Design Principles: Task 3 / Design

6.3.2024 - 20.3.2024 （Week 5 - Week 7)

Ruthlene Chua Zhen Si 0365222 

Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media - Design Principles GCD60804 

Task 3: Design - UNSDG 13

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Task Jump link

• Task 1
• Task 2
• Task 3
• Task description
• Visual references/ rationale/ sketch
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4 Final selection
• Process and Further Option Select 
• Feedback
• Reflection
• Final Compilation

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Task description

In this task we are require to create a self design artwork which is related to the UNSDG goal we choose during task 1. I choose UNSDG goal as my main topic for the artwork. 

Visual references 

Figure 1.0 

A woman clutching a koala bear as her hair is on fire - Pinterest 

Figure 1.1 

Polar bear walking on a melting ice-cream - Pinterest 

Sketch 1:

Figure 1.2 

Rough sketch on notebook 

Figure 1.3 

More detailed sketch on A4

Rationale:

I divide the paper's structure into two angled halves in each of these illustrations, resulting in a visual scheme of red and blue tones that emphasize the seriousness of climate change. A woman holding a melting ice cream decorated with a polar bear is shown in the artwork, which ironically depicts the melting habitat of polar bears in the Arctic and rising temperatures brought on by climate change. The woman's hair is also shown as being on fire, with images in it that symbolize the several aspects of climate change, such as garbage, deforestation, dead fish, and pollution from factories which is also represents the impacts of climate change .The woman's crying look symbolizes her deep sadness and discomfort over these changes in the world.

Visual references

Figure 1.4 

Sea creatures hiding bellow an umbrella to avoid trash which is falling a part from above- Pinterest 

Figure 1.5

A little child plays with a mound of sand while wearing a mask and black smoke billows from the chimney - Pinterest 

Figure 1.6

A little girl is drifting in the ocean with tons of trash pouring over her- Pinterest 

Sketch 2:

Figure 1.7

Rough sketch on notebook

Figure 1.8

More detailed sketch on A4

Rationale:

This artwork shows how climate change is affecting the ocean by showing a guy floating in the middle of a trash-filled sea. Even though he has an oxygen tank for breathing, the negative consequences of climate change have caused one of his lungs to become sick because of the declining environment. A few trees within his diving helmet serve as a stark reminder of the vital function oxygen plays in supporting life and the irony of human-caused pollution and its consequences. The picture urges people to take proactive steps against climate change in order to prevent the scenario shown from coming to pass in the future. It does this by acting as both a sobering warning and sarcastic criticism.

Visual references

Figure 1.9

A polar bear is avoiding slipping into the patrol oil-filled water by standing on tiny fragments of split ice- Pinterest 

Figure 2.0

The center polar bear represents a distinct scenario to compare to the environment following climate change- Pinterest 

Sketch 3:

Figure 2.1

Rough sketch on notebook

Figure 2.2

More detailed sketch on A4

Rationale:

A large sun that rises overhead in this picture represents how weather trends and global temperatures are shifting towards higher elevations as a result of causes like deforestation and the decreasing ozone layer. A polar bear stands precariously on top of a pot that resembles a witch's pot on a piece of Arctic ice that is rapidly melting due to climate change. The garbage, chemicals, and industrial pollutants that burn under the cauldron function as sources and increase the effects of climate change. To further emphasize the message, I also thought about using a background of a forest of dead trees, but I'm not sure if I should or not.

Final selection : Further design process

After thorough analysis and discussion during the lectures, this artwork emerges as the most recommended for future development due to its profound representation of climate change compared to the other three sketches. 

Figure 2.3

Final artwork selection for future development 

References:

Figure 2.4

Sea full of trash- Pinterest 

Figure 2.5

Lung structure- Pinterest 

Figure 2.6

Diving equipment- Pinterest 

Figure 2.7

Patrol oil pouring on the earth- Pinterest 

Process and Further Option Select 

Below is the digitized artwork that I've created, maintaining the original meaning while incorporating changes to the human posture and design (not yet insert the rubbish element inside the artwork):

Figure 2.8

Done digitizing the new structure of the artwork

In the subsequent rendition of the artwork, I have integrated additional elements of rubbish. In the first approach, I have carefully crafted the rubbish to closely adhere to the character, seamlessly blending with the overall composition.

Figure 2.9

Narrow arrangement of trash

I have chosen to scatter the trash over the top part of the artwork in the second choice. This design decision aims to illustrate just how widespread ocean pollution is by representing the way that trash enters the ocean.

Figure 3.0

Slack arrangement of trash

The third choice focuses on stuffing the trash into the artwork's middle section. This choice was chosen in order to maintain balance and prevent the composition from being unduly busy overall. I've thus decided that this idea is the best option for the finished piece of art.

Figure 3.1

Emphasize garbage on the page using four over five space (Final Selection)

Before finalizing the arrangement of the trash elements, I also made revisions to the lung section. In the first concept, I depicted numerous buds growing around the lung, serving as a stark contrast to another lung portrayed as deceased. 

Figure 3.2

First concept

To emphasize the scarcity and importance of the oxygen supplied, I decided to just show one bud in the lung area of the second design. This represents the resource's value, which is especially noteworthy given that the person portrayed in the artwork depends on an oxygen tank to survive.

Figure 3.2

Second concept

Lastly, for the third sketch, I illustrated a vine encircling the lung. By portraying the lung as the plant's host, I aimed to highlight the vine's characteristic of seeking out and relying on oxygen-rich environments for sustenance. This depiction serves to emphasize the contrast between the infected lung and the vibrant, life-sustaining nature of the vine.

