that needed to be understood, therefore the Bezier game was a good introductory start as not only does it give an image of what we are working on, but also a good practice.

Sketches

Figure 3.2 Creating an original character from specific elements

For the task itself, we were required to not only trace certain shapes however create a character solely from them too. The elements were only limited to those given, with certain transformations and sizing accepted but not creating new shapes. Eventually by combining these shapes, I was able to create a character seen in figure 3.2.

Figure 3.4 Chiaroscuro exercise

Before starting to colour the character, I had to understand the techniques and tools that I can use in Adobe Illustrator. To start it off, I first outlined the image, ignoring the shadows and such at first. Using a separate path, I started individually tracing the shadowed parts. Using pathfinder, I was able to divide and ungroup the paths, allowing me to insert different colours. In the end, I was able to experiment with the texture using clipping mask.

Figure 3.3 Colorized and shaded versions of the character

Using the same techniques that I used in the chiaroscuro practice, I was able to colorize and add value to my character. Using the ai recolor tool, I was able to come up with different colour schemes and picked the ones I was generally satisfied with.

Figure 3.4 Final design of character

Added in more small details, small alteration with colours and textures.

Figure 3.5 Process of creating background

Utilizing layers, lighting and gradient colour in order to create the illusion of a depth.

Task 1: Exercise 1 Final Design

Figure 3.6 Final illustration and design

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REFLECTION

Starting this semester, there were certainly a struggle that I had to overcome in order for me to improve. My main problem was adapting with the Adobe program that is essential in this module, being Adobe Illustrator. Though I have worked with Adobe Illustrator several times before attending university, I had rarely used it at least not enough until I am familiar with it. Therefore, my work efficiency was rather lacking since I had to figure out which tools would be appropriate for me to use. My design in characters was also limited since I was only allowed to create it by using shapes given, which was frustrating since I wouldn't get the desired look I initially wanted.

The video tutorials and meetings have helped me overcome this, though I'm still lacking with it I was able to use the tools and techniques shown by the lecturer and apply them onto my final design. I also familiarize myself with it further by watching YouTube videos online, tutorials on how to obtain a certain design using Illustrator.

Interestingly, I found that these shapes were also quite fun to work with. It was something new, to create something out of what we only have and build them to create unique characters. Overall, this was a positive experience and I believe would help me improve my designs further.