Advanced Layout - Assignment 2 (A) and Assignment 2 (B): Primary Artwork and Supporting Materials
May 17, 2024 - (Week 5 - Week 8)
linchenyi/ 0367008
Interaction Design/Bachelor of Design in Creative Media
Assignment 2 (A) and Assignment 2 (B): Primary Artwork and Supporting Materials
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Lecture
- Instructions
- Task 2 (A): Main Artwork
- Task 2 (B): Collateral
- Feedback
- Reflection
- Further reading
1.LECTURE
In this assignment, our goal is to create an important work of art using our own name or pseudonym. This piece not only serves as a wordmark/letter to identify an individual, but also serves as a decorative artwork that can be used on badges, t-shirts, posters, and other collateral.
This week’s task is to make a mind map, create a mood board or inspo, determine direction and decipher it in words. Explore possible wordmarks/letters for your name
(name or pet name or alias) at least 4-5 characters.
Showcase sketches that resulted in digital artwork
2. INSTRUCTIONS
3. TASK (A):MAIN ARTWORK
Week 5 | Initial Thoughts
This week’s task is to make a mind map, create a mood board or inspo, determine direction and decipher it in words. Explore possible wordmarks/letters for your name
(name or pet name or alias) at least 4-5 characters.
Showcase sketches that resulted in digital artwork
Sketch stage
At this stage I created three different forms of "CARO" sketches for the key artwork. "CARO" was the name of my childhood pet, and I wanted to create a clean, simple, and meaningful monogram by combining these four letters.
Design steps
concept exploration
Inspiration Gathering: First, I looked for pictures of various fonts and flows to use as reference for the sketch. These references helped me determine the shape and style of the letters.
Fig 1.1 Mood version, Week 4 (5.18.2024)
When creating the main piece of art representing "Caro", the puppy I had as a child, I explored the puppy's personality through mind mapping and imbued the piece with clear meaning. "Caro" is a very clingy and enthusiastic puppy. Based on this characteristic, I decided to use "enthusiasm" as the core theme of the work.
Before making the mind map, I browsed through a large number of images related to “passion.” However, these images do not blend well into the text design. So, I focused on the word "passion" and suddenly thought of a Chinese idiom called "passion is like fire", so I decided to use fire as the main element.
To better express this passion, I used many images of flames, fluttering silk scarves, and ripples in the water. These elements have a dynamic aesthetic that perfectly reflects the energy and warmth of “Caro”. I incorporated these elements into my letter design. For example, the letter "C" incorporates the tip of a flame, while the letter "O" changes to appear as if flames are waving from the bottom up. In addition, details similar to fluttering silk scarves are also added to the letters "A" and "R".
In this way, I not only successfully integrated the enthusiastic personality of the puppy "Caro" into the art work, but also made the work visually dynamic and vital, achieving the perfect combination of functionality and artistry.
Sketching
I drew two forms of sketches and found that I didn't incorporate the elements I wanted well.
Fig 1.2 "CARO" sketch 1, trial version, Week 4 (5.18.2024)
Fig 1.3 "CARO" sketch 2, trial version, Week 4 (5.18.2024)
Fig 1.4 "CARO" sketch 3, trial version, Week 4 (5.18.2024)
When designing the key artwork for “CARO,” I took some unique elements from flames and flowing silk scarves and incorporated them into the design of the letters. Specifically, I subtly incorporated the tip of the flame into the letter "C." This design not only adds dynamics and visual impact to the letters, but also reflects the agility and vitality of the flames.
Fig 1.5 "CARO" sketch 4, trial version, Week 4 (5.18.2024)
When designing the key artwork for “CARO,” I incorporated a cutting edge element of flame into the letter “C” to add movement and visual impact. Additionally, the letter "O" has also undergone a unique design evolution. Specifically, the letter "O" is formed through connections and changes, and looks like a fluttering flame when viewed from the bottom. The letters "A" and "R" have the flowing curves of a silk scarf embedded in their structure. These curves extend softly and naturally, making the letters look more dynamic and beautiful, like silk scarves blown by the breeze.
Fig 1.6 "CARO" sketch 5, trial version, Week 4 (5.18.2024)
Digitizing
Fig 1.7 "CARO" digitalization process, Week 4 (5.19.2024)
In the process of digitizing my main artwork, I first tackled the letter "C". Based on my reference font, I incorporated elements of flame spikes above and below the letters, and used the Smooth tool to round off these tips to ensure they had the movement of the flames while maintaining visual harmony. Then, I designed a suitable smooth arc for the middle part of the letter "C" to make the entire letter look more coherent and elegant.
