Illus & Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Weekly Exercises, Task 1 & 2
Practical (Weekly Exercises)
Week 1
During the first week, Mr. Hafiz didn't hold the class, and I felt a bit disappointed. Waking up early to go to school is really exhausting! I mostly got to know my classmates and get to know about the upcoming study topics.
Week 2
Fig. 1.1 Vormator Elements
Fig. 1.2 Bezier Game Completed
How interesting! Another unexpected incident occurred during the second week of class! The electricity went out, and we had to complete the entire class in extremely hot conditions. On that day, Mr. Hafiz asked us to try using the Pen Tool. As someone who has learned it before, I found it quite easy to use. I finished quickly. Mr. Hafiz even challenged us to use fewer nodes to complete the artwork. It was really fun. I also refresh back many shortcut keys such as Ctrl, Alt, Shift, and so on.
Fig. 1.4 Pera Chiaroscuro - Skeleton, Week 4 Practical (15/5/2024)
Week 4
Fig. 1.3 Pera Chiaroscuro - Practical, Week 4 (15/5/2024)
Week 4 Practical! We learn three methods to play with shape today. Cut, Draw and Merge. After reviewing Vormator Task, Mr. Hafiz teach us the basics of Adobe Illustrator during our practical. Specifically, we focused on mastering the pen tool, knife tool, pathfinder and color studies while creating a chiaroscuro pear. Light and shadow always help to create depth on an artwork. Mr. Hafiz explained to us how important imagination is when tracing out the chiaroscuro pear.
Fig. 1.4 Pera Chiaroscuro - Skeleton, Week 4 Practical (15/5/2024)
At this stage, Mr. Hafiz instructed us to try it ourselves. I'm not sure if my method was correct. Using the given references, I utilized the trace and expand function in Illustrator, then clipped the image onto the Chiaroscuro Pear. I refined it by adjusting some of the extra edges, deleting anchor points, and using the knife tool to cut some sections of the pear.
Fig. 1.5 Pera Chiaroscuro - Textured, Week 4 Practical (16/5/2024)
Fig. 1.6 Chiaroscuro People, Week 4 Practical (16/5/2024)
I finally figured out how to create a frosted effect! I'm very happy to have learned another tool. Besides trying the Grain Effect suggested by Mr. Hafiz, in this exercise, I also applied color grading and clipping mask techniques from previous lessons as a little review for myself.
Week 9
Fig. 1.8 Lab 4 Exercise - pencil tool, Week 9 Practical (19/6/2024)
Fig. 1.5 Pera Chiaroscuro - Textured, Week 4 Practical (16/5/2024)
At this moment, I was boring with that color. I found out that maybe I can use some Vormator shapes to create its seeds. Then, I use drop shape to deco my pear. Lastly, using color correction to change the pear slightly to look👀 like a pear. HAHA, there is no logic here. Just want to make it into rotten look.
Fig. 1.6 Chiaroscuro People, Week 4 Practical (16/5/2024)
Week 6
Week 6 Practical! I have learned how to use create textures by adding shading to your illustrations by using the Grain Effect combined with linear, radial and freeform gradients. Image below is how the outcome was!
Fig. 1.7 Lab 3 Exercise - Grain Effect, Week 6 Practical (29/5/2024)
I finally figured out how to create a frosted effect! I'm very happy to have learned another tool. Besides trying the Grain Effect suggested by Mr. Hafiz, in this exercise, I also applied color grading and clipping mask techniques from previous lessons as a little review for myself.
Week 9
Fig. 1.8 Lab 4 Exercise - pencil tool, Week 9 Practical (19/6/2024)
In Week 9 Practical, we learned how to use the pencil tool and type tool to design our favorite fonts. Then, Mr. Hafiz taught us how to use the magic wand to remove unnecessary spaces after doing a live trace from any image. Fig. 1.8 shows the practice we did in class. This is really cool. When you want to hang text on an object, you can draw the desired curve and type the text along it.
INSTRUCTIONS
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eg-80PhVnwy4tDiXanj8uZQzTxYTxOSi/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
Task 1: Vormator Challenge
Our task is to create character designs using Vormator shapes. I'm really excited; this is the most interesting subject of this semester for me. Initially, I wanted to create a unique Transformer, but after trying out different combinations of Vormator shapes, I felt that too many sharp angles might not be suitable. So, I decided to seek inspiration on Pinterest...
I have suddenly come out with bunch of ideas. I planned to create a small monster sprite that can fly and has an aggressive nature, combining insect' organs with characteristics of Greek mythology.
INSTRUCTIONS
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1eg-80PhVnwy4tDiXanj8uZQzTxYTxOSi/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
Our task is to create character designs using Vormator shapes. I'm really excited; this is the most interesting subject of this semester for me. Initially, I wanted to create a unique Transformer, but after trying out different combinations of Vormator shapes, I felt that too many sharp angles might not be suitable. So, I decided to seek inspiration on Pinterest...
