DESIGN PRINCIPLES - Task 3: DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN

DESIGN PRINCIPLES - Task 3: DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN

9/2/2026 - 20/3/2026  (Week 1 - Week 7)
Nur Adila binti Nazary (0377352)
Design Principles / Bachelor in Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 3

TABLE OF CONTENTS
1) Instructions
2) Lecture
3) Recap & Selected Idea
4) Process
5) Final Outcome
6) Feedback
7) Reflection

INSTRUCTION



LECTURES

All lecture notes are done in Task 1.

RECAP & SELECTED IDEA
Assignment 3 Overview:
For Task 3, we have to develop and refine the selected idea / sketch in Task 2 into a final design. For this, we applied our understanding of design principles while exploring colour, composition and other visual elements to improve the design. The final artwork must be in A4 size in JPEG format with at least 300dpi resolution with a suitable title. To add on, we need to write a 200 word rationale explaining the design decisions, the meaning of the design and the design principles applied in the final outcome.

Below here is the selected idea / sketch in Task 2.

SELECTED IDEA / SKETCH

Figure 1. Sketch base #4

PROCESS
Assignment 3 Overview:
Focus: Developing Sketch #4

SKTECH #4
Sketch #4 was chosen as the idea to be further developed for Task 3. The lecturer mentioned that this sketch had landscape elements that relate to the chosen artwork. Compared to the other ideas, Sketch #4 also had more balanced composition while remaining visually clear and not overly complicated to develop further. For now, Sketch #4 needs to be fully developed with colours, texture, space and more.

RESEARCH AND INSPIRATION:
The Moon and Tree artwork explores on several key aspects which are:
1) Minimalist style artwork (organic shapes and nature based forms)
2) Balanced composition (calm atmosphere)
3) Texture (grain or noise texture)
4) Contrast in colours

Based on these points, I decided to further explore these elements in my own artwork. I aimed to follow Guang Hong Zhang's style to maintain consistency, while still creating something unique and suitable for my own design direction.

1) Minimalist style artwork
For Moon and Tree, the artwork mainly uses organic shapes with no sharp edges or complex forms. The smooth curves and flowing lines help to emphasise a clam and peaceful atmosphere, which is one of the key characteristics of the artwork.

Figure 2. Markup on shapes and forms

It also focused more on landscapes and natural elements to create a strong sense of tranquility. It does not overcomplicate the composition, since there's only a few elements are used to create a strong visual impact. This way makes the viewers to focus on the main subject without distraction.

2) Balanced composition
In Moon and Tree, scale and perspective are used to create clear layers within the composition. The foreground include of the hill the middle ground contains the mountains and the background features the moon.

Figure 3. Markup on scale and perpectives

This layering creates depth and gives the composition a sense of space and distance. It also provides breathing space, which strengthen the calm and balanced atmosphere. The use of negative and positive space helps to organise the elements clearly and brings the entire artwork together harmoniously. 

3) Texture
For this artwork, Guang Hong Zhang mainly uses grain texture to create shading and highlights across the artwork. This technique adds subtle details and depth without overwhelming the composition.

Figure 4. Markup on grain textures

The texture also creates consistency throughout the artwork, making all of the elements feel connected while maintaining a minimalist style.

4) Contrast colours
The artwork uses a limited colour palette of around 3 to 4 colours to maintain harmony and unity. Even if the artwork using fewer colours, strong contrast is still achieved.

Figure 5. Markup on focal point

The darker tones contrast with the peach coloured moon, which helps to create a clear focal point. This contrast draws the viewer's attention directly to the moon while keeping the overall composition balanced.

Based on these observation, I applied the following design principles in my artwork:
1) Scale and perspective
2) Textures
3) Contrast / Colours
4) Emphasis

COMPOSITION
1) Scale and Perspective
In Sketch #4, I explored scale and perspective by arranging elements into 3 layers which are foreground (yellow), middle ground (pink) and background (blue). This helps create a clear sense of depth within the composition.

Figure 6. Sketch #4 scale and perspective markup

INSPIRATION:

Figure 7. Scale and perspective reference #1
Source: Scale and perspective #1

Figure 8. Scale and perspective reference #2
Source: Scale and perspective #2

Figure 9. Scale and perspective reference #3
Source: Scale and perspective #3

I made sure that all shapes are organic and related to nature, I avoid using sharp or rough edges to maintain a clam and consistent style. I also followed the rule where elements closer to the foreground appear darker, the middle ground uses mid tones and the background appears lighter. This helps to strengthen the sense of distance and spatial depth.

2) Textures
Texture is really important in Moon and Tree artwork especially for highlights and shadows. I experimented with different brushes to find one similar to the grain texture used by Guang Hong Zhang.

Figure 10. Brush testing

INSPIRATION:

Figure 11. Texture reference #1
Source: Texture #1

Figure 12. Texture reference #2
Source: Texture #2

Figure 13. Texture reference #3
Source: Texture #3

After testing several options, I chose a noise texture brush in Procreate. This brush provides a more even distribution and better control compared to other brushes. It also creates a subtle effect that adds detail without making the artwork look too busy or overwhelming.

