Design Principles - Task 2

on
17/02/25 - 03/03/25 (Week 3 - Week 5)
Andrea Choo Qin Hui (0366959)
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Task 2 : Visual Analysis & Ideation

INSTRUCTIONS



PRACTICAL

Week 4

             For Task 2, we are to take a deep dive into the poster we picked in Task 1. Our job is to 
             really examine it closely, breaking down all the design elements and figuring out what 
             they mean. We'll need to look at things like color, layout, typography and imagery and 
             explain how they all work together. Think about what the poster is trying to say and 
             why the designer made certain choices. We'll also need to identify design principles like
             balance, contrast and unity, and explain how they're used. Don't forget to consider the 
             poster's main message, who it's meant for, and any historical or cultural context that 
             might be important. Finally, we'll need to find two other posters that are similar in 
             some way and point out at least three things they have in common with your chosen 
             poster. Not only that we have to remember to be thorough and back up our points with 
             specific examples from the poster.


Figure 1.0 'The Last Supper' by Leonardo da Vinci ; 1495 - 1498 ; Tempera on gesso, pitch and mastic ; 18 in x 346 in
The Last Supper Wikipedia

             ・Observation : 
             Leonardo da Vinci's is a mural painting depicting Jesus and his twelve disciples at a 
             long table, capturing the moment Jesus announces Judas' betrayal. The composition 
             features Jesus at the center with disciples arranged in groups of three on either side. 
             The painting employs a muted color palette, with Jesus as the brightest figure. Intricate
             details are evident in facial expressions, clothing textures, and the sparse table setting. 
             Three large windows behind the figures reveal a peaceful landscape, contrasting with 
             the interior's emotional tension. The artist's use of chiaroscuro is prominent 
             throughout the work, most notably Jesus who appears the most luminous. 

             ・Analysis : 
             The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci is a striking artwork that skillfully employs 
             important design elements. Jesus is positioned in the middle, surrounded by his 
             disciples and the composition is flawlessly balanced. Because of his central location, the
             lines in the painting that lead to him, and the use of light, he is clearly the major focus. 
             (Mussio, 2023) Additionally, contrast is used in the painting to highlight important 
             figures and provide depth through the use of chiaroscuro. The apostles' facial 
             expressions and body language provide movement, which directs the viewer's gaze 
             throughout the frame. The disciples' positions and feelings bind them together despite 
             their varied emotions, creating a feeling of solidarity. Da Vinci's mastery of size and 
             proportion is demonstrated by the realistic proportions of the people and the use of 
             perspective, which give the scene a three-dimensional appearance. 

             ・Interpretation : 
             In the belief of Christianity, The Last Supper is the last meal where Jesus was planning 
             to reveal which of his disciples were going to betray him. The Last Supper is a 
             significant religious artwork as well as a magnificent piece of artwork. It depicts Jesus 
             and his followers at a pivotal point in the Bible. Each disciple reacts differently, making
             them seem more human and real. The painting uses the number three a lot, which is 
             important in Christian beliefs. Jesus looks calm even though everyone else is upset, 
             which shows his importance. (ArtGeek, 2019) The bread and wine in the painting stand
             for Jesus giving his life for others, which started an important Christian tradition. 
             (Halford, n.d.) Da Vinci's painting is full of hidden meanings and deep feelings. It's not 
             just about a moment in history. It makes people think about big ideas like faith, being 
             betrayed, and being forgiven, even today.

             (397 words, Quillbot used for paraphrasing)

Reference List:


Week 5

             Before sketching anything out, I wanted to learn more about Judas' actions when Jesus
             admits to his disciples that Judas was the one that was going to betray him. When 
             Jesus announced at the Last Supper that one of his disciples would betray him, Judas, 
             the destined betrayer, responded with feigned innocence, asking, "Surely it is not I, 
             Rabbi?" Jesus confirmed Judas's role with the cryptic reply, "You have said it," 
             effectively identifying him as the traitor.

             ・Attempted Denial : 
             Judas initially tried to maintain a facade of innocence, echoing the surprise of the other
             disciples. This attempt at denial suggests his desire to avoid immediate exposure.

             ・Swift Departure : 

             Upon Jesus's confirmation, Judas promptly left the gathering without further 
             discussion. This hasty exit implies his discomfort and possibly his determination to 
             proceed with his plan.

             ・Implied Inner Conflict : 
             While the biblical text doesn't explicitly detail Judas's thoughts, his quick departure 
             suggests internal turmoil. The immediacy of his exit may indicate a struggle between 
             his guilty conscience and his resolve to betray Jesus.

