Illustration & Visual Narrative / Final Compilation and Reflection

5.4.2023 - 16.7.2023 (Week 1 - Week 16)
Elysa Wee Qi En / 0355060 / Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Illustration and Visual Narrative
Final Compilation and Reflection

INSTRUCTIONS

Fig. 1. Module Information Booklet (5/4/2023)

Task 1: Exercises

5/4/2023 - 17/5/2023 (Week 1 - Week 7)

A: Vormator Challenge Character

Fig. 2.1. Final Vormator Challenge Character (26/4/2023)

Fig. 2.2. Final Vormator Challenge Character Outline View (26/4/2023)

B: Digital Typography

Fig. 3.1. Final Digital Typography (17/5/2023)

Fig. 3.2. Final Digital Typography Outline View (17/5/2023)

Task 2: MyTIGER Values Art Competition

3/5/2023 - 1/6/2023 (Week 5 - Week 9)

Fig. 4.1. Final Poster Submission (1/6/2023)

Fig. 4.2. Final Poster Submission Outline View (1/6/2023)

Task 3: Digital Triptych

7/6/2023 - 30/6/2023 (Week 10 - Week 13)

Fig. 5.1. Final Digital Triptych Panel 1 (30/6/2023)

Fig. 5.2. Final Digital Triptych Panel 2 (30/6/2023)

Fig. 5.3. Final Digital Triptych Panel 3 (30/6/2023)

Fig. 5.4. Final Digital Triptych Panels (30/6/2023)

Fig. 5.5. Final Digital Triptych Outline View (30/6/2023)

Task 4: Animated 1-Page Visual Novel

28/6/2023 - 16/7/2023 (Week 13 - Week 16)

Fig. 6.1. Final Illustrated Page (16/7/2023)

Fig. 6.2. Final Illustrated Page Outline View (16/7/2023)

Fig. 6.3. Final Animated Page (GIF) (16/7/2023)

REFLECTIONS

Experience
Overall, this module was a lot of fun. The main focus was on digital art with Adobe Illustrator, and we were given a lot of creative freedom, especially in terms of art style. Because of this, I could choose to go with a cartoon style for my work. I managed to learn a lot in these 14 weeks. I started as a complete novice at Illustrator, but now I can work comfortably and even efficiently. As the weeks went on, I was able to use the tools I had learnt about in different ways to solve problems or just create something new. I also got to animate a premade illustration, which is something I've been wanting to try for a while now. And I got to experience using After Effects. 

I hope that I will continue to remember what I've learnt from this module, not just about the programs but the tips about character design, and that they will help me to continue to grow and build my portfolio.

Observations
There are really a lot of things you can do in Illustrator. There are so many tools with different uses, and they all are helpful in different situations. These tools are really useful, especially the shape builder tool, the pen, pencil and smooth tools, and even the colour picker. I used the colour picker a lot, since it can copy not just the specific colour but also the colour of the outline, so it was really useful in the making of my digital triptych and illustrated page as I was drawing a lot of the same thing over and over. 

Because of complications and the short amount of time allocated for each assignment, I also had to rely on my own judgement for some of the process rather than rely on feedback. Of course, I occasionally sought the opinions of my friends from the same course, but mostly I had to learn to be independent and make key decisions myself. Through this, I also learnt that I should do what I think is best, because at the end of the day I'm the only one who fully understands what exactly I'm trying to show or portray in my illustrations and compositions.

Findings
Sticking to deadlines is difficult, especially when I have so many other assignments from other modules on the side. I wish to work on my time management and find ways to give myself more motivation, to be able to get the work done. I noticed that my time was not balanced very well, so I hope to improve in these aspects. 

Trial and error is a normal process. In fact, it's useful. Without trial and error and trying to think of a better solution instead of settling for something I felt was subpar, I was able to create final submissions that I'm proud of for each assignment. I hope to remember to continue experimenting with different ideas in the future.