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Illustration & Visual Narrative / Task 2 - Composition

14/10/2024 - 03/11/2024 / Week 4 - Week 6

Ye YingYing / 0364398

Illustration & Visual Narrative / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

Task 2 - Composition 

All Works Here - Google Drive

TABLE OF CONTENTS

WORKING PROGRESS

- Research & Idea -

My character from task one, Clawmorph, reflects a dark, high-tech atmosphere. So for this task, I wanted the background to highlight the unethical experiments conducted by Weyland Corp and show that Clawmorph is an outcome of advanced but dangerous technology. 

I researched scenes from the movie 'Alien', especially those set in spaceships and laboratories to get inspiration. I focused on how the structures, lighting, shadows, and equipment were arranged to build a cold, terrifying vibe. I also looked at other sci-fi designs with futuristic lab equipment and mechanical structures to make the background feel realistic and intense.

Figure 1.1 - Inspirations

- Rationale -

Design Background
This work focuses on a sci-fi horror scene in the Weyland Corporation, looking at the clash between technology and moral failure. The goal is to create a tense atmosphere that shows the bad outcomes of greed and unethical experiments, highlighting the risks of human ambition.

Story
In a setting controlled by Weyland Corporation's unethical experiments, the Clawmorph escapes and starts hunting survivors. The cold lights and blood in the frame suggest a brutal struggle, showing the clash between technology and biology. This story not only creates scary visuals but also encourages thought about the ethical limits of technology.

Inspiration
The design is inspired by the classic sci-fi movie Alien, which I aim to explore the unclear lines between nature and technology and the ethical issues we might ignore when seeking progress, stressing themes of corporate carelessness and biological horror.

Design Concept
The design wants to create feelings of fear and urgency, helping the audience feel the despair of being trapped in the Weyland Corporation's high-tech hallways. This setting encourages viewers to think about ethical and human limits. The Clawmorph, representing horror, serves as a warning about the dangers of technology.


- Sketch -

Based on my research and inspiration, I decided to create a scene where Clawmorph confronts someone in a dark spaceship hallway. The setting is intense and chaotic, with clear signs of a violent struggle to capture a sense of horror and urgency. 

For the composition, I used the frame ink - Point of view and first-person perspective to make the viewer feel fully immersed in the scene. I’ll include a hand holding a gun in the foreground, creating the impression that the viewer is directly facing Clawmorph. This viewpoint adds a strong sense of tension and draws the audience deeper into the confrontation.

Figure 1.2 - First attempt


Figure 1.3 - Sketch after Mr. Hafiz's feedback



- Design Development -
After Mr. Hafiz approved my sketch, I started creating it in Illustrator.

OUTLINE

Figure 1.4 - Progress 1
  1. I use my sketch as my reference and use the 'tracing method' to do the outline
  2. With the 'first perspective' function on, I use the rectangle and other shape tool to trace
  3. After finishing the outline, I used the 'shape builder tool' to remove the extra part

COLOUR

I decided to use dark tones throughout the spaceship hallway to enhance the intensity and suspense. I’m adding contrasting red and blue lighting to bring a cold, unsettling feeling, emphasizing both the horror and hopelessness of facing Clawmorph. The red light suggests danger and bloodshed, while the blue adds a cool, distant atmosphere. This color contrast not only highlights the chaotic scene but also helps guide the viewer’s eye toward Clawmorph, making the confrontation feel even more intense.

Figure 1.5 - Progress 2
  • Once I finished applying the colors, I added gradients to enhance depth and create a more dynamic look. 

DETAILS

Figure 1.6 - Progress 3

  1. I added the Weyland logo in red to tie it to the theme. 
  2. I used the 'Shape Builder tool' to create some additional elements for the scene. 
  3. I used the 'Pen tool', and I crafted dripping blood effects.
  4. I used the 'Brush tool' to add marks and bloodstains on the walls for a gritty, realistic touch.

TEXTURE
  • To enhance the artwork further, I added a grain texture to give it a more organic feel and to create a sense of depth and realism.
Figure 1.7 - Final background



- Finalisation -

To improve my work, I made some changes to my character from Task one.

Figure 1.8 - Progress 4

  1. I use 'Gaussian Blur' to create shadows on my character to create a sense of depth and realism.
  2. Then I also applied a gradient to the tail to create reflective highlights, adding a sleek, metallic look that enhances the mechanical vibe. 
These details help make Clawmorph feel more lifelike and blend naturally into the environment.


FINAL WORK

Figure 1.9 - Final work

Pokemon Card
Figure 1.10 - Pokemon Style

Clawmorph
Brought to life through dark experimentation, it is a relentless predator lurking in the shadows.It has corrosive acid and parasitic abilities that can destroy even the toughest opponents, leaving survivors with a horror that lingers

Type: Dark/Poison

Ability: Death’s Caress, allowing it to absorb life force from its enemies when it attacks, restoring its own HP. When the target's health is low, Clawmorph's attack power increases by double and inflicts additional poison damage over time.

