Design Principles Task 3: Development & Design

on

 3 March 2025- 17 March 2025 (Week 5-7)

Chika Clarissa Widjaja / 0378636

Design Principles GCD60804 / Bachelors Of Design (Creative Media) / Taylor's University

Task 3: Development & Design

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. INSTRUCTIONS

2. PRACTICAL

3. FEEDBACK

INSTRUCTIONS

PRACTICAL


Sketch Chosen

On task 2, we had to develop three sketches based on the artwork we chose. This sketch (Fig 2.1) was what my  lecturer and I chose to further develop.



Fig 2.1 Sketch Chosen From Task 2


When creating this artwork, my main goal was to emphasize the character Akira and give a bit of storytelling about what the movie is about. I did this by using colors and elements that I incorporated into the artwork. I used Procreate for this piece, and since it was my first time using the software, this assignment gave me the chance to experiment and explore something new.


Fig 2.2 References (https://pin.it/5Ot9M4lvq)


Digitalization

1. Building 

In Fig 2.3, I covered the entire screen with the color red and downloaded a free building brush from the internet to help me lay out where I wanted the buildings to be. Then, I traced the entire building in black.



Fig 2.3 Building 1 

Building Brush Reference: https://folio.procreate.com/discussions/10/28/40593



When shading the building in Fig 2.4, I used the grunge brush to add texture and started working from dark to light. I also used a perspective grid to help me create the windows. After making the windows, I blended them with the building color to make them look more abstract. I also added red to the side of the building to show the reflection of the red sky.


Fig 2.4 Building 1 Progress




For the background buildings in Fig 2.5, I filled them with a darker red color. The buildings in the back have a darker shade since they are farther away, while the closer buildings have a slightly lighter shade to show depth. I also added some grunge texture to help everything blend together.


Fig 2.5 Background Buildings

Building Brush Reference: https://folio.procreate.com/discussions/10/28/40593





2. Akira 

When creating Akira (Fig. 2.6), I started with a rough sketch while looking at my reference pictures. I designed his mutated hands attaching to the ground instead of the mutation on his back, as shown in the sketch, to make it more accurate to the movie. I also positioned him in a kneeling pose to show that he was struggling to control his mutation.



Fig 2.6 Akira Line Art



I started coloring Akira (Fig 2.7) with the basic colors that match the movie. Then, I added shading using darker and lighter tones throughout the character. I colored Akira in full color instead of making him red and black like the background because I wanted to emphasize him as the main subject.


Fig 2.7 Akira Color




3. Ground

Creating the ground was pretty simple (Fig 2.8). I downloaded a cross hatching brush from the internet and used a perspective grid to draw large lines around Akira. Then, I added thinner lines beside them to fill the space. Since it looked a bit flat, I added a darker shade around the road and gradually made it lighter toward the brightest point. This helped guide the viewer’s eye toward the main focus: Akira.


Fig 2.8 Ground 
 Crosshatching Brush: https://folio.procreate.com/discussions/10/28/41095





4. Glowing Light

I created a white circle outline (Fig 2.9) and applied a Gaussian blur using the adjustments panel. Then, I made another circle, filled it with color, and placed it on top of the outline. I also added a Gaussian blur to this circle. This glowing light is placed behind Akira to further emphasize the character and to attract attention from the viewer’s eye.


Fig 2.9 Gausian blur on circle



  First Development Outcome

For the final touches (Fig 2.10), I added the Akira typography at the bottom instead of behind Akira, as I originally planned in the sketch, because the bottom part looked too empty. I also incorporated closure by adding Japanese typography from the movie. The design principles I used in this artwork are Emphasos, Contrast, and Closure.



Fig 2.10  First Development 



Second Development

After discussing and receiving feedback from my lecturer, I improved my first development by changing the Japanese typography to white, increasing the saturation of the mutated hands, making the glowing circle smaller, enhancing the contrast of the hatching lines, and bringing the tiny hatching lines closer together.



I changed the Japanese typography to enhance its readability. (Fig 2.11)


Fig 2.11 Akira Typography Color Change





In Figure 2.12, I changed the mutation hand's color to a reddish meat tone, as suggested, and added more details, such as pinkish meat on the hand, to make it more accurate to the movie. I also adjusted his skin color because when paired with the reddish meat tone, the original skin appeared too pale.



Fig 2.12 Mutation, Skin Color Change





I made the glowing circle smaller to further emphasize the character. (Fig 2.13)


Fig 2.13 Size Of Glowing Circle Change


To make the road more contrasting, I added another layer and redid the road to make the lines darker. I also made the tiny lines closer together by slightly increasing the brush size. (Fig 2.14)


Fig 2.14 Road Contrast Change



Second Development Outcome


Fig 2.15 Second Development Outcome



After discussing with my lecturer in Week 7, we decided that the first development is better while keeping some elements from the second development, such as the size of the glowing circle, the red Japanese typography, and the contrast in the stripes. The image in Fig 2.16 is the final outcome.


Final Outcome


Fig 2.16 Final Outcome


Rationale

1. Decisions I Made in the Design


For this artwork, I made several design choices to get the look I wanted. I went with black and red as my main colors because they’re a trademark of the movie and help create a sense of intensity, chaos, and dystopian tension. I positioned Akira in the center to make him the focal point and establish hierarchy. Originally, I considered using Adobe Illustrator, but I ended up choosing Procreate since it has more options that worked better for this piece. I also used a grunge brush to add texture and bring out the atmosphere and details. To help with the background, I used a building brush to map out the composition and placement of the buildings. Lastly, I put thought into the typography to make sure it reinforced the message behind the artwork.




2. Meaning/Purpose of the Design


The main purpose of this artwork is to provide a glimpse into the story of Akira. The central figure is kneeling while struggling to hold his mutating hands, just like in the movie. The background elements, colors, and lighting choices contribute to the overall message by creating tension and dynamism. My inspiration for this piece came from the movie itself, and I wanted to convey its essence through my visual choices.



3. Design Principles in My Design


I incorporated several design principles to create a visually compelling composition. Emphasis was used by placing the character in the middle, using colors other than red and black for the figure, the red glowing circle behind him, and the lines that guides the viewer's eyes to the central figure.  I used hierarchy to make sure the main focus is clear and draws attention. I placed Akira in the center because I wanted him to be the focal point, making him the first thing people notice. His size also helps establish importance, especially if he’s larger than the other elements.  I applied contrast through color to convey the atmosphere in the movie.  Finally, I incorporate closure in the Akira's typography. Even though the whole text isnt seen because of the Japanese text, our brain can still read it. 


FEEBDACK

Week 6:

  • I like how you combined both the process and development.
  • The process shows step by step work, but it also develops your idea.
  • Instead of just showing a final idea with steps, it’s good to show how your idea evolves.
  • Don’t forget to include references, especially for the building (make sure to add the link).
  • The Japanese typography is a bit hard to see. Maybe try using white.
  • The composition looks good.
  • The black lines could have more contrast and the tiny lines need to be closer.
  • Since the subject is the focus:
    • Make the mutated hand more saturated, Maybe like a meat color.
    • Make the glowing circle smaller.


    Week 7:

    • The red mutation hand is camouflaging with the floor
    • The first development is better. However, keep the contrast in the road, the skin of the mutation from the first development, the red Japanese typography, and the smaller size of the glowing circle.


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