The rhymes project.

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.

1.balance

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.

2.emphasis

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.

3.movement

Pattern

It is the repeating of an object or symbol all over the work of art.

4.pattern

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.

5.repetition

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.

6.proportion

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.

7.rhythm

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.

8.variety

Unity

It is the feeling of harmony between all parts of the work of art, which creates a sense of completeness.

9.unity

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.).

english_red_bricks_building_4_20141211_1163181747eggmancranes-05little ponyNSMB2_Mini_MarioONEstormtroopersTHREE TWOwalkers

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:

  1. Hey diddle diddle the cat and the fiddle
  2. The little dog laughed to see such sport
  3. There was an old woman who lived in a shoe
  4. Whipped them all soundly and put them to bed

Visual references:

eplodingplanet little-planet-example-24513877431_bb747133c6_o

JP1847

japanese_rising_sun___vector_by_krhansonempire_2552202bsan-francisco-cityline-rima-biswas3925424-A-Nostalgic-Sweet-Memory-Falling-Leaf-Abstract-Stock-Photo-petals-falling-flowerbutterfly

Experimenting with the various compositions and graphic elements:

ONE TWO THREE FOUR FIVE SIX SEVEN EIGHT

Final compositions:

1

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.

22

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.

33

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.

44

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.