Design Principles - Final Compilation

03/02/2026 - 23/03/2026 (Week 01 - Week 08)

PHANG QI YU / 0385732

Design Principles GCD60804 / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media / Taylors University

Final Compilation

Table of Content

── ✦ Instructions

── ✦ Task 1: Exploration

── ✦ Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation

── ✦ Task 3: Development & Design

── ✦ Final Reflection

INSTRUCTIONS

SUBMISSIONS

✦ Task 1: Exploration

02/02/2026 - 23/02/2026 (Week 01 - Week 04)

(a) Selected Artwork & Reason

Figure 1 Selected Artwork

Source: Google Chrome ⟢ Title: "Aspens in Winter"

Artist: Pastel Anne ⟢ Year: 2014

Medium: Acrylic (acrylic paint) ⟢ Size: 55.9 cm x 91.4cm (22 in x 36 in)

Reasons for Selecting this Artwork:

I chose Aspens in Winter because it was the first artwork that caught my eye! This piece is inspired by the aspen tree. I found it unique because, when we think of winter, most people imagine white snow, freezing temperatures, festivals, and holidays. However, this artwork presents a completely different perspective. It expresses a feeling that is warm, lonely, yet full of hope. Instead of using white snow as the background, the artist uses a complementary color combination. Furthermore, the artwork has a dramatic and interesting composition of all the elements, giving the piece a striking and memorable visual presence.

What make this artwork compelling is its harmony and unity. All the elements are arranged with organization and balance, working together to create a cohesive visual effect. The use of color across different palettes, combined with the numerous aspens standing straight in the snow, dominates the composition and conveys both hope and solitude.

To me, the aspens feel like a human, standing tall and straight yet isolated. Even in their quite loneliness, there is a sense of hope. The yellow in the center contrast sharply with the purple background, where yellow represents light and optimism, and purple evokes loneliness and self-reflection. This complementary color combination immediately draws the viewer's eye. Through the artist's use of color, balance, and perspective, Pastel Anne creates a sense that feels both dramatic and harmonious. I believe this is excellent example for studying design principles!

(b) Design Principles

Here are some observations on the design principles in the artwork:

1.Repetiton

Repetition is shown by the repeated use of elements in the artwork, such as the numerous aspens, including their patterns and colors.
It creates a sense of consistency and order.
It helps guide the viewer’s eye around the design in a smooth and organized way.
It leaves a strong impression on the viewer and makes the artwork visually appealing.

2. Movement & Rhythm

Pastel Anne guides the viewer's eye through the composition in a swaying motion:

The aspens swag gently back and forth in the winter, expressing movement.
Their motion gives the sense that they are being moved by wind.
The curves of the aspens guide the viewer's attention through the composition.
The movement creates a visual pathway, making the overall composition more dynamic.
The spacing of the aspens and the repeated vertical lines of aspens guide the viewer's eye smoothly across the artwork, also the flowing motion provides a calm and comfortable eye flow.

3. Harmony & Unity

It is clear that the artwork conveys a strong sense of cohesion. The elements are unified through color and shape, creating a harmonious whole. Everything appears to come together toward the center, establishing a strong visual balance for the viewer. All the elements combine together as one, presenting a unified composition in the artwork.

4. Contrast

The contrast between the colors creates a visually striking effect. It uses color differences to distinguish and define the elements.

Light VS Dark.
The combination of warm and cool colors in an artwork makes the elements more easily distinguishable and recognizable, while also indirectly emphasizing the contrast between two colors.
The light to dark gradient (purple, pink, and yellow) enhances depth, making the sky/background more three-dimensional.
Placing a bright yellow color on a dark purple background creates strong color contrast, making it stand out and leaving a memorable visual impact on the viewer.
Position contrast of the aspens. The arrangement of the aspens varies with proximity. On the bright yellow side, the aspens concentrated closed together, while on the side away from the light, they are spaced farther apart.
The placement of the aspens conveys a sense of proximity to the bright side. Areas near the light appear more appealing, suggesting positively liveliness, and warmth. In contrast, the aspens farther from the bright side feel more isolated and distant, evoking a sense of lonely.

5. Balance

The composition of the artwork demonstrates symmetrical balance. All the elements carry equal visual weight, creating a well-balanced composition.
The aspens on both sides are arranged very similarly to each other. This arrangement creates a sense of order and stability.
The aspens are evenly placed rather than scattered randomly, which avoids a messy appearance.

