For this project, I read up on the principles of design to prepare myself beforehand as it requires me to experiment with different compositions using various graphic elements from a variety of rhymes.
Principles of Design basically means the ways that artists use the elements of art in a work of art.
Here is the list of the different definitions of the various design principles and their visual representations.
Balance
It is the distribution of the visual weight of objects, colors, texture, and space. If the design was a scale, these elements should be balanced to make a design feel stable. In symmetrical balance, the elements used on one side of the design are similar to those on the other side; in asymmetrical balance, the sides are different but still look balanced. In radial balance, the elements are arranged around a central point and may be similar.
Emphasis
It is the part of the design that catches the viewer’s attention. Usually the artist will make one area stand out by contrasting it with other areas. The area could be different in size, color, texture, shape, etc.
Movement
It is the path the viewer’s eye takes through the work of art, often to focal areas. Such movement can be directed along lines, edges, shape, and color within the work of art.
Pattern
It is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art.
Repetition
It works with pattern to make the work of art seem active. The repetition of elements of design creates unity within the work of art.
Proportion
It is the feeling of unity created when all parts (sizes, amounts, or number) relate well with each other. When drawing the human figure, proportion can refer to the size of the head compared to the rest of the body.
Rhythm
It is created when one or more elements of design are used repeatedly to create a feeling of organized movement. Rhythm creates a mood like music or dancing. To keep rhythm exciting and active, variety is essential.
Variety
It is the use of several elements of design to hold the viewer’s attention and to guide the viewer’s eye through and around the work of art.
Unity
It is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.
Once I familiarized myself with the key ideas of design principles, I looked up for the different graphic resources that are linked to Humpty Dumpty (The rhyme I was assigned.).
After stocking up on the graphic resources, I looked into the available rhymes (Humpty Dumpty, The Old Lady Who Lived In A Shoe and Hey Diddle Diddle.) to choose potential lines from them to work with.
I chose the following lines:
- Hey diddle diddle the cat and the fiddle
- The little dog laughed to see such sport
- There was an old woman who lived in a shoe
- Whipped them all soundly and put them to bed
Visual references:
Experimenting with the various compositions and graphic elements:
Final compositions:
Hey diddle diddle the cat and the fiddle:
For this composition, I was inspired by little planet photo presentation concept. By using the cat to form a planet shape with the tails of the fiddles extruding out, it creates a dynamic and explosive visual.
The little dog laughed to see such sport:
The idea is to amplify and enhance the way the dog is shown laughing. By creating sound waves using laughing mouths and ocean waves using pugs, it creates a stirring and humorous effect to the composition. The present of the dog wearing the Vendetta mask further intensify the overall visual presentation.
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe:
The concept is to show the old woman as the boss of an estate empire made up of shoes with shoes raining in the background. It is to bring about a modern touch to a traditional rhyme.
Whipped them all soundly and put them to bed:
The meaning behind this composition is to create graphical forms that are elegant which is represented by the falling flowers by using something that is brutal which is represented by the whip. The children that are involved in the composition also complement the overall composition. The irony forged in the process creates an interesting visual style.