LAS60304-Illustration and Visual Narrative —project 3—

       LAS60304-Illustration and Visual Narrative —project 3—

WEEK11-WEEK13

Lecture  Recap

Using the knowledge I have acquired, I created a digital triptych based on the story "The Pit and the Pendulum". The design is divided into three equally sized panels that portray a sequential and progressive narrative.

For this assignment, our task is as follows:

Choose a suitable story from the website provided by the instructor.

Create a final artwork consisting of three interconnected panels.

Each panel should have its own meaning and include a brief description or narrative.

WEEK 10

In the tenth week, we learned about the style of chiaroscuro and its significance in our course. We explored how to incorporate chiaroscuro techniques into visual artworks, such as using light and shade to create contrast on objects or characters. By employing chiaroscuro, the artwork becomes more three-dimensional and visually impactful. 

The level of contrast can be adjusted according to the desired effect, as different styles are suitable for different contexts. We utilized tools in Adobe Illustrator to execute these detailed operations, which aided in applying chiaroscuro effects. For instance, the knife tool, shape builder tool, and clipping mask tool in Adobe Illustrator are all helpful for achieving chiaroscuro techniques.

Figure 1.1 Practical exercise on week 10

Figure 1.2 Practical exercise on week 10

Figure 1.3 Practical exercise on week 10

 We used the Pen tool and the shape builder tool to create shadows for the image.

WEEK 11

In Week 11, we explored new knowledge in Adobe Illustrator, specifically focusing on drawing modes, the width tool, and patterns. Drawing modes allowed us to have better control over the interaction between new shapes and existing artwork. The width tool provided us with the ability to adjust the thickness and add more details to our strokes, enhancing the visual impact of our creations. Patterns enabled us to incorporate repetitive elements into our designs, adding texture and visual appeal. Overall, Week 11 expanded our skills and equipped us with a broader range of knowledge to apply in Adobe Illustrator.

Figure 2.1Example on class exercise

In Adobe Illustrator, there are various drawing tools available, two of which are the Brush Tool and the Blob Brush Tool.

Blob Brush Tool: This tool allows for the intuitive and seamless creation of filled shapes with a single brush stroke, making it suitable for merged design compositions.

Brush Tool: This tool enables the creation of different artistic works with a variety of styles, particularly useful for smooth lines and curves.

Figure 2.2 class exercise 

INSTRUCTIONS

Design research

I will further research the selected story to gain a deeper understanding of its plot and development. Next, I will outline the storyline and progression of the story.

- Overall -

In the story, the protagonist undergoes a harrowing experience during the trial and imprisonment by the Spanish Inquisition. This journey takes the protagonist from a state of light and hope to one of darkness and despair. The oppressive and terrifying nature of the Inquisition's interrogation methods, including the use of unknown torture devices, leads the protagonist to the brink of madness and desperation.

The Spanish Inquisition is depicted as a religious court that enforces the doctrines and practices of the church. Its purpose is to seek out and punish those who deviate from the accepted religious beliefs. The punishments inflicted by the Inquisition are known to be severe, and the atmosphere of endless despair and suffering permeates the story.

The story explores themes of fear, persecution, and the depths of human suffering in the face of religious fanaticism. The protagonist's descent into madness and the unimaginable tortures endured reflect the psychological and physical toll exacted by the Inquisition.

-Story plot -

 Trial and inner despair

The trial and imprisonment of the Spanish Inquisition will make a person go from light to darkness, until he is mad and desperate, and it is impossible to eliminate the terror that will be produced when facing harsh interrogation including unknown torture devices. The Inquisition is the law of a religious court, and the work of the court is to find and punish those who do not believe in the religious beliefs and practices of the church. And the punishment is often very severe, in endless despair, will be unimaginable torture and punishment.

Struggle and despair

The protagonist awakens from a coma to find himself trapped in the dark prison of a inquisition. He stretched his arms around him, marking them with strips of clothing and groping along the walls, hoping to get an idea of the size of the prison. He was so tightly attached to the bed that only his head and lower left arm could move freely that he found many pictures on the walls, and the pendulum swung, which he realized were not part of the photograph. The movement was short and slow, and the shiny blade was swinging with it. As the blade continued to fall, his life was about to die, but he decided to escape death, he rubbed the food oil on the rope, and then lay quietly waiting for the rats to bite through the strap, and the rats swarmed on top of him.

One's life hangs in the balance

But an unseen force was pulling at the ceiling, and he realized that his every movement was being watched, that he was just in an endless struggle in a cage, that he was retreating from the fiery walls to the middle of the cell, where the temperature was getting hotter and it was changing from square to diamond, the iron walls forcing him toward the trap, toward death. The person about to fall into a deep pit,but noisy voice from outside, one arm caught him .It was that of General Lasalle.the French army had entered the city of Toledo.The Inquisition was in the hands of its enemies.

DESIGN CREATION PROCESS

For the story I chose, "The Pit and the Pendulum," I will showcase the main plot points in three panels of the same canvas size, measuring 300px by 600px each. The story has a dark background, and I will primarily use black and white tones to convey the atmosphere of the detailed scenes while also capturing the viewers' attention. I will pay attention to the color palette, ensuring it complements the story's tone and highlights the main plot points.

   I will create rough sketches of the three illustrations using the Procreate tool.

Figure 3.1 sketch on procreate

Figure 3.2 the act 1 sketch on procreate

                                           Figure 3.3 the act 2 sketch on procreate

                                           Figure 3.4 the act 3 sketch on procreate

Once I finished my sketches, I embarked on the journey of transforming them into vibrant illustrations using Adobe Illustrator. With a wide array of tools and techniques at my disposal, I meticulously crafted intricate and detailed artwork. The versatility of Adobe Illustrator enabled me to enhance my initial sketches, infuse them with captivating colors, and compose visually striking compositions.

Every aspect of my fairy tale-inspired design was carefully considered. I devoted attention to the characters, settings, and the art of visual storytelling. By leveraging the powerful capabilities of Adobe Illustrator, I seamlessly translated my initial sketches into a polished and awe-inspiring design. The software empowered me to bring my imagination to life and create illustrations that captured the essence of the fairy tale world I envisioned.

Figure 3.5 Outline of final design

Figure 3.6 Final Outcome

Upon completing the three acts of my design, our instructor presented us with a fresh challenge: crafting an animated comic centered around one of the scenes. This assignment pushed us to animate the narrative using a combination of sequential art and motion, breathing life into the story.

Figure 3.7 Sketch on procreate

In the animation phase, I made the deliberate choice to prioritize the second scene and explore potential elements from the third act to enrich the animated sequence. Recognizing the scene's profound narrative and visual significance, I opted to breathe life into it through animation.

Figure 3.8 Outline of the animated final outcome

Final Outcome

Figure 3.9 Animated Final Outcome

Reflection

As I reflect on the project, I found immense joy in the exploration of storytelling and animation. Analyzing the story's components and organizing it into a 3-act structure, along with crafting a digital triptych, allowed me to dive deep into the narrative and make visually captivating design decisions. The animation process, specifically focusing on a particular scene, added another layer of depth to the project. It pushed me to carefully consider timing and movement, breathing life into the story. Overall, this project was an enriching experience that expanded my storytelling, illustration, and animation skills. It left me inspired to continue exploring innovative ways to captivate audiences through the power of visual storytelling.