I have suddenly come out with bunch of ideas. I planned to create a small monster sprite that can fly and has an aggressive nature, combining insect' organs with characteristics of Greek mythology.
Fig. 2.1 weapon puzzle ideation
Fig. 2.2 weapon puzzle sketch
By this step, I've spent about half a day already, constantly experimenting. I've been contemplating which Vormator shapes to use to assemble this poisonous tail. I've applied different colors to each shape to make it easier for me to calculate the quantity of each shape used in the end.
And now what I'm lacking, I think, should be a pair of hands. But since it's a monster after all, I want it to be different from a human. So, let's give it a pair of wings! This way, it can move more freely while attacking enemies.
Fig. 2.3 Final Draft & Dissection - week 3 (6/5/24)
Thinking that I haven't colored it yet, and realizing that I might run out of time, I ultimately decided to temporarily set aside this draft. I believe there could be more details to work on, such as adding small feet to the body and changing to a pair of more dynamic wings. But in order to finish before the deadline more efficiently, I have to make some compromises. The next step will be to proceed to shape synthesis. The current step is just a visual assembly. Please continue reading below.
Fig. 2.4 Edit Body Part Details & Combine Part - week 3 (8/5/24)
At this stage, I do minor editing on the monster body part. Using pathfinder to merge, cut and shape my elements. Finally, I can form out what I want it to be. 😳👹 Color Progress next >>>
Fig. 2.5 Color version and Final - week 3 (9/5/24)
I was actually taking references from some dragon color scheme; I do use few effects option in Adobe Illustrator. As the image shown below, you can have a look on how I make the effects for the horns, tails and some body parts texture of my monster. Gradient is a must if we want to use a dark color, especially in my situation; I was like to set my color range within 5. Set the pink color as my accent color is definitely the best decision I have made. It was truly fantastic and really match with the dark purple gradient!
Fig. 2.6 Effect used for Final Artwork
If you take a look at my artwork, you'll notice that the patterns on the monster's skin are different. I've applied various effects to different parts of the monster. In Figure 2.6, you can see how I've used these effects, and you can try them out too. These techniques will surely enhance your work. The Film Grain effect, for instance, adds a noise texture to the monster's weapons - tails, which might have dirt and stains when it ends from battles. To make it more realistic, I've added this effect to bring it to life. I used the Plastic Wrap effect to create a reflective surface. Since the silver gradient material not what I wanted, Plastic Wrap worked much better for me. The Smudge Stick, found under Artistic effects, helps create a skin-pulling effect. Finally, the Glow effect, as seen in the next photo, adds an attractive feeling to specific parts of the body. It helps to lighten up the accent part.
Fig. 2.4 Edit Body Part Details & Combine Part - week 3 (8/5/24)
At this stage, I do minor editing on the monster body part. Using pathfinder to merge, cut and shape my elements. Finally, I can form out what I want it to be. 😳👹 Color Progress next >>>
Fig. 2.5 Color version and Final - week 3 (9/5/24)
I was actually taking references from some dragon color scheme; I do use few effects option in Adobe Illustrator. As the image shown below, you can have a look on how I make the effects for the horns, tails and some body parts texture of my monster. Gradient is a must if we want to use a dark color, especially in my situation; I was like to set my color range within 5. Set the pink color as my accent color is definitely the best decision I have made. It was truly fantastic and really match with the dark purple gradient!
Fig. 2.6 Effect used for Final Artwork
If you take a look at my artwork, you'll notice that the patterns on the monster's skin are different. I've applied various effects to different parts of the monster. In Figure 2.6, you can see how I've used these effects, and you can try them out too. These techniques will surely enhance your work. The Film Grain effect, for instance, adds a noise texture to the monster's weapons - tails, which might have dirt and stains when it ends from battles. To make it more realistic, I've added this effect to bring it to life. I used the Plastic Wrap effect to create a reflective surface. Since the silver gradient material not what I wanted, Plastic Wrap worked much better for me. The Smudge Stick, found under Artistic effects, helps create a skin-pulling effect. Finally, the Glow effect, as seen in the next photo, adds an attractive feeling to specific parts of the body. It helps to lighten up the accent part.
Task 2: Pokémon Card
In this task, we will be combining our technical skills in Adobe Illustrator with our understanding of visual narrative to create a unique Pokémon card featuring our own Vormator character. This task is split into two parts: Vormator Character Creation and Pokémon Card Composition.
Fig. 3.1 Work Process of the Background
Images above shows my process from line drawing to separating foreground, midground, and background, and finally to coloring. The overall inspiration comes from some nighttime scenes. I want my dinosaur spirit to live mostly in the dark.