6. Rule of Thirds

Rule of thirds is a method dividing an image into thirds, using two horizontal and two vertical lines.

The artwork uses the rule of thirds to create balance and add energy to the composition.
The aspens are not placed in the center, which prevents the image from feeling static.
By arranging elements along the rule of thirds, the artwork feels harmonious and dynamic, guiding the viewer’s eye naturally through the scene.

Below, I will draw and write an explanation to show how the rule of thirds is used in this artwork:

Figure 1.1

Visual Analysis: Explanation of the Rule of Thirds

The light source (yellow background) in this artwork helps me demonstrate the use of the Rule of Thirds because it is not positioned in the center of the composition. Instead, the brightest area of the sky appears slightly off-center, closer to one of the vertical third lines. By shifting the light source (yellow background) away from the middle, the artist creates visual movement and depth. The surrounding aspens and their long shadows lead the viewer’s eye toward this brighter area, reinforcing balance while maintaining a dynamic and engaging composition.

࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖ ─── ࣪˖ ࣪ ⊹ ࣪ ˖

✦ Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation

03/03/2026 - 09/03/2026 (Week 05 - Week 06)

Visual Analysis on "Aspens in Winter" by Pastel Anne:

Figure 2 Selected Design

Source: Google Chrome ⟢ Title: "Aspens in Winter"

Artist: Pastel Anne ⟢ Year: 2014

Medium: Acrylic (acrylic paint) ⟢ Size: 55.9 cm x 91.4cm (22 in x 36 in)

Observations:

The first thing I notice in this artwork is the many aspens standing in the winter scene. The tall trees immediately catch my attention and make me curious about the story behind them. They are covered with snow, which clearly shows that the setting is during winter. I also observe that some of the trees in the back are slightly bent instead of standing completely straight. This small difference makes the artwork more interesting and natural, because in real life, not all trees grow in the same way. Another strong element in the artwork is the yellow background. It is very bright compared to the purple color beside it. The yellow color stands out quickly and draws my eyes to the center of the artwork. Even though yellow and purple are very different colors, they look surprisingly good together. At first, I wondered if these two colors would look strange when combined. However, the artist blends them smoothly using gradient colors, so the transition feels soft and balanced. Some people might think this artwork looks simple or even empty because it does not have many objects. However, I feel calm and comfortable when I look at it. The yellow background feels warm, like a soft light shining in winter. At the same time, the purple color gives a cool feeling that matches the cold weather theme. The tall and straight aspens remind me of bamboo because both are long and upright. The simple use of snow, trees, and background colors shows that sometimes less is more. Even with few elements, the artwork successfully creates a peaceful and beautiful winter atmosphere.

Interpretations:

Furthermore, I have also included my interpretations of the elements used in Pastel Anne's "Aspens in Winter", based on my own perspective!

1. The Straight Aspens

The main elements are painted in muted colors compared to the background. Standing straight in winter, they resemble lonely human.
I feel that the straight aspens represent a lonely person because they stand upright compared to the other aspens near the light (the yellow background).
They must remain diligent and strong to support themselves in the darkness. There is no one they can talk to.
They seem to be pretending to be strong, standing perfectly straight as if they absolutely cannot fall. This creates a heartbreaking feeling.
At the same time, they are supporting themselves, becoming their own source of light in the darkness.

2. The Slightly Curved Aspens

I feel that the slightly curved aspens symbolize how people no longer need to stand perfectly straight all the time.
As they move closer to the light and hope, they realize that someone is supporting them and that there is light shining on them. Because of this, they do not need to appear so strong anymore.
They can gently lean, rest, and rely on the light, allowing themselves to feel calm and relaxed.

3. The Shadows & Snow-covered Ground

Snow often represents isolation and the passage of time or changing season, while the shadows suggest the lonely human shell, finding its only solace in solitude.
Also, the shadow resembles a hand gently holding someone's back, standing behind them to offer support in the darkness.

4. The Yellow Sky/Background

The sky shows a soft transition from dark to light, enhancing depth and atmosphere. Yellow symbolizes energy, positivity, and hope, so I interpret it as a light in the darkness, guiding humans and uplifting their hearts. It creates warmth and draws them out of the darkness, offering a sense of hope.

