Visual Journal 1
This is a blended learning individual homework that requires us to collect items (pictures/photos found in newspapers/magazines or by hand-drawing/photo-snapping; in other words, no online stuff allowed) based on 5 categories: vector illustration, hand painting, caricature, technical drawing, good poster design, bad poster design.
As previously blogged about, searching for these images took quite some time; but with the help of some friends, I managed to acquire a nice collection of images that I can be proud to show. I have, in fact, added more to my collection since that last blog post. Here are my picks of each category's best collectible item.
As previously blogged about, searching for these images took quite some time; but with the help of some friends, I managed to acquire a nice collection of images that I can be proud to show. I have, in fact, added more to my collection since that last blog post. Here are my picks of each category's best collectible item.
Vector Illustration Did you recognise this vector illustration as the map of Selangor? This was actually cut out from a pamphlet distributed to homes during the election period. It is, clearly, made up of 'geometrical primitives such as points, lines, curves and polygons based on mathematical expressions', as Wikipedia so eloquently defines it. I find it a pretty good vector illustration because the objects (and subjects) in the picture are easily identifiable even though they are made up of simple shapes and few colours. The collage of small squares featuring silhouettes in action conveys an understandable message of aspired improvement and development within the state. |
Hand Painting This watercolour painting was found in a little booklet obtained from an art exhibition my friend had visited. I found this one particularly interesting because half the canvas was coloured in blue, different shades of blue. Having learnt watercolour painting before, I understand that the technique of this hand painting method is to 'play with the water', as quoted by my art teacher. From this painting, it can be seen that the artist has definite skill in 'playing with the water', for he is able to create light and shadow perfectly using the blend of just the one colour blue. Creases of the plastic/nylon piece covering the fruit stall is painted realistic enough, and to me, having it cover up half the canvas provides a sense of mystery as to what's hiding behind it. |
Caricature This is a random cutout from The Sun newspaper; apparently it always has caricatures in its Sports section. Quite unfortunately, I have no idea who this boxer is, hence I am unable to compare the similarity/differences of this caricature to a real-life photo of the person. However, from the drawing itself, I would say that the caricature certainly emphasizes some facial features of this unknown guy (which is literally the point of caricatures). I can tell that he has curved eyebrows, large eyes, a slightly swollen nose, an angular jaw, thick lips and teeth that probably protrude a bit when he does his boxing. At least that's my guess of how he looks like in reality. |
Technical Drawing This may not be the best technical drawing I have seen in my life, but it's the best out of my collection. It is a fairly simple floor plan, the common kind that one can find in property booklets. One special thing about it is that it's illustrated on a black background. Personally I find that technical drawings illustrated on white backgrounds are more suitable for the eye, but this one has the most detail out of the technical drawings in my collection. It shows the shape of the room according to scale, and includes suggested placement of furniture too. On top of everything, there are labels to identify the Master Bedroom, Kitchen, Dining and Living Room area, which is essential in floor plans like this. |
Good Poster Good posters may not be everywhere, but I find that the advertisements in fashion magazines are generally 'fashionable', you could say. This is an eye shadow print ad from Chanel, which merely consists of the close-up of an eye with makeup, nearly monotone shades, and minimal copywriting text. The use of shadows (and glitter) in this advertisement help to create contrast which attract attention of the eye when flipping through the magazine pages. The text reads 'shadow illusion' in French, a simple but strong caption to the picture. As a whole, the advertisement is captivating. Add simplicity to an established brand like Chanel, it sure works. |
Bad Poster Bad posters are most easily found in the advertisement catalogs that appear in your mailbox for free. Look at the print ad on the right, for example. First, too full of words - one glance and reading is a tedious task. Second, unbalanced weight of text and graphics - everything is clustered together it feels uncomfortable. Third, repetition of font type and colour in different sections - makes no emphasis on the difference of information. Fourth, images that do not compliment one another - the box on the top right looks out of place. And etc. In general, the layout is unorganized, there is information overload, and too many colours are present to make good emphasis. Hence, bad poster! |
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