             (Taken from Google's AI overview and reworded in my understanding)


             Inspiration #1 : 
Figure 2.1 Sketch Inspiration 'Netalula' taken from Pinterest
https://pin.it/2Kainti9Z

             Sketch #1 : 

Figure 2.2 Sketch #1

             Why I created this sketch: After learning that Judas left the table after Jesus revealed 
             that he (Judas) would betray him (Jesus), I found it fitting to sketch the scene with one 
             person missing: Judas. His absence adds a sense of emptiness and tension, 
             emphasizing the weight of his betrayal and the moment's significance. 

             This sketch uses approximate symmetry, emphasis, contrast and negative 
             space to convey its message. The symmetrical arrangement of the disciples creates a 
             sense of approximate symmetry, but Judas' empty seat disrupts it, making his 
             absence stand out. Emphasis is shown on Jesus at the head of the table, with the halo 
             drawing attention to him as the focal point. Contrast is shown between the orderly 
             placement of the figures and the emptiness left by Judas, highlighting the significance 
             of his betrayal. Negative space is used and shown effectively to represent Judas’ 
             absence, making it felt without directly showing him. 


             Inspiration #2 : 

Figure 2.3 Sketch Inspiration taken from Pinterest by Nasukichan
https://pin.it/65JUJEOys

             Sketch #2 : 

Figure 2.4 Sketch #2

             Why I created this sketch: I wanted to make Judas stand out so viewers could 
             immediately recognise his inner conflict without needing an explanation. By scribbling 
             over his face, I aimed to show his guilt, confusion and emotional struggle over 
             betraying Jesus. The scribbles make him look different from the other disciples, 
             symbolising how he was morally separated from them.  

             This sketch uses contrast, emphasis and symbolism to convey its 
             message. Contrast is shown between his scribbled face and other disciples without 
             the scribbles immediately draws attention to him, emphasizing his emotional turmoil. 
             Therefore, this also creates a strong emphasis, making it clear that he is set apart 
             from the rest. Symbolism is shown through the scribbles acting as a symbolic 
             element, visually representing his guilt, confusion and inner struggle without needing 
             any explanation. By using these design choices, I aimed to make Judas’ emotional 
             distress immediately recognizable, allowing viewers to grasp his conflict at a glance.


             Inspiration #3 : 

Figure 2.5 Sketch Inspiration taken from Pinterest
https://pin.it/2BKbruMWC

Figure 2.6 Sketch Inspiration 'THE LOVERS' taken from Pinterest by Studio Heartbreak
https://pin.it/ZPcbOama7

             Sketch #3 : 

Figure 2.7 Sketch #3

             Why I created this sketch: I wanted to redesign The Last Supper in a way that 
             immediately draws attention to Judas' betrayal. Placing him in the center, with all the 
             other disciples' eyes locked on him creates a sense of tension and judgement. 
             Meanwhile, making Jesus' eyes the dominant feature in the composition symbolises his
             awareness, forgiveness or divine authority over the moment. 

             This sketch uses emphasis, contrast, movement & direction, balance & unity 
             and symbolism to convey its message. Emphasis is shown by putting Judas at the 
             center, drawing attention to his role in the betrayal. Contrast is shown in the size 
             difference between Jesus’ dominant eyes and the smaller, scattered eyes of the 
             disciples, highlighting his divine awareness. Movement & direction is shown 
             through the intense gazes, all leading toward Judas, reinforcing the tension and 
             judgment. Despite the chaotic arrangement, balance & unity is shown through the 
             structured composition. Finally, symbolism is present in Jesus’ eyes, where the cross 
             represents his divine authority, deepening the emotional and narrative impact of the 
             piece.

FEEDBACK

Week 4
- For analysis, there should be a description of what are the design principles that are in the design
- Explain what 'The Last Supper' is in a very simplistic way for interpretation
- Simplify the writing from the sources instead of rewording it

Week 5
- The layout is confusing, should change it or else it will mislead the reader 
- Have the inspiration for the sketch stand on its on and make sure to credit them with the names given on Pinterest
- For sketch #1's design principles change balance to approximate symmetry 
- Last sketch/idea has more symbolic value and reflects the most on design so should work on the development on that for Task 3
- Look to posters like 'THE LOVERS' by Studio Heartbreak for more ideas in developing the design for sketch #3 in Task 3


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