19/10/2024 - 03/11/2024 (Week 4 - Week 6)
Samantha Kristalyn / 0373905
Illustration and Visual Narrative /
Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 2 - Vormator
Character Background
JUMPLINKS
LECTURES
Week 4
We were assigned to create a background for our vormator character from
Task 1. Mr. Hafiz explained about a few storytelling methods using
arrangement and composition. We were given a video that explains about the
topic well: Tell Better Tales with Composition
In composition, there are 4 techniques;
1. Foreground, Middle-ground, and Background
This technique consists of the 3 separate layers on top of one another. It
helps create a sense of depth and in highlighting the different
characters.
2. Symmetry
While working, an invisible line should be imagined as if it is running in
the middle of the artwork so it can help create a balanced image as the end
product. Elements on both sides must be equal in composition.
3. Framing
Framing is all about arranging the objects around the work. The objects
that are used for framing are usually in the foreground. Framing can help
draw attention towards the character in frame; emphasizing the
character.
4. Contrast
Contrast can help create tension between and emphasize the distinct
contrast between 2 characters.
Japanese media would often place greater emphasis on a character's
environment; whilst Western media would typically focus on the characters
more.
During this week's lecture, Mr. Hafiz also showed us how to add gradient
onto objects.
Week 5
1. Basic Camera Shots:
Common shot types include wide, medium, and close-up; each one of them
offering unique storytelling advantages. Wide shots would usually capture landscapes—establishing scenes or setting context, while close-ups would usually
intensify emotional moments.
2. Angles and Composition:
Filmmakers use angles like low and high to alter perspective and mood. For
instance, low angles make subjects seem powerful, while high angles add
vulnerability.
More about perspectives:
a. One-point perspective → This approach illustrates on how objects appear smaller with distance,
converging towards a single vanishing point for depth.
b. Two-point perspective → Using two vanishing points on the horizon, objects recede along
intersecting lines, enabling a more dynamic view.
c. Three-point perspective → Adding a third vertical vanishing point creates a view where the audience
can look "down" or "up", enhancing spatial depth.
d. Isometric grid/view → This grid offers a clear, undistorted view of three sides which is
ideal for detailed architectural concepts.
e. Dynamic application → Blending perspective techniques adds flexibility and visual interest
without any strict adherence to traditional methods.
3. Dynamic Movements:
Techniques such as tracking, dolly, and crane shots add movements and
depth, engaging the viewers and enhancing cinematic
storytelling.
Week 6 (Public Holiday)
INSTRUCTIONS
PRACTICAL
Week 4
1. References
After creating our vormator character from Task 1, we were assigned by Mr.
Hafiz to create a background environment for our character to further
develop depth onto our character's story. Before I started working, I did my
research and looked for some inspirations on the web. Here's a few of the
references that I have used:
Fig. 2.1, References used in creating the background
Accessible links to the references:
2. Sketch
I tried my best to implement the same perspective point of view from the
reference that I had found. I used the Radial Ruler tool on Ibis Paint X to
help me with working with the point of view. I have decided that Noctus–my
character–will suit an eerie roofless mansion in the middle of
nowhere.
At first, I had a hard time with arranging the composition. Thanks to the
Framed Ink book that Mr. Hafiz gave us as reference, I could get an idea of
what to do for this project. I used the rationale of my character from my first blog in helping me create the background as well.
Fig. 2. 2, First sketch of the background
After sketching my idea, I moved along to Adobe Illustrator and digitalized my work, drawing the outlines with the pen tool and coloring them in one by one. I added details on the coloring with gradient to make the elements pop out more. Fig. 2. 3, Step by step progress of making the background in Adobe Illustrator
Fig. 2. 4, Final background work without the character
Fig. 2. 5, Final background work with the character
RATIONALE
We were told to create some lore for our character's world so here's a
brief description of my character's realm:
In the heart of the Twilight Sanctum lies Noctus’ abode—a small, roofless
mansion, weathered and timeless. The structure is of an indeterminate age,
its walls covered with symbolistic potraits and candles. Not a single window
is to be seen—even though if there was one it wouldn’t serve any purpose
anyway since there isn’t anything to see outside. The ceiling is lost to the
void, an expanse where stars faintly pulse like distant embers, providing
just enough light to cast eerie, elongated shadows across the mansion’s cold
stone floors.
Beyond the mansion lies a vast, spectral forest, stretching out into
the void with no end in sight. Dead trees rise like pillars into the
darkness, their bark pale and twisted. Though the forest is sprawling,
it is devoid of life; there are no creatures, only an echoing silence
that seems to vibrate within the air itself. The wind would occasionally
carry faint whispers—fragments of voices long forgotten, memories of
those who have crossed the threshold between life and death.
In this forsaken forest, the ground is blanketed in a thin layer of
mist, hiding the details of its terrain and hinting at hidden pathways.
This forest is a place where souls pass, but they are unseen and
unheard; they linger only in the whispers of dead leaves and the
shifting shadows.
The mansion’s interior holds simple, ancient furnishings—dust-covered
shelves with tomes bound in leather, dusty coffins; each one containing
tales and fragments of lives now forgotten. Noctus alone resides in the
space, bound by his role to guide souls, a solitary warden who wanders
between the walls of his mansion and the vast, empty forest
beyond.
REFLECTIONS
After this task, I have gained a deeper understanding of character and background composition; I also learned how to create immersive perspectives and meaningful points of view. The process of creating my work taught me how to shape scenes that resonates with the mood of the narrative, harmonizing character positioning with the backdrop for a coherent visual experience.
Through this task, I have also improved my creative writing skills, especially in crafting rationales and stories that help enrich world-building. Writing narratives has become more than just adding detail; it's about combining layers that bring depth and life to the world that I'm creating.
Each element contributes to a story, making the environment and the character feel connected. This task has not only broadened my skills with drawing and coloring with the pen tool but has also inspired me to explore storytelling and illustration in more creative ways.
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