Design Principles - GCD60804 - TASK 2（Visual Analysis & Ideation）
Design Principles - GCD60804 - TASK 2（Visual Analysis & Ideation)
3.2.2026 - 22.3.2026
week1 - week7
HIYORI HYAKUICHI / 0373128
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media/
Taylor's University
INSTRUCTIONS
Maruku osamareba īnoni.
aka / 2024
A4 / B1
Color contrast, Symmetrical Balance, Pictorial Symbols
Closure, Figure/Ground(Gestalt Theory)
1. Observation
・This design piece is oriented vertically. A single character is placed at the center. Since parts of the clothing are interrupted, it appears that the character is positioned behind a door. At the top, shapes such as triangles and circles are used.
・In terms of visual elements, the colors mainly consist of navy blue and red tones. Except for the character’s face, the colors and drawing style are consistent throughout. The darker colors around the character draw the viewer’s attention to the character and the center of the composition. (86 words)
2. Analysis
Reason for choosing this work: Five Principles
This work was selected based on contrast. Various design principles are applied throughout the piece.
・Color contrast
・Symmetrical Balance
・Pictorial symbols
・Closure (Gestalt theory)
・Figure / Ground (Gestalt theory)
First: Color Contrast
Dark color: navy blue. Bright color:
red.
By using two similar yet contrasting tones, mainly a dark color
and a bright color, the principle of color contrast is achieved.
Second: Symmetrical Balance
The facial features, the overall
outline, and the width of the composition are arranged in symmetrical
balance.
Third: Pictorial Symbols
The buttons and marks located above
the character simplify and represent elevator buttons.
Fourth: Closure (Gestalt Theory)
From the button-like shapes
and collar-like forms below the face, viewers can understand that the
character is wearing a shirt.
Fifth: Figure / Ground (Gestalt Theory)
The navy-colored areas
on both sides suggest depth, resembling the doors of an elevator. The
character functions as the figure, while the elevator becomes the ground.
(165 words)
3. Interpretation
This is a work by illustrator aka, exhibited in 2024 at the “Maruku Osamareba Ii no ni” exhibition. This piece primarily utilizes color contrast and the Closure principle. A notable feature of aka’s work is that the human face is drawn with intricate detail, while the background, small objects, and surrounding elements are rendered in solid colors. Additionally, there is often no clear distinction between the character and the background, or between clothing and accessories (the principle of not using distinct lines is frequently applied).
This work is thought to reflect the famous painting “The Starry Night” (1889) by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh, which is characterized by swirling skies and cypress trees, particularly in its use of color contrast. The similarity with aka’s work lies in the use of color contrast: cold colors (blue, light blue, black) are paired with warm colors (mainly yellow tones), which has been incorporated into the design of this piece.
Furthermore, aka’s works depict the anxieties and everyday frustrations experienced by contemporary people. By illustrating ordinary daily moments as well as special occasions, and expressing a variety of emotions and states, the work effectively conveys human psychology that is difficult to express with words. (178 words)
References
“The Starry Night” (1889) by Dutch painter Vincent van Gogh
Sketches
・Contrast
・Closure (Gestalt Theory)
・Proximity (Gestalt Theory)
・Word and Image
Main contrast colors are yellow and orange (warm colors)
Artwork #1
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Feedback
week5:
Image 3 will be revised and modified, and an explanation of the artwork, including the image and its theme, will be provided.
week6:
You can use Image 2 for Task 3.
Reflection
Here, I created three artworks based on the piece selected in Task 1. The overall theme is “My Favorite.” Each work focuses on things I like, such as breakfast, fruits, and sweets. All of the pieces mainly use contrast techniques, especially warm colors like orange and yellow.
The deeper concept behind this theme is that our everyday lives are filled with things we love, and even the smallest things can support and uplift us. Simple moments like breakfast, sweets after lunch, or fruits after dinner are often taken for granted, yet they shape our daily lives. Although it can be difficult to notice these ordinary details, I believe it is something very meaningful, which inspired me to create these works.(120 words)
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