5. The Purple Sky/Background

The sky transitions from cool tones to warm tones, enhancing the atmosphere of loneliness. Cool colors, like purple, often represent sadness and create a sense of distance, while also helping to establish depth.
Placing the cool tones next to warm colors makes the warm elements stand out even more. The cool tones also reflect human emotions, conveying feelings of being on the edge and a sense of hopelessness. In contrast, the bright yellow background draws attention and provides hope, guiding the viewer from despair toward warmth and comfort.

Conclusion:

Pastel Anne's "Aspens in Winter" is a suitable artwork for studying design principles. I cannot claim it is a masterpiece, but to me, it certainly feels like one. The use of multiple design principles such as balance, repetition, harmony & unity, movement, and perspective makes the work visually compelling and emotionally powerful. The composition effectively guides the viewer's eye through the aspens. Overall, the painting gives a neat and comfortable visual impression. It uses color to enhance the characteristics of the objects themselves, while the colors complement each other to highlight the subjects. Each viewer brings their own feelings and interpretations to the work. I believe that everyone may perceive and understand the artwork differently, which adds another layer of depth and interest!

✦ Task 3: Development & Design

16/03/2026 - 23/03/2026 (Week 07 - Week 08)

(a) Final Design

Phang Qi Yu_"Hope Beneath the Winter Night"_Task 3

Figure 3

Figure 3.1

"Hope Beneath the Winter Night" (PDF)

「 ✦ TO DOWNLOAD HOPE BENEATH THE WINTER NIGHT, CLICK HERE! ✦ 」

(b) Design Rationale

i) Decision Made in Your Design

In my final artwork, I decided to give the overall visual effect a style similar to crayon, acrylic paint, or vintage artwork paint style. The colors blend together smoothly and complement each other. I used several different brush tools, such as the "Gloaming" and "Freycinet" brushes, to achieve the effect I wanted.
I added a human silhouette from behind at the center of the composition because I felt that the artwork I selected in Task 2 appeared somewhat empty. Instead of having only the aspen trees surrounding the scene, including a person seen from behind walking away in the middle helps convey the message I want to express more clearly.
I sketched something similar to the artwork I selected, using bright yellow to immediately catch the viewer’s attention. Instead of simply adding yellow to the background, I represented the bright yellow as an actual object, a lamp. This lamp serves as the main focus and illuminates the entire artwork.
Furthermore, in my first draft sketch (Fig. 3), the figure was simply walking toward the light. Later, I changed it to a back view of a person slowly walking away. This shift emphasizes that the lamp becomes the only source of comfort in the dark and cold winter night. It suggests that even in moments of darkness, there is always a light that can guide us forward.

ii) The Meaning & Purpose of the Design

This artwork conveys that even when you are walking alone during your darkest moments, there is always a light waiting to guide you. The light will shine on you, whether from the front or from behind. It quietly follows your steps, illuminating your path.

1. The Lamp

The lamp is the only source that illuminates the entire composition of the artwork. It represents hope, guidance, and comfort. If you notice, I sketched a hand holding the lamp, the hand belongs to another figure extending the lamp toward the figure in the center, giving them strength to keep going and reminding them that there is always something to brighten their path.
The lamp act as the main object in the whole composition, it can be said that without the lamp, the whole artwork will be dull and boring. So, I added the lamp to reinforce the overall ambience.

2. The Trees

I sketched several trees around the main object to help create balance in the overall composition. The trees are all bare, without leaves, which adds a sense of loneliness and cold.
I also added snow lying on the branches to further emphasize the cold, lonely winter setting. Although the trees are empty and lifeless, they need the light to brighten them and bring them back to life.
Some might think the trees have no connection to the artwork, but what I wanted to convey is that the trees also experience loneliness. Covered in snow, they too have emotion, similar to humans. They are waiting for the light to shine on them, giving them warmth and the chance to grow again.
Some of the trees are short and covered in snow, struggling to grow in the cold and lonely winter. They show that even though they are small, they continue to survive and grow, persevering through the harsh conditions.

3. The Hand Holding a Lamp

The hand holding the lamp symbolizes a lamp of hope. Its light brightens the surroundings, offering warmth to both people and nature. By including the hand, I aim to guide those walking alone through darkness, reminding them that a light is always there, quietly illuminating their path.

