DESIGN PRINCIPLES - FINAL COMPLIATION

DESIGN PRINCIPLES - FINAL COMPLIATION

9/2/2026 - / /2026  (Week 1 - Week 7)
Nur Adila binti Nazary (0377352)
Design Principles / Bachelor in Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1) Task 1: Exploration
2) Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
3) Task 3: Development & Design
4) Reflection

TASK 1: Exploration

Link to Blogpost | Task 1: Exploration 

Figure 1. Moon and Tree

CREDITS:
Moon and Tree, Guang Hong Zhang, 2016, A4 size (2480px x 3508px), Vector Illustration, 
Source: Moon and Tree

EXPLANATION WHY:

This is Guang Hong Zang's artwork called Moon and Tree. It is a digital artwork clear from its clean lines and smooth gradients.

I chose this design because it represents something new for me. I usually prefer cute and cartoon styles, but this time I wanted to explore a different direction and challenge myself. It was my first time seeing this type of minimalist artwork and I felt like it would allow me to gain new inspiration. Guang Hong Zhang is also not a widely known artist, which makes discovering his work even more interesting.

At first glance, the artwork gives me a strong sense of tranquility. The soft and organic shapes create a calm atmosphere. The harmonious use of blue tones contrasted with the peach moon creates emphasis at the center of the artwork. The subtle grain texture adds depth without overwhelming the composition. The balanced use of negative and positive space brings the entire artwork together beautifully.

To add one, the isolated tree on the cliff might symbolize solitude and reflection, while the large peach moon creates a quiet atmosphere. The overall composition creates a peaceful moment in nature, making the viewers to feel a sense of calmness.

(200 words)

TASK 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation

Link to Blogpost | Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation

Figure 2. Sketch base #4

DESCRIPTION & RATIONALE:
This idea explores scale, perspective and texture within a minimalist landscape composition. The pathway guide the viewer's eye toward the mountains and moon, creating depth and movement. Inspired by Moon and Tree, simplified organic shapes and negative space maintain balance, while added textures bring subtle detail.

(48 words)

TASK 3: Development & Design

Link to Blogpost | Task 3: Development & Design

Figure 3. Where Light Rests

CAPTION:
Where Light Rests_Nur Adila binti Nazary_Task 3

200 word Rationale:

In this final design, I explored the use of scale, perspective and texture inspired by the artwork Moon and Tree. The composition is made using foreground, middle ground and background layers to create depth and sense of space. The flow of water guides the viewer's eye through the landscape towards the moon, creating a sense of movement and visual flow. The moon is placed as the main focal point to shows emphasis within the composition. 

A complementary colour scheme of purple, blue and yellow was applied to create contrast while maintaining harmony. The warm yellow moon contrasts strongly against the cooler tones, strengthens its visibility. Grain like texture was applied using a noise brush to create subtle shading, adding depth while preserving the minimalist style. 

This artwork represents a calm and peaceful natural landscape, reflecting a sense of tranquility and balance. The use of negative space allows the composition to feel open and uncluttered, strengthen the overall atmosphere.

Design principles applied include scale and perspective to create depth, contrast and emphasis to highlight the focal point, as well as balance and unity to maintain a cohesive composition. Texture is also used to bring the visual quality without overwhelming the design.

(200 words)

REFLECTION
Experience
Through this module, I experimented a development from research to idea development and finally to creating a complete design. Task 1 focused more on research and analysis, which I was comfortable with, but it needed a lot of time and effort in understanding and rephrasing concepts. Task 2 and Task 3 were more enjoyable as they involved drawing and developing my own ideas. I especially enjoyed explore a different style from my usual cartoon illustrations, although Task 3 was more challenging because I needed to do a more careful decision making in colour, composition and texture.

Observations
Throughout the module, I observed that design principles are not just theoretical concepts, but they play an important role in guiding how an artwork is structured. I noticed that even minimalist designs needed careful planning, especially in balance, contrast and the use of space. I also realised that analysing existing artwork helps in understanding how these principles are applied effectively to guide the viewer's attention.

Findings
From this module, I learned that applying design principles is very important in creating a successful design. It is not only about how the artwork looks, but also how all of the elements works together to communicate a message. I also learned that I am able to adapt to different styles beyond my comfort zone when I challenge myself. Moving forward, I try to aim to continue exploring new styles and improve my ability to apply design principles more effective in my future work.