DESIGN PRINCIPLES Task 1/ ExPLORATION
09.02.2025 - Week 2
Shubashini a/p Subramaniam / 0367697 / Bachelor of Creative Media
Design Principles (GCD60804)
Task 1 ( Exploration )
Title : "Robin 2020"
Artist : leandrotr
Year : September 4, 2020
Medium : Digital Art
Size : Original Resolution, 3840 x 2160
I chose this artwork because first and for most , it represents what I
want to achieve in my own artwork, The ability to story tell with just a
single frame. It balances between a comic book art style and cinematic
drama with it's gradients and texture .It makes the overall
composition timeless and pay's tremendous homage to Robin's character,
showing him off in a bold light.
This artwork shows contrast in its usage of colours and texture. Making
the subject of the piece in bold colours while the background in dim
colours helps bring emphasis to the subject and makes my eye focus on
him. It also uses texture, as the details on the subject is way more,
with the strong angular lines and sharp edges in the character's
clothing. Meanwhile the background being a little blurry and out of
focus diverts my eyes to what the artist wanted me to see. I also like
the sense of movement in this piece as the lighting in the artwork
creates a halo-like backdrop, showing of the character's legacy as a
vigilante/hero. The use of space also makes it's depth grow deep as the
use of negative space around the Bat Symbol enhances the composition
while the tilted perspective gives it elements of dynamism and
mystery.
200 words
1. Contrast & Balance
Contrast
- The bright Bat-symbol in the background strongly contrasts with
the black foreground, thus highlighting the middle figure
(Robin).
- The color gold of the cityscape is contrasting with Robin's
bluish greens and reds.
- Harsh lighting and shadowing on Robin's cloak and gloves give
it depth and drama.
Balance:
- The Bat-symbol acts as a framing element, positioning Robin at
the middle and drawing the eye of the viewer towards him.
- The two structures to each side create symmetry, emphasizing
Robin's centering.
- Robin's posture is dynamic but balanced, providing him with the
feeling of solidity and stability in the composition.
2. Hierachy
1. Primary Subject – Robin
- The bright Bat-symbol in the background will always be
noticed, but Robin's black silhouette and placement in the
center make him the subject of interest.
- The colour contrast between his clothing (blacks, reds,
greens) and yellow background makes him stand out.
2. Secondary Subject – Bat-Symbol
- The illuminated Bat-symbol is a framing element, holding the
viewer's gaze on Robin.
- The boldness and size of the figure give flesh to the
composition and emphasize the Batman motif.
3. Tertiary Concentration – Background (Cityscape &
Buildings)
- The raked angle of buildings adds depth and atmosphere,
subtly shifting the eye inward toward Robin.
- The dark edges help frame the central figure, without
distraction, but adding depth.
3. Colour
1. Warm and Cool Contrast
- Warm golden tones dominate the background, introducing a
dramatic sense of intensity.
- This is contrasted extremely well with the cooler green of
Robin's gloves and red of his tunic, contrasting with the rest
of the illustration as he does.
- The radiating Bat-symbol of yellow and white serves to
drive this home, bathing Robin in light while leaving the
remainder of the background intense but not
overpowering.
2. Dark vs. Light Balance
- Robin's black hood and cloak are sharply contrasted by the
bright Bat-symbol, placing him strongly in the
foreground.
- The white highlights on the tips of his cloak and gloves
create depth, making the character itself
three-dimensional.
- The darkened cityscape along the borders of the image fades
softly into the background but is still telling.
3. Symbolic Significance of Colours
- Red (Tunic & Laces): Indicates action, vigor, and
danger. Suitable for Robin's determined face.
- Black (Hood & Cloak): Symbolizes secrecy and mystery,
tying him into Batman's visual aesthetic.
- Gold/Yellow (Trim, Belt, Background): Symbolizes power and
energy, reinforcing the meaning of the Bat-symbol and Robin's
heroism.
- Green (Gloves & Boots): A cooler, contrasting colour
that references Robin's classic costume while reducing the
overall colour intensity.
1. Character & Emphasis Proportion
- Robin's torso and head are slightly larger than life, as
seen emphasizing his serious face and muscular posture.
- His gloved right hand (resting on his knee) is oversize in
perspective, which puts even more emphasis on his posture
and makes it more forceful and commanding.
- His legs and boots are slightly foreshortened, creating an
impression that he is leaning forward in expectation.
2. Foreground & Background Proportion
- The Bat-symbol behind him is gigantic, also making Robin
heroic and central.
- The cityscape is skewed and slightly warped, creating the
impression of depth and verticality but keeping the viewer's
focus on Robin.
- The windows and buildings get smaller as they recede,
contributing to the impression of perspective.
3. Dynamic Perspective
- The low-angle point of view, though slight, makes Robin
bigger and more imposing-looking.
- The shape of the Bat-symbol tends to lead him naturally,
leading the eye inwards.
- The contrast between foreshortened objects in the
foreground and the background that recedes creates a dynamic
feeling rather than a two-dimensional feeling.
