Illustration & Visual Narrative

23/09/24 - 05/01/24 (Week 1-Week 14)

Alicia Lo Yann Wei / 0357917 / Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) in Digital Media Production

Illustration and Visual Narrative

LECTURES & TUTORIALS

Week 1 / Introduction and Briefing

We began by watching the provided YouTube videos to familiarize myself with Adobe Illustrator and the basics of illustration. We learned how to navigate the toolbar, set up the workspace, and perform essential tasks like importing and exporting files. These foundational skills were crucial to getting started with the software.

Week 2 / Pen and Curvature Tools

This week, Mr. Hafiz introduced the module's requirements and objectives. The module focuses on transforming ideas into visual concepts by exploring different illustration techniques. We dove into Adobe Illustrator, covering the workspace layout and tool panel functionality.

Exercise 1

We were introduced to the Pen and Curvature tools, and practiced using them through hands-on exercises, including playing "The Bezier Game" to improve our familiarity with these tools.

Figure 1.0 The Bezier Game

Exercise 2

Mr. Hafiz also briefed us on the Vormator Challenge, outlining the exercises and expectations. We used the Pen tool and Curvature tool to trace the Vormator shapes, which helped us practice precision and control while becoming more comfortable with these essential tools in Adobe Illustrator.

Figure 1.1 Vormator Shape

Week 3 / Character Design

We explored the fundamentals of character design, including how iconic characters are easily recognizable even in silhouette due to their simplified and stylized forms. This simplicity enhances their uniqueness and impact, making them memorable to the audience.

We also learned that basic shapes such as circles, rectangles, and triangles form the core of a character’s silhouette, and that the character’s personality can inform the shapes used in their design.

For example, circles and ovals are mostly used for friendly and outgoing faces; square-like shapes evoke large and daunting or comforting and clumsy feeling of the character; and usually triangles appear as malicious, sinister, and usually are most of the bag guys or villains.

Figure 1.3 Monster Inc @ Pixas 2001

Additionally, we discussed the role of color in establishing character roles—heroes, villains, or background characters—through color psychology.

Figure 1.4 Inside Out @ Pixar 2015

Exaggeration of visual elements like color and contrast helps characters stand out, while maintaining harmony in the design ensures that all elements work together cohesively to reflect the character’s narrative.

Figure 1.5 Inside Out @ Pixar 2015

Expressive poses and clear visualization of a character’s quirks and behaviors are essential to make them emotionally engaging for the audience.

Figure 1.6 Inside Out @ Pixar 2015

Exercise 3

Mr. Hafiz introduced us to the "Pathfinder" and "Shape Builder" tools in Adobe Illustrator. To reinforce our understanding of these functions, we were assigned an exercise to trace the Adidas logo using both tools. The Pathfinder tool allows us to combine, subtract, and manipulate shapes with precision, while the Shape Builder tool helps in merging and splitting objects effortlessly.

Figure 1.7 Adidas Logo

INSTRUCTIONS

TASK 1: EXERCISES (VORMATOR)

The Vormator Challenge is a creative task that designed to teach the fundamentals of vector illustration and character design in Adobe Illustrator. We are limited the only 8 Vormator shapes and not allowed to stretch, compress, cut, change the shape or the geometry. The use of Pathfinder and Shape Builder for creating new shapes are only applicable to the shadows and details of our character. Tools like Rotate, Scale, and Align help maintain balance and proportion in the design. These key Illustrator tools provide hands-on experience in mastering proportion, balance, color, and composition within the constraints of the challenge.

Figure 1.8 Examples of Vormator Challenge

(i) Initial Sketches

My initial idea was to sketch characters by creatively visualizing how to use the Vormator shapes. However, after sketching out my concepts, I realized that not all shapes worked as expected. I may need to distort some of them to achieve the desired result. This led me to reconsider and come up with a different character design that better aligns with my vision using only the given shapes.

Figure 1.9 Hand-drawn Sketches

(ii) Inspiration

After doing some online research, an idea suddenly came to mind: why not use my zodiac sign as a character to represent myself for this task? I began exploring Leo zodiac sign cartoons for inspiration to help shape my concept.

