Illustration & Visual Narrative / Task 1- Vormator Challenge - character creation
23/09/2024 - 11/10/2024 / Week 1 - Week 3
Ye YingYing / 0364398
Illustration & Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 1 - Vormator Challenge - character creation
All Works Here - Google Drive
WORKING PROGRESS
- Week 1: Inspiration -The Vormator Challenge lets artists showcase their creativity using 8 shapes called the Elements. You can scale the shapes proportionally, but no skewing or free transforms are allowed. For this assignment, we need to create a unique character by combining these shapes while following the rules. This project focuses on skill and innovation within set limits.
Figure 1.0 - The 8 elements
For my first week, I drew inspiration from one of my favorite movies, Alien. I focused on the various alien forms depicted in the film, particularly two main ones: the Facehugger and the Xenomorph.
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| Figure 1.01 - Xenomorph |
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| Figure 1.02 - Face-hugger |
I looked at the unique shapes and features of the Facehugger and
Xenomorph and how they add to the movie's atmosphere. I find the
Facehugger's details and curves fascinating, while the Xenomorph's
sleek and scary shape embodies fear and mystery. I plan to use
elements from both forms in my character design to create something
unique that reflects the film's themes.
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| Figure 1.03 - Xenomorph's face |
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| Figure 1.04 - Face-hugger |
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| Figure 1.05 - Xenomorph |
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| Figure 1.06 - Xenomorph |
Inspired by both, I decided to combine elements for my character design. I will create a head based on the Facehugger and use the Xenomorph's elongated body for a graceful yet intimidating look. This mix will help me explore the balance between beauty and horror in my character.
- Week 2: Darft and Digital Creation -
This week, I sketched a simple draft to finalize the overall look of my design.
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Figure 2.01 - Draft of work |
For my sketch, I used the Facehugger's shape as the base for my character's head, keeping its tentacles as antennae for a more alien look.
- Body -
-The Drop and The Badge-
For the main shape of the body and face, I used the Drop and the Badge, which helped form the core structure and added some joint details.
- Eyes -
I used elements with sharp edges to enhance a sense of intimidation and give my character a more frightening look.
- Mouth -
First, we started by playing The Bezier Game, which helped us get familiar with using the pen tool to create different shapes. This introduction was to prepare us for Adobe Illustrator.
This week, Mr. Hafiz taught us how to use the Pathfinder tool in Adobe Illustrator. We practiced by remaking the Adidas and Twitter logos using this method, which helped us understand how to combine and manipulate shapes more effectively.
- Week 1: CHARACTER DESIGN BASICS -
Despite the challenges, I truly enjoyed designing a character inspired by something I love, like the Xenomorph. Working on something I’m passionate about making the process fun and engaging. Overall, this project was both challenging and rewarding, and I feel I’ve gained a lot from it, both in terms of skills and in exploring a subject I’m enthusiastic about.
I based the body on the Xenomorph, with a strong, sleek torso to
emphasize power. I transformed the hands and feet into tentacles to give
the character a more alien feel.
- Tail -
The tail is inspired by the Facehugger’s tail, segmented structure.
These elements combined create a character that feels both organic and
machine-like, reflecting the inspiration from both alien forms.
With a clear idea of the character's appearance, I moved on to Adobe Illustrator to start building it digitally.
With a clear idea of the character's appearance, I moved on to Adobe Illustrator to start building it digitally.
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| Figure 2.02 - Development of outlines |
I started by combining the provided Elements to create the overall
shape and outline of my character. I primarily used the Drop, the
Badge, the Bar, and the Tentacle elements.
For the main shape of the body and face, I used the Drop and the Badge, which helped form the core structure and added some joint details.
- The Bar -
I used the Bar to connect different parts, such as the torso and
antennae.
- The Tentacle -
The Tentacle became a standout element in my design, adding unique
features at the ends of the antennae and hands and feet. This
element helped emphasize the Xenomorph-inspired features, giving the
character a recognizable look.
- Week 3: Adding Details and Finalizing -
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| Figure 3.01 - Working steps of tail |
Tail - I started by using the Bar to form the main shape. I then overlapped
two Chevron elements to create a black
outline, grouped them, and placed them along the tail to add a
mechanical feel and extra detail.
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| Figure 3.02 - More details for head |
- Eyes -
I used elements with sharp edges to enhance a sense of intimidation and give my character a more frightening look.
- Mouth -
I took inspiration from the Xenomorph’s design, making it
vertically wide and using pieces of the Drop to form the
teeth.
- Shadows -
- Shadows -
I used overlapping techniques with gray layers underneath the
shapes to add depth. This layering adds a sense of dimension and
gives the artwork a more detailed appearance.
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Figure 3.03 - Final look |
Finally, I connected the body and tail, then made a few
adjustments to the shadows to bring everything together. This
final step helped unify the character and added more depth to
the overall design.
- CLAWMORPH -
The name Clawmorph is inspired by the classic traits of the Xenomorph while combining its own unique features. “Claw” represents its powerful claws and sharp tendrils, emphasizing its aggressive nature, while “Morph” symbolizes its ability to transform and adapt. I believe the name captures its hybrid characteristics and reflects the fear and intimidation inherited from the Xenomorph.
- CLAWMORPH -
The name Clawmorph is inspired by the classic traits of the Xenomorph while combining its own unique features. “Claw” represents its powerful claws and sharp tendrils, emphasizing its aggressive nature, while “Morph” symbolizes its ability to transform and adapt. I believe the name captures its hybrid characteristics and reflects the fear and intimidation inherited from the Xenomorph.
