Design Exploration - Task 1: Project Proposal
26/09/2024 (Week 1) - 17/10/2024 (Week 4)
Nurul Asilah Binti Mohamad Asif | 0353346 | Design Exploration / Bachelor of Design (HONS) in Creative Media
Instruction
Task 1: Project Proposal
We had our first brief on the module for our first week. At first, I needed clarification about what the module actually is? Then Our module lecturer, Mr.Asrizal walked us through the main goals of the module and encouraged us to treat it as a journey of pushing our creative limits. The brief is all about stepping outside conventional design, experimenting, and taking risks. We’re expected to explore beyond the usual design principles, dig into abstract ideas, and focus on creating something unique. This first week was all about getting familiar with the brief and laying the groundwork for what’s ahead. Here’s a quick rundown of what I’ve been up to so far and how I’m planning to tackle this project:
Here's a base idea of what I thought of before creating a proposal.
Fig 1.0 Base Idea
After exploring several ideas—like creating a storybook, developing a 3D game, or designing a concept art portfolio—I decided to go with the storybook. I felt the storybook would allow me to dive deep into visual storytelling while also giving me the flexibility to experiment with character design, settings, and narrative flow.
My ultimate goal, though, is to bring the storybook to life by animating it after it’s finished. Animation is something I didn't do for my specialization, so it’s a completely new area for me. This module felt like the perfect opportunity to push my boundaries and experiment. My hope is that, by animating the storybook, I can create a more dynamic experience, capturing movement, expression, and even small interactions that a static book can’t convey.
Taking on animation is definitely a big challenge, but I think it will add an exciting dimension to the project and help me grow as a designer. So, while my primary focus will be creating the storybook, I’ll also be thinking ahead to how I can make it feel alive through animation.
Here is the first initial proposal that I showed to Mr.Asrizal, as I've walkthrough the thoughts and process on how I would work my way through this project.
Design plans on Miro
Character Development: Each element, fire, Air, Water, and Earth is represented by a unique character. On the board, I’ve created profiles for each, detailing their traits, abilities, and backstory. For example, the Fire character is fierce and brave, symbolizing passion, while the Water character is calm and adaptive.
Mood Board: To establish the aesthetic of the art book, I’ve included references and color palettes. The fiery reds and oranges for the Fire scenes, the tranquil blues for Water, the earthy greens for Earth, and the airy whites and grays for Air help set the tone for each chapter.
Fire
Water
After collecting a few inspirations, I went ahead and a find the story acrs island illustration as inspiration to draw. For each character has a drawing of their own island, as well as where they come before the story of their journey begins.
Story Arc: The plot is mapped out using a flowchart. It begins with discovering the island’s imbalance, followed by the characters’ journey to find a solution, and culminates in their collaborative efforts to restore harmony. Each stage of the story is paired with visual ideas and concept sketches.
Fire
Sketch Progress for Each Character
After organizing my ideas on the Miro board, I began sketching the characters to bring their personalities and elemental traits to life:
Fire Character: The initial sketches emphasize their dynamic and bold nature, with sharp lines and warm, intense colors dominating the design. Their outfit reflects flames, with intricate patterns resembling embers.
I created 3 sketch options to see which I liked more, mostly with 3 different outfits so I could work on the shades better.
Water Character: I experimented with fluid and wavy shapes to portray their adaptability. Their design includes soft, flowing garments that mimic water currents and accessories resembling bubbles.
Sketch video progress
Sketch video progress
Earth Character: Strong and grounded, the Earth character’s sketches feature sturdy silhouettes and earthy textures. Their attire incorporates elements of nature, such as vines, leaves, and rocky patterns.
Sketch video progress
Color Palette
Character
Storyboard Sketch
Once I've finished with my characters I moved on with the storyboard of my book. I started by sketching the entire space and where the words will be. As well as the placements of the elements.
Completing my story art book project has been a challenging yet incredibly rewarding experience. From conceptualizing the storyline to illustrating and animating the trailer, this journey has allowed me to explore new creative techniques and push the boundaries of my artistic abilities.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project was bringing the characters and environments to life through animation. It was my first attempt at animation, and while it felt daunting at first, it quickly became one of the highlights of the process. Combining visual storytelling with motion added depth to the narrative and made the story more immersive.
Throughout this project, I also faced several challenges, particularly in managing time and balancing multiple design tasks. However, overcoming these hurdles taught me the importance of careful planning and adaptability. Tools like Miro boards were incredibly helpful for organizing ideas and mapping out progress.
Working on this project has not only enhanced my technical skills but also strengthened my ability to tell stories visually. It made me appreciate the value of feedback and iteration, as each revision helped refine the final output.
Looking back, I’m proud of how far the project has come,from sketches and drafts to a fully animated trailer and polished visuals.
What’s Next?
Moving forward, I hope to apply what I’ve learned to future projects, especially in areas like animation and interactive design. This project has sparked my interest in blending traditional art forms with digital media, and I’m excited to see where this path leads.
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