Design Principles -Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation

1 / 3 / 2026 -15 / 3 / 2026 (Week 5- Week 6)

YANG SHUO / 0384037

Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media 

GCD 60804 / Design Principles

Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation


INSTRUCTION



Task 2 — Visual Analysis & Ideation 

Recap 

    1. Task 2 requires us to upload the design we selected in Task 1 again, along with the credit line. Then, refer to the writing style in the provided document to analyze it(300- 400 words). References must be indicated.
    2. Use design principles to draw 3 sketches inspired by this work and describe your ideas.
    3. Write the lecturer's feedback in the blog.


    Visual Analysis

    Fig 1.1 FLIGHTPATHS by Deb JJ Lee (2022)


    Title: FLIGHTPATHS
    Artist: Deb JJ Lee
    Year: 2022
    Size: 2490*3510px
    Medium: Poster

    • Observation
    This is a vertical film poster. A large black circle is placed in the center of the image, with the title “FLIGHTPATHS” written inside it. Around the circle, there are rocks, clouds, and space elements that create a framing effect.

    There are two small astronauts in the poster. One stands on the rocky area in the lower right, while the other appears in the upper left part of the image. Their small size helps show the large scale of the space environment.

    The poster has a clear sense of depth, with rocks in the foreground, astronauts in the middle ground, and the dark space in the center as the background. The colors are mostly muted, using grey, white, brown, and orange tones. The text is simple and limited, with the main title in the center and a smaller credit line above it.

    • Analysis
    The large black circle in the center creates a clear focal point, showing the use of emphasis. Because this area is darker and simpler than the rest of the composition, it draws attention first. The title is placed inside the circle, which creates a clear visual hierarchy.

    The design also shows strong contrast. The dark center contrasts with the lighter rocks and clouds around it. There is also a warm-cool contrast between the orange-brown rocks and the grey-white tones in the rest of the poster. The two small astronauts also create a contrast in scale with the large surrounding environment. These contrasts help show the scale and mood of the scene.

    The poster uses asymmetrical balance. Although the elements on both sides are different in shape and size, they still create a stable layout. This makes the poster look more natural and less rigid.

    In addition, repetition can be seen in the shapes of the clouds, the textures, and the scattered details across the image. These repeated elements connect different parts of the poster. Together with the limited color palette, they create harmony and make the whole design feel unified.

    • Interpretation
    The poster suggests mystery and isolation. Instead of telling the story directly, the poster uses space and atmosphere to hint at both the science fiction setting and the feeling of loss or distance. This also inspires me to think about how atmosphere can be built through composition, color, and scale in my own design.


    Sketches

    1. DAYDREAMS

    Fig 1.2 Sketch#1 DAYDREAMS  

    In this sketch, I drew a girl riding a giant paper airplane through the clouds. I used pink and purple clouds to create a dreamy atmosphere, which matches the title of the design. In the upper left area, I added a flock of birds to make the composition more balanced.



    2. Dream &the Volcano

    Fig 1.3 Sketch #2 Dream &the Volcano


    This sketch tells a story about a hometown in a dream. It is inspired by the tower defense game Arknights (Fig. 1.4 &1.5)The girl standing on the volcano is gazing at her hometown, and the sheep floating in the clouds suggest that this is a dream. I drew a green forest and a volcano to create a contrast with the fiery clouds at the top of the image. 

    Fig 1.4 &1.5 Character design illustrations in Arknights
    Source: Rednote @Arknights



    3. The Little Prince

    Fig 1.6 Sketch #3 The Little Prince

    This sketch is inspired by The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (Fig.1.7). I used the main characters from the story, the Little Prince, the rose, and the fox, as the key elements in the scene. The Little Prince and his rose sit on planet B612, looking toward their friend in the upper left area, the fox. This design aims to create a warm yet lonely atmosphere.

    Fig 1.7 The Little Prince
    Source: Illustrations in 
    The Little Prince



    FEEDBACK
     

    Week 5

    This week I only completed the first sketch. The professor suggested that I think more about the connection between the sketch and the reference. I can add more elements to enrich the picture.

    Week 6

    I asked the professor whether my sketches and references needed to have the same theme. The professor said it was not necessary, as long as my design was inspired by the design principles, theme, and composition of the reference. In Wednesday’s tutorial class, the professor said that all three of my sketches met the requirements and asked me to choose one to develop for Task 3.



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