IIIustration & Visual Narrative Task 2: Composition Submission

 

NAME: Zhou Xinyi

I.D: 0378623

GROUP: G5

LISTS

1.Lectures

2.Instructions

3.Task 2: Composition Submission

4.Reflection

1.Lectures

1.1 Week 5

This week, we explored the concept of chiaroscuro, an artistic technique that uses the contrast of light and shadow to create a sense of depth and three-dimensional form on a flat surface. The term comes from Italian, meaning “light” (chiaro) and “dark” (oscuro). Commonly used in painting, chiaroscuro helps define the volume and structure of objects or figures by emphasizing tonal differences, enhancing realism and visual impact.

1.2 Week 6

In Week 6, our instructor introduced us to the process of creating backgrounds for the characters we designed using Adobe Illustrator. A major focus was on how to organize a scene by distinguishing between the foreground, middle ground, and background. This lesson helped me better understand depth and layering in visual composition. By learning how to place different elements strategically, I was able to make my character designs feel more grounded in a complete environment. It was also a great opportunity to explore how background design can complement and enhance the storytelling aspect of a character illustration.

1.3 Week 7

In Week 7, we continued working with Adobe Illustrator, focusing specifically on using gradients to improve the visual quality of our backgrounds. The instructor showed us how to apply gradient colors to create more dynamic and atmospheric scenes. Through experimenting with light transitions and smooth color blending, I learned how to add mood and depth to a flat image. These techniques helped bring our illustrations to life and made the overall composition much more engaging. This week’s focus on color and atmosphere truly expanded my understanding of how powerful background design can be in setting the tone for a piece.

2.Instructions

3.Task 2: Composition Submission

Brief: Task 2: Exercises (Composition) – 20%

• Timeframe: Week 05 – Week 07
• Deadline: Week 07

In this assignment, you will create the world or environment for ONE of your character. This task focuses on learning and applying the principles of composition, allowing you to build a dynamic, well-balanced scene that reflects the mood, story, and personality of your character. The world you design may be based on your character designs in Task 1, or it can be a completely new setting that aligns with a different narrative direction.


Requirements: Using the guidelines from "Framed Ink: Drawing and Composition for Visual Storytellers", you will explore how to arrange elements within your environment to guide the viewer's eye, create depth, and tell a compelling visual story. The composition of your world should emphasize balance, contrast, focus, and flow.


Submission:

• Sketches
• Vector Illustration of the Environment
• Illustration included 3 different environmental placement
• Evidence of Composition Principles

WORK1 Spike

3.1.1 Sketches

Regarding his inspiration, I collected creative illustrations related to music, rock and stage performances to seek inspiration.

 Reference images

Then my sketch aims to create a stage effect. Of course, I think for the stage to have a dynamic feel, some audience is also necessary.

 Sketches1.1

Sketches1.2

3.1.2 Vector Illstration of the Environment

3.1.3Illustration included 3 different environmental placement&Evidence of Composition Principles

WORK2 Luna

3.2.1 Sketches

For Luna's background, I drew inspiration from elements such as paradise and clouds.

Reference images

However, for the sketch, I hope to make the picture convey a sense of sanctity and distinct layers, so I choose to use columns to enhance this sense of depth and layering.

Sketches2.1

Sketches2.2

3.2.2 Vector Illstration of the Environment

3.1.3Illustration included 3 different environmental placement&Evidence of Composition Principles

WORK3 Bai

3.3.1 Sketches

Since Bai is a little cat that catches stars, I referred to some pictures of starry rivers or the Milky Way to find a style that would make the little boat look harmonious when placed inside.

Reference images

So during the process of creating the sketch, I chose to use the "Cloud Sea" to represent a river. This not only allows the clouds to highlight the layers, but also ensures that the small boat doesn't clash with the scene. At the same time, it can capture the stars.

Sketches3.1

Sketches3.2

3.3.2 Vector Illstration of the Environment

3.3.3Illustration included 3 different environmental placement&Evidence of Composition Principles

4.Reflection

This task deepened my understanding of the creative process and significantly enhanced my skills in Adobe Illustrator. Although I already had some basic knowledge of the software, Mr. Hafiz's detailed explanations of various tools and techniques greatly improved my proficiency.

From sketching the initial outlines to adding the final highlights and shadows, each step pushed me to work more efficiently and thoughtfully. Despite the need for constant revisions and occasional do-overs, the entire process felt incredibly rewarding and meaningful.