HP:100
Attack:100 
Defense: 90 
Speed: 95

Moves:
Parasitic Grip: Clawmorph latches onto the opponent, injecting venom that drains health each turn and weakens their defense.
Shadow Ambush: Slips into stealth, becoming undetectable until it strikes with a critical hit on enemies.
Acid Spray: Release a deadly acid mist that not only lowers the opponent’s defense and also deals extra damage over time.
Fearsome Scream: Emits a piercing shriek that terrifies foes, decreasing their attack and immobilizing them for two turns due to the intense fear.
 

CLASS EXERCISE

In Week Four, Mr. Hafiz introduced how to use gradients effectively and showed us how to apply them to our backgrounds to add depth and dimension. He explained how gradients can make scenes look more realistic and visually engaging by creating a sense of light, shadow, and contrast.

Figure 1.11 - Progress 1 for exercise
Figure 1.12 - Progress 2 for exercise
  1. Choose the Gradient Tool: Select the Gradient Tool from the toolbar or use the shortcut (G).
  2. Apply Gradient to an Object: Click on the object you want to apply the gradient to, then open the Gradient panel to adjust settings.
  3. Adjust Gradient Type: Choose between linear, radial, or freeform gradients, depending on the effect you want.
  4. Customize Colors: Click on the gradient slider to add, change, or adjust the colors in the gradient. This step helps create smooth transitions.
  5. Adjust Gradient Direction and Position: Use the Gradient Tool to drag across the object, setting the direction, length, and angle of the gradient for more control over the light and shadow.
Figure 1.13 - Exercise final work

LECTURE NOTES

- Week 4: COMPOSITION THEORY 2 // PERSPECTIVE -


Figure 1.14 - Different Perspective


One-Point Perspective
Objects converge at one point on the horizon, shrinking as they approach.

Two-Point Perspective
Two points on opposite sides create depth, letting objects recede dynamically.

Three-Point Perspective
Adds a point above or below the horizon for drama and scale; close placement intensifies angles.

Isometric View (for Buildings/Details)
Shows three object sides without distortion; great for clarity in detail.

Dynamic Perspective Application
Flexible Use of Perspective - Enhances scenes without needing strict adherence.
Mixing Perspectives -Combining perspectives adds energy, e.g., a spaceship crash with a ground view.
Creative Freedom -Dynamic perspective use creates engaging, unique visuals.



- Week 5: COMPOSITION THEORY 3 // FORE, MID & BACKGROUND -

Figure 1.15 - The three grounds

Foreground
- Objects closest to the viewer.
- Typically larger and more detailed.

Middle-Ground
- Objects situated between the foreground and background.
- Helps create depth and separation.

Background
- Objects farthest from the viewer.
- Often less detailed, setting the scene or environment.

Design Flow
- Leads the viewer’s eye around the composition, moving smoothly from one element to another.
- Achieved by arranging foreground, middle-ground, and background effectively to indicate movement and rhythm.

Visual Influence
- Good flow guides the viewer’s way of understanding content.
- Essential in interface and information design to combine type, lines, contrast, color, and imagery harmoniously.



- Week 6: THREE-ACTS STRUCTURE -

Figure 1.16 - Traditional three-acts structure chart

Theme
- Core idea or meaning of the story.
- Major Theme: Central idea repeated throughout.
- Minor Theme: Subtle idea, less frequent.

Conflict
- Drives the story, creating tension and audience engagement.
- Essential for keeping the story compelling.

Characters
- Protagonist: Main character with a goal or conflict.
- Antagonist: Opposes the protagonist, creating obstacles.

Three-Act Structure
- Setup: Introduces protagonist’s world and reveals conflict.
- Rising Tension: Challenges escalate.
- Climax: Peak tension and turning point.
- Resolution: Conflict is resolved, journey concludes.

REFLECTION

Reflecting on Task 2, I found that this project allowed me to build on what I learned in Task 1 and further improve my skills in Adobe Illustrator. Although I initially struggled with Illustrator in Task 1, creating Clawmorph's background in Task 2 and the class exercise helped me become much more confident and efficient with the software. I became more comfortable using tools like the Pen tool, Shape Builder, and gradients, which let me add details and texture to the scene with greater ease.

However, one of the main challenges I faced was time management. I didn’t plan my time effectively, and as a result, I had to ask for an extension to complete the work. This experience has taught me the importance of better planning and organizing my tasks, especially for detailed projects like this.

Overall, Task 2 was a rewarding experience that pushed me to experiment more with Illustrator and improved my understanding of how to use visual details and lighting to tell a story. Combining what I love with new techniques made the project both enjoyable and educational.


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