Exercises : Repetition & Contrast

Natasha Geraldine Kusmanto (0350112) 

Bachelor of Computer Science

Instruction

Week 1: Introduction to Elements and Principles of Design

Elements of Design:

    - Point

    - Line

    - Shape

    - Form

    - Texture

    - Space

    - Colour

Principles of Design:

    - Contrast 

    - Balance

    - Emphasis

    - Rules of Third

    - Repetition/Pattern/Rhythm

    - Movement

    - Hierarchy

    - Alignment

    - Harmony

    - Unity

    - Proportion

From the above principles, I have chosen to further explore Repetition and Contrast.

I Repetition

1.1 Recap

Repetition of elements in regular or cyclic fashion creates interest. Repetition strengthens a design by tying together individual elements and bringing a sense of consistency. It can create rhythm (regular, alternating, flowing, random, progressive) and patterns. The variation introduced to repetition increases the level of interest.

1.2 Design Process

    1.2.1 Visual Reference

Figure 1.2.1.1

Figure 1.2.1.2

Figure 1.2.1.3

Figure 1.2.1.4

Figure 1.2.1.5

Figure 1.2.1.6

    1.2.2 Idea Exploration

From what I have gathered from the visual references, I have found that repetition can be found when an item is repeated many times. However, the repetition must be made in a certain way so it does not seem to clash. 

I have chosen to draw a repetition of geese and try to make it a pattern. I was not fully satisfied with the initial sketch that I made (shown in Figure 1.2.2.1) because I did not use many references for it, this was made from the bottom where I drew only a few geese and duplicated them, and pasted them on top and tried to fix some mistake made and then repeated the process again. I felt that it was a bit chaotic and unnatural. I decided to go on Pinterest to find a photograph of a flock of geese and found Figure 1.2.2.2. 

Figure 1.2.2.1

Figure 1.2.2.2

    1.2.3 Final Design

Figure 1.2.3.1: "Flock of geese"

This drawing shows repetition by having repeatedly drawn geese. I have chosen an animal that comes in a flock since they are packed together, limiting empty spaces. The repetition is done further by repeating the drawing from below twice, copied on top of each other. This gives a sense of pattern. 

    1.2.4 Feedback

I did not make it in time to show Dr. Jinchi my sketch for this exercise. My personal feedback is I could have added more depth to the drawing by adding shadings/highlights.

II Contrast

2.1 Recap

Recap is the juxtaposition of opposing elements (opposite colors, value light/dark, direction horizontal/vertical). The greater the contrast, the more something will stand out and call attention to itself.

2.2 Design Process

    2.2.1 Visual Reference

Figure 2.2.1.1

Figure 2.2.1.2

    2.2.2 Idea Exploration

From what I gathered from the visual references, contrast usually means opposites. 

My first initial idea was just focused on the contrasting colors where I made this sketch (shown in Figure 2.2.2.1) of a hand reaching out from the sea. After receiving feedback from Dr. Jinchi, I decided to do more research.

I went through a couple of ideas which are life/death(skull and roses), land/sea(lion and fish), and young/old(kid and working adults). In the end, I decided to choose the last idea which shows the contrast between an innocent child being happy in a world of lifeless working adults. In addition, I tried to contrast the child from the surrounding by giving them a different color that pops out i.e red and blue. The sketch for this idea is shown in Figure 2.2.2.2.

Figure 2.2.2.1

Figure 2.2.2.2: Final sketch idea for Contrast

    2.2.3 Final Design

Figure 2.2.3.1: "Innocence"

The idea that is being shown in this drawing is the innocence of a child and the lifelessness of adults. The focus is shown on the child which is smiling and holding a balloon in contrast to the adults around him who are seen to be emotionless and all holding an umbrella. This choice of colors helps to further emphasize the difference between the focus of the drawing and its surroundings. 

The colors red and blue are opposites in the color wheel, this is why the surroundings are colored in a dull blueish-gray tone while the child, who is the focus, is colored in bright red contrasting colors.

    2.2.4 Feedback

The first sketch I made (shown in Figure 2.2.1) showed contrast but it lacks the idea. The only thing that contrasts with it is the colors. Dr. Jinchi told me to add more things around the item that is being highlighted, to show more of a difference between the two areas.

My personal feedback is I could have added more depth to the drawing by adding shadings/highlights and also adding more people on top to fill in the empty space, maybe just adding their shadows without the outlines.

Reflection

I have learned about elements and principles of design previously but I am glad I got an even better understanding of them in this class. I especially learned more about contrast and repetition and would like to look into the others more in the future to improve myself. I kind of rushed my work this week because I missed week 1 since I was thinking of dropping this course, but I am glad I did not and I hope to do better in the following weeks. :)