Next, I worked on the letter "O". The original design was a little too wide, so I made slight adjustments to it to make it more compact and coordinated. During the adjustment process, I maintained the dynamic curve of the upper and lower parts of the letter "O" to make it look like a fluttering flame. This not only enhances the visual appeal of the piece, but also maintains consistency with the design of the letter “C.”
Fig 1.8 Improvement of "CARO" digitized letter O and letter C, Week 4 (5.19.2024)
While working with the letter "R" and the letter "A" I noticed many similarities between the two letters. I modified the connected parts of the sketch and disconnected the middle connected part of the letter "A" to make it appear more unique and artistic. Likewise, the letter "R" received a similar treatment. With this change, the design of the two letters becomes more artistic and visually appealing.
Fig 1.9 Improvement of "CARO" digitized letter R and letter O, Week 4 (5.19.2024)
Fig 1.10 Improvement of "CARO" digitized letter A, Week 4 (5.19.2024)
Through these careful adjustments, I successfully enhanced the artistry and visual consistency of the font, ensuring that each letter fit together appropriately within the overall design.
Fig 1.11 Two forms of "CARO", Week 4 (5.19.2024)
After some reflection, I realized that CARO doesn't offer much room for innovative variations. I have decided to use my own English name, Athena, for further text development.
After looking at many brand logos, I started redesigning my drafts, experimenting with uppercase and lowercase versions, and exploring more diverse styles and forms. The following is a detailed description:
Uppercase variations:
I used rounded, soft fonts to make the letters appear more welcoming and approachable. This makes the letters look more friendly and approachable.
Fig 1.12 Two forms of "ATHENA", Week 5 (5.25.2024)
After outlining the letter Athena, I found that the T was a little too thick, so I refined some of the outlines and adjusted the spacing between the letters. The following are the specific adjustment steps:
Refine the outline of the letter T:
Adjust the thickness of the letter T to make it more consistent with the lines of the other letters. This can be achieved by reducing the stroke thickness of the T.
Adjust letter spacing:
Re-evaluate and adjust the spacing between individual letters to ensure they are more compact and even. This helps improve overall visual balance and readability.
Pay special attention to the spacing between A and T, H and E, and N and A, making sure the spaces between each letter are consistent to create a harmonious whole.
Fig 1.13 Two forms of "CARO", Week 5 (5.25.2024)
Mixed case variations:
A unique combination of uppercase and lowercase letters to create a dynamic and creative monogram. This curved form makes the letters more dynamic.
Ensure a balance between uppercase and lowercase letters to maintain readability and aesthetics, making the overall design and unity easy to recognize and remember.
Fig 1.14 Attempt 1 and 2, Week 5 (5.25.2024)
Fig 1.15 Complete key artwork, Week 5 (5.25.2024)
Color palette design：
When designing the color palette, I decided to choose green as the main color because it evokes a sense of calm and fits in with the concept of quietness. To create contrast in the color scheme, I introduced a secondary color and experimented with tonal variations of off-white. Here are the specific steps and adjustments:
Choose your main color:
Green: Green is chosen as the main color because it can convey a sense of tranquility and peace and is consistent with the brand image of wisdom and growth.
Introduce secondary colors:
Off-white: Use off-white as a secondary color, and try different off-white tones to complement the main color in the initial design.
Evaluate color effects:
After initial attempts, I noticed that the combination of green and off-white seemed a bit dull and did not successfully convey the desired feeling.
Increase color saturation:
Enhanced Green: By adding a bit more saturation to green, making it more vivid and vivid, conveying more vibrancy and vitality.
Adjust the off-white: Make slight adjustments to the off-white, adding a bit of saturation or introducing a hint of warmth so that it doesn't look dull when paired with green.
Final color scheme：
Main color: green with higher saturation
This green color conveys a sense of calm, nature and comfort.
Secondary Color: Bright off-white or slightly warm gray
This color contrasts with the green without appearing too dull, ensuring that the overall design is fresh and bright.
Secondary colors:
Dark green: used for accents and embellishments, adding depth and depth.
Light green: used for background or auxiliary elements to add softness to the design.
Fig 1.16 Color palette exploration, Week 5 (5.25.2024)
Adjustments made after feedback：
The letter N
The original letter N looks more like a lowercase letter. To fix this, I modified it so that it now looks like a capital letter. After the font was printed, I got the feedback of the drawing, which made the outer outline of the two sides of the letter more full.