4. The Snow

The snow acts as a background theme in my artwork. I set the scene in winter, and by surrounding the objects with snow, the visual effect is enhanced for the viewer.
Winter is a season when nature slows down, and time seems to move more quietly. It often represents sadness, isolation, and personal struggle.
Many artists also choose winter as a background in their works to convey similar emotions and create a stronger emotional impact. By using snow and the winter setting, I aimed to reflect both the quietness of the scene and the emotional atmosphere I wanted the viewer to feel.

5. The Dark Blue Sky/Background

I chose dark blue for the sky and background to represent night. The night setting allows the main focal point to stand out more strongly.
The dark blue contrasts sharply with the bright yellow light, guiding the viewer’s eye to the lamp first rather than other elements.
I tried added a gradient to the background, blending lighter blue with hints of yellow. The yellow represents the light illuminating part of the sky, while the lighter blue enhances depth and makes the sky appear more natural and visually interesting. Using only one color would make the sky look flat and dull, whereas the gradient adds liveliness and realism.
The dark blue symbolizes sadness, fragility, depression, and coldness, reinforcing the emotional atmosphere of the artwork.

6. Human Silhouette from Behind/ Figure Walking Away

The human figure represents anyone who feels lonely yet continues to move forward through the darkness.
Though alone, they persist on their journey. The lamp illuminates the figure from behind, enhancing the overall atmosphere and symbolizing hope and warmth that guides one’s path.
I chose to sketch the figure from behind, walking away, because in life, everyone experiences moments of solitude and emotional struggle.
Depicting the human figure in this way reflects a true-to-life experience. Moreover, including the figure elevates the painting’s overall mood, conveying a sense of loneliness intertwined with warmth.

7. Choice of Colors

I will focus on explaining these two colors below, as they are the main focal point and the background of the artwork. I believe these two are the most important to discuss in detail.

Bright Yellow & Orange

These colors are used in the light. Yellow is often associated with happiness, joy, and hope, which fits the role of the lamp as a symbol of hope in my artwork. I mixed yellow with orange to create a warm and energetic feeling. Adding orange brings vibrancy and optimism, making the lamp stand out and feel alive against the dark background.

Dark Blue

As explained above, dark blue helps create a lonely atmosphere. It reflects the fragile and sensitive feelings of both humans and nature.
At the same time, it contrasts strongly with the bright yellow and orange light, making the hope and warmth in the artwork stand out.

iii) Design Principles Used in the Design

I applied design principles based on the artwork I previously selected. Here are the design principles used in my artwork:

1. Rule of Thirds

The Rule of Thirds helps create a more balanced and engaging composition in my artwork, making it more visually appealing to viewers.

In the artwork above, the human silhouette from behind is placed along the left vertical line, and the light placed on the right which creating balanced.
The snowy ground sits the lower horizontal line while the sky/background fills the upper area, guiding the viewer's eye through the scene and making the composition more visually engaging.
The elements in the artwork feel well-proportioned because of the Rule of Thirds, which creates a sense of stability. Arranging the elements according to this principle makes the composition feel harmonious and natural.
Each element occupies its own space, and nothing appears out of place.

Figure 3.2

Explaining the Rule of Thirds in My Artwork

2. Harmony & Unity

All the elements I sketched, such as the lamp, the tree trunks, the human figure from behind, the hand, and the snow are visually connected. They are tied together through a cohesive color palette and story, creating a sense of wholeness and harmony. Everything appears to belong together, presenting a complete and balanced artwork. By combining various design principles, the composition achieves a harmonious and engaging visual experience.

3. Contrast

I used color contrast and size contrast in my artwork, such as the bright yellow color and the large size of the lamp, to emphasize the focal point. This allows viewers to easily notice the lamp/light and makes it stand out.
The dark blue sky strongly contrasts with the bright yellow light, making it stand out as the main element. I added light and dark color gradients to both the sky and the lamp to create depth, making the scene feel more three-dimensional and realistic.
You may also notice that the areas closer to the lamp have touches of bright yellow. This helps the colors blend together more naturally and creates the feeling that the surroundings are gradually being illuminated by the light. In contrast, the areas farther from the lamp remain darker, which highlights the difference between the lit and unlit parts of the scene.

4. Balance

It is clear that I applied the Rule of Thirds, which also helps create balance in the composition. The Rule of Thirds is a guideline for achieving balance in visual design.
My artwork demonstrates asymmetrical yet balance. Although the elements are different in size and shape, they still create a balanced composition. The dark trees and the snow in the background help distribute the visual weight across the artwork, making the overall composition feel stable and harmonious.
Negative space (snow, dark sky) balances the heavier elements visually, keeping the composition stable but dynamic at the same time.