Figure 3.3

Third concept (Final Selection)

Below is the image with a lighter background. Additionally, I've incorporated some gradients into the artwork for added depth and visual interest. Lighter background image with gradients inserted: 

Figure 3.4

Background Color Selection 1

Here is the image with a darker background tone. I opted for this choice to enhance the contrast between the affected and unaffected sections of the ocean, aiming for a clearer distinction through color contrast. Image with darker background tone:

Figure 3.5

Background Color Selection 2 (Final Selection)

Last but not least, I make a clipping mask effect on the artwork to cut off the redundant part of the artwork, in order to make it looks more tidy. 

Figure 3.6

Make Clipping Mask

Before finalizing the artwork, I noticed that the line drawings were too conspicuous. To address this, I decided to add shadows and deepen the outlines to achieve a more realistic appearance and ensure better integration with the other drawing elements.

Figure 3.7

Adding more shadows and line to the artwork (Final Artwork)

Rationale:

In order to bring attention to the serious problem of climate change, I have chosen UNSDG Goal 13 as the primary focus for my work. I want to draw attention to how linked our environment appears through my works of art. I aim to captivate audiences and encourage discussions on the part that people, communities, and governments can play in addressing climate change by illustrating the repercussions of climate change and the significance of adopting preventive actions. 

In this artwork, I've chosen to focus on the Impact of Climate Change to highlight its severity and encourage awareness of future consequences. The piece depicts a dystopian scene where a poisoned individual relies on an oxygen tank amidst polluted seas and threatened animal habitats. Through this imagery, I aim to emphasize the urgency of addressing climate change and inspire action towards a more sustainable future.

In this piece of art, a man is surrounded by a large amount of trash and stands in a mound of ocean water. He extends both of his hands, along with an additional two, emphasizing his desperate need for air and oxygen. He needs an oxygen tank to survive, but the bad atmosphere caused by climate change is still affecting one of his lungs. A vine clutching his healthy lung represents his life-giving impulse, which is frantically searching for additional oxygen. Close by, an oil can that is spilling into the sea has the face of a troubled fish on it, symbolizing the declining quality of the ecosystem in which actual fish are becoming rare and have been replaced, paradoxically, only by reflections of oil. In order to breathe the oxygen supplied by the tank, the man dons a diving helmet. His white hair, black nails, and greenish skin tone all point to his environmental poisoning. In addition, a seal next to him sobs in a moving statement on the effects of carelessness on humankind as trash and abandoned nets invade its home, mocking humanity's part in climate change. Last but not least, the gradient backdrop highlights the urgent need for action against climate change to stop the expansion of dirty, brown, and dirty-green waters at the expense of the once-vibrant blue seas by forming an imaginary boundary between the pure and impacted sides of the ocean.

The design principles I use in this artwork is balance, emphasis, movement. First, I've created a rectangular composition with the man's four outstretched hands to balance the structure. This directs the viewer's attention to the composition's center. Second, I've given the man more emphasis by around him with trash, which gives an illustration an uneven visual weight. This demonstrates how human activity degrades the environment. Finally, I've added movement by showing the figure surrounded by waves. This gives the impression that he is gasping for oxygen as he emerges from the ocean's depths, giving the scene vitality and urgency.

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Feedback

Week 5 -Decision and find references on art style to present own design 

Specific Feedback: Process and references are needed, digitizing the work and make few changes is good in order to get yourself more option to choose the best artwork that you prefer. 

General Feedback: Choose own artistic style and draw at least three sketches before deciding which is best for further processing.

Week 6 -Sketch 

Specific Feedback: (Sketch 1) References are require and also remember to post a brief reflection on the blog. (Sketch 2) This artwork is a more symbolic notion, in my opinion, since it puts more of an emphasis on climate action. This is the scene in which our planet has been destroyed. However, if you want to pursue this, you'll need to make the work stronger because it appears to be all over the place.(Sketch 3)It appears like there is a careful balance to prevent it from being divided in two, which would be extremely repetitive. Perhaps the painting's color is fading from blue-purple to red, allowing the viewer to observe the change in tone gradually. Compared to the second sketch, the first and third include less symbolic drawings. Can add a little more to the second drawing and draw a few little things when digitizing. 

General Feedback: Sketch two will be my choice to carry on with the development; I'll research additional references, improve, and learn about new artistic styles to create a better piece of art.

Week 7 - Final Artwork

Specific Feedback: Excellent artwork and an appealing concept. Your works of art are more akin to fantasy artwork. As a result, you might expand the lung to highlight the artwork's emphasis on the seriousness of climate change from UNSDG goal 13.

General Feedback: I may take the lecturer's recommendation and make the character's lung larger in order to emphasize goal 13's objective.

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Reflection

I'm happy that I was able for effectively bringing the design ideas into my artwork during this assignment. Having Ms. Jinchi available for feedback at all times has been really helpful; her fast responses give me plenty of time to improve and polish my work. I am able to give enough time to my task, which allows me to make great progress. It has also been educational to learn about the UNSDG aim. Since it was my first experience with it, I was inspired to learn more about it online. This newfound understanding has informed my artistic endeavors and helped me to produce works that powerfully communicate the need to address climate change. The guidance provided by Ms. Jinchi has been helpful in motivating us to consider many possibilities and produce a variety of artworks. This method helps me develop my innovative abilities while also releasing me from creative limitations. I am better able to make judgments and make sure that only the strongest contents are chosen by analyzing a range of artworks.