Leo, symbolized by the lion, is the fifth sign of the zodiac and is governed by the Sun. Recognized for their boldness, creativity, and innate leadership abilities. They are passionate, energetic, and motivated by a strong desire for recognition and admiration. As a result, I chose a square-like shape for the silhouette of my character. This geometric form represents stability and strength, mirroring the solid foundation that Leos often build in their lives. By using this shape, I aim to embody the essence of the Leo personality while providing a strong visual representation that aligns with their traits.

Figure 2.0 Leo Zodiac Sign

Appearance of Leo (Lion)

- Hair: Leo typically have a bold and thick curly hair.

Figure 2.1 Hair of a Lion

- Ear: The large ears of Leo with a slight curve or a rounded appearance adds to its charm and playfulness.

Figure 2.2 Large Ear of a Lion

- Tail: Its tail usually incorporate bold color.

Figure 2.3 Tail of a Lion

- Posture: They carry themselves with confidence and poise, often having a commanding presence. Their posture is usually upright, showcasing their self-assuredness.

Figure 2.4 Posture of a Lion

(iii) Design Exploration

Based on my research on Leo, I created a hand-drawn sketch of a character embodying all the characteristics typically associated with a lion. I made every effort to find the best illustration that would fit within the Vormator Shape constraints.

While drawing the character's eyes, I struggled to conceptualize how to depict a Leo with open eyes. Lions are known for their strong, expressive gaze, but due to the limitations of the shapes I was working with, I had to abandon that particular aspect.

Ultimately, I decided to keep my character’s eyes closed. I believe that a Leo embodies warmth and kindness alongside their natural strength, and having the eyes closed adds a gentle and serene quality to the design.

Figure 2.5 Final Sketch

As I transitioned to digitalizing the sketch, I encountered challenges in creating the character's curly hair. Although I could use tentacle shapes to represent the hair, this would result in an overwhelming number of tentacle shapes clustered together. I aimed to minimize the number of shapes, but I realized that if I wanted to accurately portray the curly hair, I would have to include multiple shapes to achieve the desired effect. I also added some shadows by using Pathfinder tool in order to make hair looks even more curly.

Figure 2.6 Leo's Curly Hair

For the face of my character, I utilized a bar shape for the head and two wurst shapes for the neck. Although the final design looks a bit different from my initial sketch, I believe it still captures the essence of my vision.

Figure 2.7 Leo's face

For the ears, I employed badge and drop shapes, which closely resemble those in my sketch. By adding a touch of shadow, I was able to enhance their appearance and make them more visually appealing.

Figure 2.8 Leo's Ears

Regarding the body of the character, I incorporated multiple bar shapes to reflect the desired proportions and sizes. I also added shadows and some intricate details to ensure the body appears more distinctive and aligned with my overall concept.

Figure 2.9 Leo's Body

For the tail, I opted for tentacle shapes combined with a drop and tentacle, using bold colors to make it stand out. This choice adds a playful element to the character, reinforcing its vibrant Leo personality.

Figure 3.0 Leo's Tail

Lastly, I focused on the coloring aspect of my character, choosing to adhere to the typical colors associated with a lion, primarily shades of brown. I utilized various tones of brown to create depth and dimension, incorporating lighter shades for highlights and darker shades for shadows.

Final Submission: Leo

I chose the name "Leo" for my character because it directly reflects its inspiration from the zodiac sign, which is represented by the lion. The name embodies the characteristics associated with Leos, such as strength, confidence, and a vibrant personality. By naming the character Leo, I emphasize its connection to the qualities of a lion, including courage, leadership, and a warm-hearted nature.

REFLECTIONS

Reflecting on my first experience with illustration, I've learnt how to effectively apply my creativity into both visualization and digitalization. Working on my character, Leo, was both challenging and rewarding. Initially, the Vormator shape limitations felt overwhelming, but they pushed me to think creatively.

For example, I struggled with portraying Leo's eyes, but I discovered that keeping them closed conveyed warmth and gentleness. This taught me that adjustments can enhance a design.

Creating Leo helped me connect with the traits of the Leo zodiac sign, like strength and kindness, as I expressed those qualities through colors and shapes. Learning Adobe Illustrator had its challenges, but I found joy in exploring the tools.

Overall, this experience sparked a newfound passion for illustration, reminding me that creativity often thrives on overcoming obstacles. I'm excited to apply what I've learned to future projects.

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Alicia Lo Yann Wei (0357917)

Illustration & Visual Narrative

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