5. Repetition

I added many tree strokes covered with snow, repeating similar patterns and shapes. These tree strokes help enhance the background and allow viewers to feel the coldness of winter more strongly. They also guide the viewer’s eye smoothly through the artwork and leave a strong impression. The repetition creates unity and rhythm, and it also evokes a sense of harmony in the composition.

6. Movement & Rhythm

I applied the design principle of movement in the tree trunks, sketching them to sway gently back and forth. Additionally, the human figure walking away creates a sense of motion, reinforcing the dynamic quality of the composition.

I added some curved tree trunks so that the swirls convey a stronger sense of energy, motion, and movement in the artwork.
Rather than letting the trunks stand straight, I made them sway slightly to guide the viewer’s eye smoothly throughout the composition, making the overall visual more dynamic and comfortable to perceive.
The movement flows from the bottom to the top of the trunks, creating a rhythmic connection between the trees and the lamp, which brings the scene to life and gives it a continuous flow.
The back view of the human figure slowly walking away also contributes to the sense of movement. While the figure is not actually moving, its posture and direction convey a sense of journey and progression.
Also, the image conveys a sense of strong wind blowing around the human figure. If you look closely, the movement of the trees and the figure suggests that the wind is powerful, creating a strong sense of dynamic flow throughout the composition.
Together, the swaying trees and the walking figure create a dynamic interaction that makes the composition feel lively and cohesive.

7. Scale & Proportion

After adjusting the human figure, I realized that I also applied the design principles of scale and proportion. The figure is smaller in comparison to the lamp and the trees, which emphasizes depth, draws focus, and adds emotional significance. The use of scale and proportion makes the overall composition more dynamic and engaging.

BLOGPOST PDF COMPILATIONS

<Phang Qi Yu_202602_Design Principles_Blog>

Figure 4

<Phang Qi Yu_202602_Design Principles Blog> (PDF)

FINAL REFLECTION

In this module, I learned about different design principles and how they are used in real-life examples. I also practiced analyzing designs step by step by observing and identifying important details. Through this, I was able to better understand how designers and artists plan their work and apply design principles in their designs. Before learning about design principles, I thought they were not very important and just rules to remember. However, I now understand that design principles play an important role in every design. A good design is one that can clearly deliver a message to the target audience with a clear purpose. A good design also uses the correct design principles, which help guide and organize the elements in an artwork.

What I enjoyed most in this module was the process of exploring and developing a design based on our own observations and ideas. I found it interesting and fun, as I was able to gain new knowledge and learn more from the artworks I studied. I also enjoyed creating my own artwork for the final task. Although it was a bit challenging, I learned many new things from it. I learned how to explore ideas, think more creatively, be more responsible, and analyze artworks more effectively. Creating a new sketch based on the design we selected in Task 2 was especially interesting. It felt like creating something new while still following the same requirements. I also had the chance to experiment with the Procreate app during the final task. By trying out different tools, I was able to understand how it works. Overall, this experience helped me grow and improve my skills!

However, in this module, I realized that when creating my own artwork, I sometimes overlooked the design principles. I often focused on sketching in my own way but forgot to apply the principles, which affected the overall composition. I understand that this is a big mistake, and I should avoid it in the future. Ignoring design principles can make the artwork look messy and prevent it from clearly conveying the intended message to the viewer.

One change in my learning journey is that I have improved my observation skills. I now try to look at artworks and designs from different perspectives when analyzing them. I also think more deeply and pay attention to details. In my previous semester, I did not have many chances to analyze this type of artwork. However, in this module, I had the opportunity to study and understand them better. Now, I have a basic understanding of how to create a design, and I know how to start the first step in developing a good artwork.

My aspiration after finishing this module is to apply the design principles I have learned to my future artwork. I would also like to share what I have learned with my friends in other courses and introduce them to these interesting principles. I hope to create more interesting artworks and continue exploring new ideas in my design studies. Lastly, I would like to thank all my lecturers this semester. It has been a great experience learning from them. They are helpful, listen to our ideas, and provide valuable feedback on my artwork. They always guide me through each task and support me whenever I face difficulties.

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Phang Qi Yu (0385732)