CLASS EXERCISES
- Week 2: The Bezier Game -
Figure 2.03 - The Bezier Game
Afterward, Mr. Hafiz introduced The Vormator Challenge, explaining that everyone gets the same 8 shapes, called the Elements, and must create a unique design following the Rulebook's strict limitations.
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| Figure 2.04 - The 8 Vormator elements |
Finally, we practiced tracing these eight elements using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator.
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| Figure 2.05 - Tracing by using pen tool |
Figure 2.06 - Traced 8 elements.
- Week 3: Pathfinder -
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| Figure 3.04 - Remade Adidas logo |
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| Figure 3.05 - Remade Twitter logo |
How to remake the Twitter bird logo?
1. Use the Ellipse tool to trace the outline of the object
2. Use Pathfinder -> Divide Parts
3. Select all subjects -> Ungroup them
4. Delete the unwanted parts
5. Or use the Shape Builder Tool to delete the extra part (by moving the mouse, easier)
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| Figure 3.06 - Steps 1,2,3 |
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| Figure 3.07 - Steps 5,6 |
LECTURES NOTES
- Week 1: CHARACTER DESIGN BASICS -
Stylized Design
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Figure 1.07 - Lec note Pg.4 |
- Stylized characters are iconic and recognizable, even as
black silhouettes.
- Simplicity in design helps viewers quickly understand the
character's purpose.
- This simplicity also makes characters unique, memorable,
and impactful for viewers.
Principles of Character Design
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| Figure 1.08 - Lec note Pg.5 |
1. Shape
- Used to identify a character from one another (character's
silhouette)
- Use the character's persona as the basis of the shapes for
design (add weight to personality)
- Different colors evoke various emotions, making characters more relatable for viewers.
- Chiaroscuro uses clear tonal contrast to create three-dimensional volume in paintings.
- It increases dramatic tension by highlighting the subject with color or light contrast.
- The technique emphasizes the subject's importance, enhancing visual impact.
Chiaroscuro in Visual Arts
Establishing Shot
2. Colour
- Colors help define and distinguish the basic traits of
heroes, villains, and background characters.- Different colors evoke various emotions, making characters more relatable for viewers.
3. Emphasis & Contrast
- A strong character design emphasizes and contrasts
visual elements to stand out.
- Colors and varied shapes are used to enhance this
distinctiveness.
4. Harmony
- Every element in your design should complement each
other, with shapes, lines, colors, motifs, and patterns
harmoniously combined.
- Consider visual hierarchy and how it aligns with the
character's narrative.
5. Expressions, Poses
- Expressive and emotive characters captivate the
audience.
- Clearly visualizing behaviors, quirks, and personalities
makes characters more appealing to viewers.
- Week 2: CHIAROSCURO -
The use of light and dark to create the illusion of three-dimensional volume on a flat surface.- Chiaroscuro uses clear tonal contrast to create three-dimensional volume in paintings.
- It increases dramatic tension by highlighting the subject with color or light contrast.
- The technique emphasizes the subject's importance, enhancing visual impact.
Tenebrism
- A painting technique where details like faces and hands
are highlighted against a mostly dark background, creating a
dramatic contrast.
Chiaroscuro in Visual Arts
- Often used in comics, film, and digital art, this
technique highlights the focal point by contrasting it with
a dark setting.
Low-Key Lighting
Low-Key Lighting
- Common in photography and film, it uses shadows to
emphasize contours, with fill lights to control contrast,
enhancing emotional impact.
Chiaroscuro in Visual Narrative
Chiaroscuro in Visual Narrative
- This technique is effective for distinguishing positive
and negative spaces.
Chiaroscuro is used in visual narrative because it is an
excellent method to
differentiate positive & negative spaces
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| Figure 2.07 - Lec note Pg.13 |
- Week 3: COMPOSITION THEORY 1 // VISUAL TYPES AND SHOTS -
Composition in design = the arrangement of the elements
in your visual
Basic composition visual rules
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Figure 3.08 - Lec note Pg.5 |
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Figure 3.09 - Lec note Pg.11 |
Establishing Shot
- Wide shots that set the scene, showcasing the setting's
scale and providing context.
Bird's Eye View
Bird's Eye View
- Overhead shot from a 90-degree angle, directly above the
subject, offering a unique perspective.
Frame Within a Frame
Frame Within a Frame
- Composition technique that uses elements to frame the
subject, adding depth and visual interest.
Medium Shot
Medium Shot
- Three-quarters shot that frames a character from the
waist up, commonly used to balance detail and context.
Close-Up
Close-Up
- Focuses on a character’s face, conveying intimate
emotions and thoughts, and drawing viewers into the
character's perspective.
Worm's Eye View
Worm's Eye View
- Shot from below, looking up at the subject, often used
to make the subject appear powerful or imposing.
REFLECTIONS
Reflecting on this project, I learned a lot through both the challenges and the enjoyment of creating Clawmorph. One of the main challenges was my lack of experience with Adobe Illustrator, which made the process take longer than expected. I would have better refined the details if I started the work earlier. Additionally, the limit of using only the eight Vormator elements was very difficult, but it did allow me to think creatively, and the challenge turned out to be a valuable learning experience.
Reflecting on this project, I learned a lot through both the challenges and the enjoyment of creating Clawmorph. One of the main challenges was my lack of experience with Adobe Illustrator, which made the process take longer than expected. I would have better refined the details if I started the work earlier. Additionally, the limit of using only the eight Vormator elements was very difficult, but it did allow me to think creatively, and the challenge turned out to be a valuable learning experience.
Despite the challenges, I truly enjoyed designing a character inspired by something I love, like the Xenomorph. Working on something I’m passionate about making the process fun and engaging. Overall, this project was both challenging and rewarding, and I feel I’ve gained a lot from it, both in terms of skills and in exploring a subject I’m enthusiastic about.
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