Illustration and Visual Narrative :Task 2- Composition and Continuous

Illustration and Visual Narrative :Task 2- Composition and Continuous

16/10/2024 (Week 4) - 1/11/2024 (Week 6)

Alicia Lo Yann Wei (0357917)

Illustration and Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Mass Communication (Hons) in Digital Media Production

Task 2: Composition and Continuous

Task Description

We are required to incorporate our Vormator character into a Pokémon card layout, integrating elements for the foreground, midground, and background. In this task, we have the chance to create a new character.

Steps:

• We need to apply color and shadows to our Vormator character to enhance its visual appeal.
• We must design a composition that effectively utilizes the foreground, midground, and background to tell a gentle narrative about the character.
• We are to create a Pokémon card layout featuring our character.
• Finally, we need to provide a brief description of our Pokémon, explaining its abilities and characteristics.

Process

Firstly, we are required to incorporate the characteristics from my Task 1 Vormator character, which is a lion. For my character ideation, I envisioned a lion with fire power abilities that resides in a lava world. Typically, lions are known for their fierce appearance and large size, but since this is a Pokémon card, I aimed to make it as cute and small as possible while still conveying its inner strength. I researched several Pokémon cards and found that Flareon and Pokémon X and Y Pokémon GO Lion Pyroar shares many similarities with my ideal character.

Figure 1.0 Flareon & Pyroar 

When designing the foreground, midground, and background for my character's setting, I wanted to depict a lava world to reflect its fire abilities. An underground lava environment would help protect my character from its weaknesses, particularly water. In the foreground, I imagined my character standing on lava stones, while the midground would feature flowing lava throughout the scene. Given that this is an underground world, there would also be lava stones appearing upside down. Lastly, due to the ongoing lava, I envisioned pyroclastic flames and clouds in the background.

Figure 1.1 Sketch

Figure 1.2 Rationale

After completing my initial sketch, I sought feedback from Mr. Hafiz, who advised using one of the "template" references from the Framed Ink PDF provided in the lecture, as it could offer technical and artistic direction. I realized that my sketch did not align with the Framed Ink template.

As a result, I continued to study composition and understood the techniques presented in the PDF. I utilized one-point perspective to showcase the environment and implemented concepts such as "scale progression," which I directly applied in my digitalization process.

Figure 1.3 One-point Perspective

Figure 1.4 Reference from Frame Ink PDF

For the character itself, I initially intended to enhance the image with color by adding shading and gradients for depth. However, I discovered that I needed to redesign the Vormator character to meet specific requirements, ensuring it stood on four feet and featured brighter, more fierce colors (like the moodboard below). I retained the furry hair from my previous design and changed the colors one by one to achieve the desired presentation. To maintain the character's small and cute appearance, I chose not to depict an open mouth with sharp teeth, which is typically associated with a lion's fierce image. I also

Figure 1.5 Task 1 Vormator Character

Figure 1.6 New Character

Figure 1.7 Moodboard

For the foreground, I began by drawing out the lava stones for my character to stand on. I made the stones slightly tilted to give the composition a more dynamic feel and to align the character slightly to the left, enhancing the overall balance and flow of the scene.

Figure 1.8 Foreground

In the midground, I used pen tool to incorporate flowing lava to illustrate the active and intense environment. 

Figure 1.9 Midground

For the background, I reduced the opacity to create a sense of depth and added pyrocumulus clouds in the distance. I also included upside-down lava stones to reinforce the idea of an underground lava world.

Figure 2.0 Background 

I put in the character into the background, I realize it looks a bit monotonous, 

Figure 2.1 Character Added In

After that, I worked on the details (shadow, colour gradients) on my character after putting it into the lava world. The lighting comes from both the living lava.

FINAL OUTCOME:

Figure 2.2 Final Outcome

FINAL SUBMISSION (POKEMON CARD):

Figure 2.3 Pokemon Card

Self Reflection

EXPERIENCE: Illustration and Visual Narrative is an incredibly engaging and enjoyable subject that captures my interest. The blend of theoretical knowledge from the module with the freedom to incorporate my own imagination makes every assignment a unique and fulfilling creative challenge. Even though the workload can feel overwhelming and fast-paced at times, the satisfaction and excitement of bringing my ideas to life always make it worthwhile.

OBSERVATION: Having Framed Ink as a key resource has been a game changer, significantly simplifying the process of developing strong and effective compositions. The book’s guidance on framing and perspective helped me understand how to structure my scenes efficiently. Additionally, working with a monochromatic color scheme made it much easier to assess and enhance the values in my illustrations, ensuring that my work has depth and clarity.

FINDINGS: In my search for references, I came to realize that the same composition can be interpreted in countless ways, depending on the art style. These styles can range from majestic and grand to whimsical and humorous. This variety taught me that if you have a solid grasp of your subject matter, you can confidently adapt and execute any piece of art in a way that matches the intended mood or tone, no matter your preferred artistic approach. This versatility has broadened my understanding of how style and composition can work together to convey different narratives.