[d]sign in [d]lirium
[d]velopments [d]picted
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Gestalt Principles

Analysis of Vantage Point Poster using Gestalt Principles
Figure and ground
Similar elements are contrasted with dissimilar elements to give the impression of a whole. In Vantage’s Point poster, the man holding a gun stands out as the figure while the negative space is perceived as ground
Contrast is present with the black figure against the white background.
There are more details in the figure than the ground.
The relationship between the figure and ground is stable as it is easy to pick out the picture of the man from the background.
Closure
Closure suggests a visual connection or continuity between the different elements that are not touching one another. The picture of the man is not complete. We perceived the picture of the man even though what are present in the poster are just blocks of shapes. This is because, the different blocks are arranged in a way to lead user to perceive that the picture should be connected.
Within the perceived figure of the man, there are several sub small pictures that exhibits closure. We perceived some pictures as being together even though they are not joined.
Proximity
Even when the shapes of blocks are different, they are close to one another to appear as a group. The collective presence of elements becomes more meaningful than when they are viewed as separate.
Symmetry/Order
There is a sense of rhythm and continuance. There is an orderly arrangement of elements which creates harmony. Figure of the man is divided into logical patterns that allows user to make sense out of the poster.
In addition, the leading introduction, “8 strangers, 8 point of views, 1 truth” give a sense of continuance. In the perceived figure of the man, there are 8 different small pictures featuring different characters. Hence, it is in order with the leading introduction.
The leading introduction leads viewer to view picture from the top to the bottom.
Good use of Gestalt Principles
This poster is organized. The placement of the pictures makes the poster looks orderly and there is a sense of continuance.
In addition, the placement and usage of fonts are neatly done. This is pleasing to the eye. Viewers see the picture from the leading introduction (head) to the title (body).
The picture is unified and simple, yet providing details to viewers.
Visual Characteristics
As mentioned, less than four colours should be used in a poster so that poster would not look cluttered. Vantage Point’s poster used mainly 3 colours; black, white and red.
The title of the movie stands out in the poster as red stands out from the monochromatic scheme.
In addition, the picture is proportionate.
Analysis of Monster Truck Advertisement using Gestalt Principles
Figure and Ground
There is no distinctive element in the picture plane as the elements are all over the place thus there is no visual center in this advertisement.
There is no stark contrast as the elements in this advertisement are competing for attention. There are too many details in the advertisement that distracts the viewer from focusing on one element.
The concept of negative and positive space is not applied here.
Proximity
All the elements are cluttered. The elements are disorganized.
Similarity
There is no sense in harmony in this advertisement. There are inconsistencies in the typography, the colours used and the types of visuals. There is too much going on that the concept of contrast is being overlooked.
There is no direction or flow in this advertisement. There is no sense of rhythm amongst the elements due to the clutter of elements in various parts of the advertisement. The advertisement seems “busy”.
Improvements
The designer could have used the concept of visual center to create a focal point so that the attention of the reader could be directed towards it. The interplay between positive and negative space can assist in this contrast between elements.
The use of dominance between elements can create a difference in proportion. The designer could have played with difference in sizes in the typography and visuals.
The advertisement could also be improved by applying the concept of visual or colour harmony. This is to create a sense of unity between the elements.
The organization of the elements can be arranged to give it a sense of direction and flow to direct the attention of the reader in a continuous form.
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Final Product (LOVE Greeting Cards)
i have different layouts using the differing concepts but i have decided to narrow down to two layouts.
first card
i have decided to use the warm colours for this first card. second card


comments from peers : most preferred the first card because of the placement and simplicity of the card. they commented that the background colour of the first card should be changed as it looks like a cheap paper. however most commented that the second card is a bit weird for a love card as blue was used. some mentioned that they like the design and playing with elements but added that it would be better to use the warm colours. also i received the suggestion of not using the orange highlights around the wordings.
i have decided to do the first card and work on it. i have changed the background with a pink gradient. i have also changed the colour and the font of the word "LOVE".yup that's my take on this assignment.
pls comment!
"Art is making something out of nothing and selling it"
-Frank Zappa
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Final Product (Poster Design)
this week we learnt about visual principles, namely about visual elements and interaction. it is a large concept that covers about unity and contrast, visual harmony.We also learnt about controlling the attention of our viewer through proper placement of our elements.
with that in mind, this assignment is about designing a poster that surrounds around the theme of save, prevent or kill. i have pondered about doing themes on global warming or health issues but i have decided to do the theme of child abuse after i watched this documentary about domestic abuse. as i was doing research for this issue, im appalled by the fact that such acts still exist in Singapore. so here's my take on this assignment.

i decided to do something different with the orientation of the layout rather than the conventional linear orientation. the red streaks around the abusive father silhouette represent the blood and aggression of abuse. the lego bricks are used to construct the barrier as the theme is about children. the butterflies around the little girl silhouette represent a sense of happiness and freedom.
comments from peers: they like the way i used a different orientation. some mentioned about taking away the red streaks of the abusive man as it is quite distracting. i also received comments about making the enclosed space more obvious to show the difference in space. a friend added to improve on the alignment of the text. another mentioned about using red butterflies for the girl so that it would show a sense of freedom and happiness.
comments from tutor : he said that it is a modern take on this issue. he added that i could possibly add a child inside the enclosure with the abusive man to emphasise the point of child abuse.
i have decided to make the enclosure more obvious to show the curbing of the abuse and at the same time the freedom the child gets. i have also changed the colour of the butterfly and added flowers to show a more vibrant mood.comments most welcomed!
"A painting in a museum hears more ridiculous opinions than anything else in the world."
-Edmond de Goncourt
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Final Product (U C what I C)
i have searched online for possible stories with twists. some are about judging things on the surface which turn out not to be what it seemed so i decided to use that concept for my story.







1. Girl A saw her "boyfriend" with another girl.
2. Girl A confronted the "boyfriend".
3. Girl A was pushed to the floor.
4. Girl A quarreled with "boyfriend" over phone.
5. Girl A cried badly.
6. Girl A decided to jump down.
7. Girl A died with a picture in her hands.
8. (Twist!) All along she was having problems with the girl, not the guy.
the pictures are made to be dark to depict the dark story of how love can lead into a tragic ending.
comments by tutorial peers: most did not get the twist, due to the last frame being not that clear that the two girls are lesbians. i think the girls can be more intimate in the photograph. and put the focus more on the photograph.
offer an infinite variety of perception, interpretation and execution."
-Ansel Adams
Monday, February 25, 2008
inspired
till then!
"A work of art which did not begin in emotion is not art."
-Paul Cezanne
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Final product (Abstraction)

During the e-week tutorial, many comments were received from my peers about how i could improve on my abstractions. I will take into account each comments and make my work much better! Thanks so much for the comments mates!
Improvements to go!
"Art is literacy of the heart"
-Elliot Eisner