Fig 1.17 Adjustment process，Week 6 (6.2.2024)
In order to improve the integrity of the whole, we need to adjust the following aspects:
Lower the height of the letter T: This will make the letter T more compatible with the other letters.
Compress all letters: By adjusting the spacing between letters, make the entire font design more compact and look more rounded and uniform.
Refine the letter T, more integrated into the whole.
The whole bottom into a circular arc. (Adjust the height below the letter).
Fig 1.18 Print out for modification，Week 6 (6.2.2024)
Fig 1.19 Black wordmark on white background，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.20 White wordmark on black background，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.21 Wordmark in actual colours on lightest shade of colour palette，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.22 Wordmark in actual colours on lightest shade of colour palette，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.23 Wordmark in lightest shade of colour palette on darkest shade of colour palette，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.24 Wordmark in actual colours on lightest shade of colour palette，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
4.TASK(B): COLLATERAL
Fig 1.25 Instagram，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.26 Key Artwork & Collateral，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.27 Collateral 1，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.28 Collateral 2，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.29 Collateral 3，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
Fig 1.30 Collateral 4，Week 8 (6.12.2024)
5.FEEDBACK
Week 5:
General Feedback:
Mr. Vinod thought my written feedback was pretty good but suggested I explore and improve the font design further.
Specific Feedback:
Mr. Vinod pointed out that my font is very similar to existing fonts and I need to reconsider the digitization of the work to ensure that the letter forms have more uniqueness, because the current letter forms are very reminiscent of existing fonts.
Week 6:
Specific Feedback:
The initial letter N looks more like a lowercase letter. I need to convert it to a capital letter so that the artwork is relatively unified.
The outline of the letter H should fit the letter T more closely.
General Feedback:
We need to look at the overall integrity. We need to lower the height of the letter T and compact all the letters to make the whole look more rounded.
Week 7 ：
General Feedback
I should use the original artistic fonts I created rather than the derived ones. Using too many of the same patterns in different places after derivation decreases the overall value. By utilizing the assets I created myself, I can generate higher value for derivative works.
Specific Feedback
Some aspects of my craftsmanship are questionable. My canvas bags are acceptable but not satisfactory. The other accessories are meaningless.
Week 8 ：
No feedback for independent study week
6.REFLECTION
Experience
Throughout the creation process, I learned a lot about the need to ensure that the fonts I design are unique and should not be too similar to existing fonts. Unique design can make the work more recognizable and valuable. When digitizing fonts, the form of the letters needs to be carefully considered to ensure that they are different from existing fonts and have a unique artistic quality.
I need to always focus on the overall integrity of the font design, not just the design of the individual letters. Should use more of my original art fonts instead of over-relying on derivative fonts. Original assets help to enhance the uniqueness and value of the work. Avoid overusing the same pattern: If the derived pattern is used too much in different places, it will reduce the overall artistic value. Pay attention to the uniqueness and variety of patterns.
Through this stage of practice, I not only learned how to improve my design and production skills, but also deeply understood the importance of originality and detail in artistic creation. These knowledge and experience will help me make continuous progress in my future creation.
Discover
These tasks have made me realize that a clear goal and intention can guide me in the creative process and ensure that the work accurately conveys the intended message. Through major works of art, I can create a unique brand image and express my identity and personality, which is essential for the establishment of a personal brand.
When choosing a color scheme, I was faced with a challenge. I find that color has a huge impact on brand image and audience emotion, so choosing the right color scheme is especially important. I realized that a brand's visual presence on platforms like Instagram had to be engaging. If it is not attractive, the audience may not be able to effectively understand the brand message, so the design, color scheme and promotional materials need to be revisited and adjusted.
7.FURTHER READING
Reddit's brand identity is a cartoon character called "Snoo", which symbolizes the image and spirit of the Reddit community. Snoo is a purple alien figure with orange eyes, face, and arms. Known for its simplicity, unique design and cute image, the logo became an iconic symbol of the Reddit brand. Snoo represents the friendly, lively and innovative atmosphere of the Reddit community, which is why it is loved by users.
Literal form
Software interface design
In addition to font design, bubbles are also an important element of Reddit's branding. The design team designed the bubbles as decorations for dynamic content that can frame text and images and be presented in different forms. This design highlights the unique style and language of the Reddit community, adding a unique visual language to the brand. The dynamic design of the bubble makes it more practical and can be expanded into different shapes as needed, such as displaying a subreddit name or a long comment. These actions mimic the action of sliding drawers and doors, giving the Reddit community a clearer and more intuitive way to navigate content.
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