3) Contrast / Colours
Colour is an important element in creating harmony and unity within the composition. Guang Hong Zhang uses a limited colour palette but still achieves strong contrast.

Figure 14. Colours in Moon and Tree
Source: Moon and Tree

In the earlier task, my lecturer suggested to use triadic color scheme due to its vibrant colour combinations. However, for this task, I chose a complementary colour scheme as it more effectively highlights a focal point while maintaining overall visual balance.

INSPIRATION:

Figure 15. Colour reference #1
Source: Complementary colour scheme #1

Figure 16. Colour reference #2
Source: Complementary colour scheme #2

Figure 17. Colour reference #3
Source: Complementary colour scheme #3

In the end, I chose purple, blue and yellow based on complementary colour relationships. Yellow sits opposite purple on the colour wheel which creates a strong contrast and visual impact, while blue provides a harmonious balance between them. This complementary colour palette strengthens the vibrancy of the composition, making the yellow to stand out as the focal point without overwhelming the overall balance. At the same time, the combination avoids a monotonous colour scheme while maintaining cohesion through thoughtful colour relationships.

4) Emphasis
For emphasis, I used yellow for the moon as the focal point of the artwork. The strong contrast between yellow and the surrounding darker colours immediately draws the viewer's attention.

Figure 18. Emphasis on moon

This helps guide the viewer's eye through the composition and supports the importance of the moon within the overall design.

IDEATION
After getting all of the references and identifying the design principles, I began developing the final artwork. These elements helped maintain a consistent visual style inspired by Moon and Tree while allowing room for my own interpretation.

Before starting the final artwork, the artboard was set to A4 size with RGB colour mode to make sure proper formatting and quality.

Figure 19. Compositions settings

DRAWING / DEVELOPING:
1) Creating shapes
I started by using the Pen Tool to recreate the shapes from my base sketch. Each shape was kept smooth and proportionate to maintain consistency with the minimalist style.

Figure 20. Sketch base #4

Each element was placed in separate layers for easier editing and shading later in the process.

Figure 21. Process #1

Figure 22. Process #2

2) Adding Colour
Using the complementary colour scheme and the rules of scale and perspective, colours were applied accordingly. Darker tones were used in the foreground, mid tones in the middle ground and lighter tones in the background. This helps to reinforce depth and ensures the composition remain visually clear.

Figure 23. Process #3

3) Texture shading

The artwork was then exported to Procreate for shading. Noise texture was applied to different elements to create depth and layering.

Figure 24. Process #4

Figure 25. Process #5

Figure 26. Process #6

Highlights were added using yellow tones to enhance lighting and create emphasis on the moon. This also helps to create a sense of atmosphere within the scene.

Figure 27. Process #7

Additional texture and shading were added to the background to emphasise more on the focal point and improve visual contrast.

Figure 28. Process #8

Then, continued to do the same style of shading for the water in the artwork.

Figure 29. Process #9

4) Added reflection

To create water reflection, shapes were duplicated and flipped vertically. A soft light blending effect was applied to make the reflection appear more natural. This helps to enhance realism and adds more visual interest to the composition.

Figure 30. Process #10

Figure 31. Process #11

WHAT TECHNIQUES I'VE USED:
The artwork was created in Adobe Illustrator using the Pen Tool to form smooth and organic shapes. Each element was placed in separate layers to keep the composition organised. Colours were applied based on a complementary colour scheme and adjusted according to scale and perspective to create depth. The artwork was then exported to Procreate, where a noise texture brush was used to add grain like shading. Highlights and shadows were added to enhance lighting and atmosphere.

FINAL OUTCOME
FINAL SKETCH #4:

Figure 32. Final Sketch #4

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.

FEEDBACK
No feedback was given since it is a self learning week.

WHAT I IMPROVED
Throughout this task, I improved my understanding on how to apply design principles such as scale and perspective and contrast in a full composition. I also became more confident in using colour schemes and textures to create depth and atmosphere. My ability to plan and develop a design from sketch to final outcome has also improved.

WHAT COULD BE DONE BETTER
I could have explored more variations in colour and composition before finalising my design. Although the final outcome is consistent, trying more options could have helped me discover stronger visual possibilities. In future tasks, I will try to spend more time experimenting before deciding on the final design direction.

REFLECTION
Experience
Task 3 was the most challenging but enjoyable process as it involved developing my own idea into a final design. Compared to the other pervious tasks, this needed more decision making, especially in colours, composition and texture. Although it was difficult at first, I gradually became more comfortable as I continued refining my work.

Observations
Throughout this task, I noticed that even a minimalist design needed carful planning. Elements such as colour, balance and texture plays an important role in creating a strong composition. I also realised how important it is to maintain consistency through the design.

Findings
From this task, I learned that applying design principles is important and essential in creating an effective design. It is not only about how the artwork looks, but also how the elements work together. This task helped me understand how to develop ideas more clearly and apply them into a final outcome.