5.Composition ( Rule of Thirds )
1. Robin's Placement (Focal Point)
- The Rule of Thirds divides the image into a 3x3
grid (vertically and horizontally).
- Robin's body and face are positioned at the top
cross-point intersections, immediately drawing the
viewer's attention to his serious expression.
- His hand and knee are positioned on a lower
third-line, upholding his sturdy stance without
overpowering the frame.
2. Framing Using the Bat-Symbol
- The Bat-symbol runs along the top two-thirds of
the image, serving as a natural border for Robin's
silhouette.
- Its positioning also produces a halo effect,
presenting Robin as more central without requiring
high contrast.
3. Background & Depth
- The cityscape follows the bottom third, keeping
the background supportive instead of distracting.
- The skewed perspective of the buildings quietly
directs the eye upwards, emphasizing Robin as the
central subject.
4. Asymmetrical Balance
- Robin is slightly off-center, creating a more
active composition but still balanced.
- The dark left and right borders help to frame the
work, guiding the eye in a gentle manner towards the
center.
CONCLUSION :
This piece is an excellent example of strong visual storytelling
through design elements. The calculated use of lighting, composition,
and colour theory crafts a visually striking and emotionally compelling
image. The balance of comic book aesthetics with cinematic
drama makes it both modern and timeless, paying homage to Robin’s
character while presenting him in a bold, new light.
It’s not just a portrait of Robin, it’s a statement of
his unwavering determination, his struggle between past and
future, and his undeniable presence as Gotham’s heir.
EXERCISE - TASK 1
1. Gestalt Theory
Gestalt Theory is the idea that the human brain will make an effort
to simplify and justify complex designs, by subconsciously
organizing a system with the elements provided into a sufficient
system that makes sense. Our brains function to see patterns and
structure in order to better understand the things around us. The Gestalt Theory is very important to designers, to not
improve an artworks quality and aesthetics but its functionality to
its users.
Figure-Ground – The black silhouette of a peacock against
the white background provides a clear contrast and allows the viewer to
identify it as the central figure.
Closure – The "tail" of the peacock is suggested by
random eye-like shapes rather than actually being drawn. Our brains fill
in the form, making us perceive the full peacock display.
Similarity – The repeated eye-like shapes give a feeling
of consistency. Though slightly different in size and direction, they
are gathered as the peacock's tail.
Proximity – The clustering of the eye-like shapes
together is used to create the illusion of peacock's feathers, even with
the spaces between them.
Continuity – The alignment of the "eyes" along an implied
curve causes the viewer's eye to follow naturally along the length of
the tail.
This painting employs cleverly simple shapes to form a recognizable
image, based on the ability of the brain to interpret and organize
visual information.
2. Contrast
Contrast requires more than one element that is completely
different to each other in one artwork. It is normally used when we
want to enhance specific features or highlights in an artwork.
Contrast is not just a physical matter as it's contexts also plays a
huge role in it's execution. Knowing what you want to be highlighted
s important to not highlight or show importance to the non important
part of a piece that is created.
Light and Shadow (Chiaroscuro)
- The action is illuminated by a strong, solitary source of light—a
candle placed near the middle of the scene.
- The face and body of the woman are lighted in soft, golden
illumination, highlighting her face and dress details.
- The red-shirted man is heavily in shadow, creating an atmosphere of
mystery, while the old woman's face emerges from shadow with a soft
radiance.
Colour Contrast
- The red warmth of the woman's skin, candles, and the red dress
against the darker cool background contrast beautifully.
Colour Highlights
- Eye-catching highlights from colour like the blues and yellow add
accentuation, taking the eye round the image.
Heightened contrast of black and light produces a sense of
three-dimensional presence, and the figures are more realistic.Use of
deep shadows on the man and objects in the background helps to indicate
they are more distant, whereas the illuminated areas look close.
3.Emphasis
The focus here is established through contrast and separation. The
transparent glass central chess pawn stands out boldly against the
dark, opaque surrounding pawns. This dramatic color and material
contrast instantly grabs the viewer's eye and draws attention to the
transparent pawn, making it the center of the composition.
In addition, the design symmetry and the homogeneity of the black
pawns help to enhance the uniqueness of the clear pawn. The effect of
lighting further by highlighting the clear pawn and leaving the dark
pawns in relative shade. This contrast is used to bring about an
emblem for ideas such as uniqueness, being different, or standing out
from the rest.
4.Balance
This koi fish painting has a great sense of balance, and therefore it
is more harmonious and aesthetically pleasing. Here is how balance is
achieved:
Symmetrical and Asymmetrical Balance
- The two koi fish are placed such that there is visual equilibrium
created even though they are not exactly symmetrical.
- Their placement forms a circular motion, which guides the eye
naturally through the painting.
Color Balance
- The contrast of the hot orange color of the fish to the cold blue of
the water establishes visual balance.
- The white and black coloration of the koi offers contrast without
rendering one area too thick or imbalanced.
Directional Balance & Movement
- The curvilinear shapes of the koi and the flowing water create
dynamic balance, producing the illusion of movement.
- The direction of the fish swimming toward each other also makes the
group and interaction stronger as it completes the balance.