Fig. 3.2 Final Background with Monster
Fig. 3.3 Final Pokémon Card
My monster named Gypion (Egypt Monster + Scorpion), a poison and flying type with 478 HP. Gypion is marked as an Ancient Pokémon, indicating its legendary status within the lore. It is standing at 2' 88" and weighing 22 lbs. The card belongs to the "Scarlet & Violet" series and is numbered 478/115, denoting its rarity with a star symbol.
The card's artwork portrays Gypion as a menacing, scorpion-like creature with a striking black body accented by pink highlights and a single large eye, set against a dramatic night-time forest backdrop. This imagery enhances its mysterious and dangerous nature. Gypion's abilities and attacks add strategic depth to gameplay. Its ability, Poison Puppeteer, not only poisons but also confuses the opponent's Pokémon, combining two debilitating status conditions. The Sharpness attack deals 180+ damage and gains an additional 35 points against grass-type Pokémon, leveraging type advantages for greater impact. The Poison attack, requiring three Poison Energy cards, triggers after five rounds of fighting, suggesting a powerful long-term strategy.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Gypion has a weakness to Psychic type attacks (x2) and resistance to Grass type attacks (-30), with a retreat cost of two Colorless Energy. The flavor text, "They Can't Guard Me," hints at Gypion's elusive and formidable nature. Overall, the card blends aesthetic appeal with intricate strategic elements, making it a compelling addition to the "Scarlet & Violet" series.
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tm-fYOe3KqQUXQ1xKYVNtYnzFepOt3Qn/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
In this task, we will be combining our technical skills in Adobe Illustrator with our understanding of visual narrative to create a unique Pokémon card featuring our own Vormator character. This task is split into two parts: Vormator Character Creation and Pokémon Card Composition.
Fig. 3.1 Work Process of the Background
Fig. 3.2 Final Background with Monster
Fig. 3.1 Work Process of the Background
Images above shows my process from line drawing to separating foreground, midground, and background, and finally to coloring. The overall inspiration comes from some nighttime scenes. I want my dinosaur spirit to live mostly in the dark.
Fig. 3.2 Final Background with Monster
Fig. 3.3 Final Pokémon Card
My monster named Gypion (Egypt Monster + Scorpion), a poison and flying type with 478 HP. Gypion is marked as an Ancient Pokémon, indicating its legendary status within the lore. It is standing at 2' 88" and weighing 22 lbs. The card belongs to the "Scarlet & Violet" series and is numbered 478/115, denoting its rarity with a star symbol.
The card's artwork portrays Gypion as a menacing, scorpion-like creature with a striking black body accented by pink highlights and a single large eye, set against a dramatic night-time forest backdrop. This imagery enhances its mysterious and dangerous nature. Gypion's abilities and attacks add strategic depth to gameplay. Its ability, Poison Puppeteer, not only poisons but also confuses the opponent's Pokémon, combining two debilitating status conditions. The Sharpness attack deals 180+ damage and gains an additional 35 points against grass-type Pokémon, leveraging type advantages for greater impact. The Poison attack, requiring three Poison Energy cards, triggers after five rounds of fighting, suggesting a powerful long-term strategy.
In terms of gameplay mechanics, Gypion has a weakness to Psychic type attacks (x2) and resistance to Grass type attacks (-30), with a retreat cost of two Colorless Energy. The flavor text, "They Can't Guard Me," hints at Gypion's elusive and formidable nature. Overall, the card blends aesthetic appeal with intricate strategic elements, making it a compelling addition to the "Scarlet & Violet" series.
<iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Tm-fYOe3KqQUXQ1xKYVNtYnzFepOt3Qn/preview" width="640" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe>
FEEDBACK
Week 4 - Exercise 1
- Wow looks good. See how the silhouette is, if the shape is clear. Then it is a good shape-form.
- Wow looks good. See how the silhouette is, if the shape is clear. Then it is a good shape-form.
REFLECTION This exercise is really interesting and relaxing for me. It allows me to see many ways in which everyone approaches character design, from shaping and following a general form to the finished product and color theory. I've experienced the daily work of illustrators and learned some of their techniques. This class doesn't require overthinking; everything flows with feeling. The teacher is also very friendly and helpful, making them a great lecturer. I hope to improve in this subject in the future.
REFLECTION
This exercise is really interesting and relaxing for me. It allows me to see many ways in which everyone approaches character design, from shaping and following a general form to the finished product and color theory. I've experienced the daily work of illustrators and learned some of their techniques. This class doesn't require overthinking; everything flows with feeling. The teacher is also very friendly and helpful, making them a great lecturer. I hope to improve in this subject in the future.