Design Principles - Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
26.2.2026 - 5.3.2026/ Week 4 - Week 5
Aida Tan Jie Fei / 0385645
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylor's University
Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
LIST
INSTRUCTIONS
Figure 1.1 Module Information
Figure 1.2 Module Assessment Tasks
This is a continuation of Task 1. After we chose our artist’s work, we had to describe the artwork and explain the design principles in detail. Then, we had to create our own sketches based on the design principles used in the artist’s work.
LECTURERS
Visual Analysis
- Visual analysis is a way to understand design by focusing on visual element and design principles. It is describing and explaining how a design looks and is organised.
- The purpose and function is to understand the choices the designer made and to see how the design uses visual features to communicate ideas and meaning.
- Visual analysis is an important part of visual literacy. It helps people read and think critically about images.
- Visual analysis skills can be used in many places, such as:
- Today, we can see visual media everywhere. Practising visual analysis helps us:
- Do not read about the work beforehand
- Focus on looking and describing
- Objectively express the details we notice
- How the different visual elements work together
- How they form design principles
- How these principles affect the viewer
- How the viewer's eye moves through the work and why
- What does this design try to communicate?
- What ideas, feelings, or messages does it convey?
ARTIST WORK SELECT
VISUAL ANALYSIS
Observation
The La Bohème poster uses a vertical composition with more visual weight placed at the bottom. A lit candle is located at the base of the image, acting as both the starting point of the composition and its structural support. From the flame, smoke-like curved lines rise upward in a smooth and continuous flow. The viewer’s eyes naturally follow this upward direction.
The colour palette mainly includes violet, lilac, and cream-white tones, contrasted with strong black shapes. The female figure appears in soft cream-white, while the male figure is shown in solid black, creating a clear light and dark contrast. The couple is shown as overlapping silhouettes rather than detailed figures. Their outlines are incomplete, and three gradually fading versions of the couple appear as they move upward, changing from solid to transparent.
The composition combines sharp geometric shapes with soft curved lines. Darker and heavier forms are placed at the bottom, while the upper part becomes lighter and more open. The use of negative space gives the image breathing space and draws attention to the emotional connection between the two figures at the center.
Analysis
Movement is the most important design principle in this poster. The candle at the bottom acts as the starting point of the visual journey. From the flame, the rising smoke forms curved lines that move upward in a clear direction. This upward flow guides the viewer’s eyes from the solid and heavy forms below to the lighter and softer shapes above. Through this movement, the composition creates both depth and emotional progression.
Emphasis is created along this path of movement. The direction of the smoke, the framing shapes, and the strong light and dark contrast all lead the viewer’s attention to the embracing couple in the center. The clear difference between the black male silhouette and the cream-white female figure strengthens this focal point and keeps the viewer focused on their interaction.
Asymmetrical balance keeps the composition stable. Most of the visual weight is placed at the bottom, where the candle and dark silhouettes appear. As the viewer’s eyes move upward, the forms become lighter and less solid. This gradual change from heavy to light keeps the image balanced while also creating emotional tension between stability and softness.
The Gestalt theory principle of closure can be seen in the way the figures are constructed. The bodies are not fully outlined but are formed through broken shapes and overlapping areas. The viewer mentally completes the missing parts, which makes the figures feel both clear and slightly fading at the same time. The overlapping silhouettes show closeness while still keeping each figure separate.
Repetition is shown through the three fading silhouettes of the couple. This repeated form creates rhythm and suggests the passing of time. The change from solid to transparent can symbolize memory and the temporary nature of love, continuing the idea of upward movement.
Contrast appears in both colour and form. The strong difference between black and cream creates emotional intensity and clearly separates the two figures. The contrast between sharp geometric shapes and soft curved lines also adds visual interest. These contrasts prevent the composition from feeling flat or simple.
By combining movement, emphasis, balance, repetition, contrast, closure, and unity, the composition feels complete and connected. Although there is tension between light and dark, heavy and light forms, all the elements work together to create a harmonious and organized design.
Interpretation
Through the careful use of design principles, the poster expresses the romantic and melancholic mood of La Bohème. The upward movement from the candle to the fading silhouettes may represent the transformation of real life into memory. The heavy bottom structure suggests the weight of reality, while the dissolving figures above show how love can be fragile and temporary.
The contrast between the male and female figures may reflect emotional differences and inner tension. At the same time, their overlapping forms suggest deep connection. They remain separate individuals, yet their lives are closely linked in this intimate moment.
The repeated fading silhouettes strengthen the idea of memories slowly disappearing over time. Movement gives direction, contrast creates energy, balance provides stability, and repetition builds rhythm. Together, these elements form a unified visual language that turns emotional tension into quiet harmony, capturing a moment of love that feels both temporary and lasting.
(715 words)
SKETCHES
Sketch 1
FEEDBACK
Week 4
Specific Feedback:
The artist’s selected work must be the same as the example artwork, and for the design principle of words and images, the words need to be related to the image.
General Feedback:
For Task 2, the visual analysis needs to include detailed descriptions and demonstrate how all the design principles are applied in the selected artwork. It should reflect deep observation, as well as critical and analytical thinking. Although the requirement is 300–400 words, we are not limited by this and can exceed it.
Week 5
Specific Feedback:
The sketches need a stronger connection between background and character to convey a story. Keep the character in Sketch 1 but change the background (e.g., seasonal bird migration). Sketch 2 doesn’t work, and Sketch 3 is usable but should include more actions.
REFLECTION
In this task, I found it quite challenging because when creating the sketches, I had to consider the relationship between the character, elements, and background. At the same time, I also needed to apply design principles, which made the process more difficult, especially the principles of Gestalt theory. When I was developing the sketches, I found it hard to visually express Gestalt theory through my drawings, which was a real challenge for me. However, Mr. Max gave me a lot of guidance on how to improve my sketches and how to continue developing my ideas.
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