Weight Distribution
- The direction and size of the koi are evenly spaced so that the work
is not too heavy on the one side.
- The background water subtly redistributes the weight so that there
is no domination of one fish by the other.
This artwork achieves aesthetic harmony via colour contrast,
composition, movement, and weight distribution. The positioning of the
koi fish and the flow of the water produce a harmonious, rhythmic, and
unified effect, hence rendering the painting aesthetically pleasing.
5.Repetition
This artwork, featuring a pumpkin with intricate dot patterns, is a
very good example of the application of repetition to create rhythm,
unity, and visual impact.
Repetition of Dots
- The pumpkin and background are covered with dot patterns that create
a sense of rhythm and movement.
Variety is created through the use of different-sized dots while
maintaining consistency.
Repetition of Lines and Shapes
- The curved stripes of the pumpkin are delineated by repeating dots,
highlighting the pumpkin's three-dimensional form.
- The background consists of repeating organic shapes that enhance,
without overwhelming, the pumpkin.
Visual Effect of Repetition
- The constant repetition of dots and patterns creates a mesmerizing,
almost hypnotic effect.
- The repetition gives the composition unity, making it appear
cohesive and harmonious.
6.Movement
Body Position - The dancer's stance, with one foot on the
ground and the other leg raised up, and arms extended, provides a firm
sense of movement and energy.
Curved Lines - The motion of the figure's limbs and torso
is in curved lines, which naturally suggest movement and fluidity.
Brushstrokes & Colour Blending - The loose,
expressive brushstrokes and blending of warm and cool colours create
the illusion of movement around the figure, as if they are constantly
in motion.
Background Abstraction - The broken and blurred
background, with bursts of color, contributes to the illusion of
speed, as if the dancer is moving so fast that the environment is
blurring around them.
Light & Shadow - The use of highlights and shadows
on the body creates volume and depth, as well as reinforcing the sense
of movement since light appears to catch different parts of the
body.
Overall, the painting depicts a moment of peak energy movement, and
the viewer feels the rhythm and the energy of the dancer.
7.Harmony & Unit
The harmony and unity in this work are conveyed through composition,
symbolism, and visual features:
Interlocking Hands - The way the hands firmly grasp
each other's wrists creates a strong sense of togetherness,
emphasizing cooperation and unity.
Circular Composition - The composition of the hands
takes the form of a continuous circle, confirming balance and harmony
since no beginning or end is visible.
Monochromatic Colour Scheme - The black and white color
scheme contributes to the sense of unity, with the focus remaining on
the meaning of the artwork and not on the distractions caused by
different colors.
Texture & Shading - The detailed shading and
texture of the hands create a realistic and integrated visual effect,
conveying strength and unity.
Symbolism - The clasped hands represent teamwork,
trust, and support, and the necessity to work together as a
unit.
Overall, the painting effectively depicts harmony and unity in the
composition and symbolic representation of human unity.
8.Symbol
This is a good symbol because it's familiar and extremely effective
at conveying danger or warning.
Simplicity & Clarity - The bold black-and-white
pattern with a skull and crossed bones is easily recognizable, even
from a distance.
Strong Association - This symbol has been associated
with danger, poison, and death for a long time and is commonly used
for warning labels on toxic chemicals, hazardous waste, and pirate
flags.
Universal Meaning - The skull is utilized worldwide
to represent mortality and danger, so it's a powerful symbol
everywhere.
High Visibility - Its high contrast and bold lines
make it visible from a distance and hard to ignore.
Timeless Symbolism - This symbol has been used for
centuries, and its symbolism has not diminished in efficacy over
time.
9.Word & Image
The word and image design principles in this movie poster for The
Beekeeper are effectively used to create a bold, intense, and thematic
visual statement.
Visual Hierarchy & Typography
- The title "The Beekeeper" is bold, large, and at the bottom
center, making it the second focal point after the character.
- The title itself is in yellow, bold, block lettering that repeats
the action and bee motif, contrasting with the darker portions of
the background.
- The secondary line "Expose the corruption. Protect the hive." is
in smaller letters but placed below the title to intrigue with
suggestions of the plot.
Composition of Image & Contrast
- Overall, the use of yellow and black as colors suits the theme of
bees as it portrays danger, intensity, and energy.
- Jason Statham's character dissolving into a swarm of bees has a
kinetic effect, symbolizing transformation, destruction, or
power.
- The background is still minimalistic but dramatic, with a warm
palette and a slightly textured sky, to let the title and character
take center stage.
Symbolism & Emotional Impact
- The swarm of bees suggests chaos, danger, and survival—key themes
of the film.
- The character's expression and stance portray power and
determination, adding to the action-packed theme of the film.
- The use of a dissolving effect represents destruction or a deep
connection with the bees, maybe even foreshadowing the role of the
protagonist.
Balance & Unity
- Text and image are well balanced together, with both being
readable at a glance and easy on the eye.
- Colour harmony ties the entire composition together, with
yellows, oranges, and blacks creating a fiery, passionate
atmosphere.
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