15.03.2026 - 29.03.2026（Week 07 - Week 08)
Lee Xiang Ling / 0384095
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 3/ Development & Design
Lee Xiang Ling / 0384095
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Task 3/ Development & Design
LIST / JUMPLINK
INSTRUCTIONS
RECAP
Task 3 requires us to choose one idea from the 3 sketches in Task
2 and develop it further.
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We need to refine the chosen idea through color exploration,
composition, typeface, positioning, and other visual
adjustments with design principles in mind.
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We need to finalize the design, give it a suitable title, and
present it in A4 size, JPEG format, at at least 300 dpi.
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A 200-word rationale is also required to explain the design
decisions, the meaning or purpose of the work, and the design
principles used.
-
The lecturer' s feedback must also be included in the
blog.
- We need to refine the chosen idea through color exploration, composition, typeface, positioning, and other visual adjustments with design principles in mind.
- We need to finalize the design, give it a suitable title, and present it in A4 size, JPEG format, at at least 300 dpi.
- A 200-word rationale is also required to explain the design decisions, the meaning or purpose of the work, and the design principles used.
- The lecturer' s feedback must also be included in the blog.
PROCESS
MY SKETCHES
SKETCHES 1
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| Fig. 1.1 - Sketches 1_JPEG (11/3/2026) |
This artwork is a modified version based on the original composition
template. It is inspired by the “Ten-Year Promise” scene from
the novel The Lost Tomb, depicting the moment
when Zhang Qiling walks out of the Bronze Gate. The
contrast between the light from the door and the dark surroundings
symbolises reunion and hope after a long wait.
SKETCHES 2
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| Fig. 1.2 - Sketches 2_JPEG (11/3/2026) |
This artwork continues the contrast between the dark environment and
strong light used in the original design, creating a tense and
mysterious atmosphere. It is inspired by a scene from the
novel Mo Dao Zu Shi, where Wei Wuxian stands in the Burial Mounds, expressing the character’s
loneliness and struggle in a desperate situation.
SKETCHES 3
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| Fig. 1.3 - Sketches 3_JPEG (11/3/2026) |
This artwork adopts a fully symmetrical and minimalist composition,
using numerous vertical lines to create strong visual guidance. The
staircase and converging perspective lines lead the viewer’s eye
naturally toward the central light source, creating a solemn and surreal
atmosphere. The composition emphasises spatial scale and a sense of
divinity, depicting a moment of the figure walking toward the unknown
and the light.
SKETCHES I CHOOSED
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Fig. 1.4 - Sketches 1_JPEG (11/3/2026) |
In this project, I selected the sketches 1 as my final outcome. Compared
to the reference design, I retained the strong contrast between light
and darkness and the central composition, while further strengthening
the structure and visual guidance of the image to create a clearer and
more stable composition. At the same time, I simplified certain details
to ensure that the viewer’s attention is more focused on the light from
the door and the central figure, enhancing the focal point and visual
hierarchy.
In addition, this design presents a more unified atmosphere, emphasising
a sense of mystery and solemnity. It also better reflects the design
principles identified in my earlier analysis, such as contrast, visual
guidance, and spatial scale. Therefore, I believe this design is more
refined and complete in terms of composition, visual expression, and
thematic presentation, making it the most suitable choice as the final
outcome.
PROCESS
In this project, I began by applying base colours to the character to
establish its position and proportion within the composition, using it
as a reference point for the overall layout.
I then blocked in the background using dark tones to define the lighting structure and set the atmospheric mood from an early stage.
I then blocked in the background using dark tones to define the lighting structure and set the atmospheric mood from an early stage.
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| Fig. 1.5 - Process_JPEG (29/3/2026) |
Building upon this foundation, I focused on refining the bronze door,
gradually developing its structure and decorative details to emphasise
it as the main focal point. At the same time, I enhanced the surrounding
environment, including the walls, pillars, and ground, through layered
detailing to create a stronger sense of depth and realism.
Fig. 1.6 & 1.7 - Process_JPEG (29/3/2026)
Next, I introduced elements such as smoke and chains to enrich the
composition. These elements not only added visual complexity but also
helped guide the viewer’s eye and strengthen the overall atmosphere.
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| Fig. 1.8 - Process_JPEG (29/3/2026) |
In the later stage, I darkened the scene to enhance contrast, allowing
the light from the door to stand out more prominently. Finally, I
adjusted the lighting, colour balance, and tonal values to unify the
composition, strengthen the focal point, and enhance the overall
dramatic and narrative effect, completing the artwork.
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Detailing process video_MP4 (29/03/2026)
Process video_MP4 (29/03/2026)
FINAL OUTCOME
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| Fig. 2.1 - My Final Outcome_JPEG (29/03/2026) |
Title: Ten-Year Threshold
Year: 29 March 2026
Size: 7016 × 4961
Medium: Procreate
Duration: 35h 49m
RATIONALE
I titled this artwork “Ten-Year Threshold”, inspired by the “Ten-Year Promise” from the novel The Lost Tomb, depicting the iconic moment when Zhang Qiling emerges from the Bronze Gate. The work adopts the core visual strategy of contrast between light and darkness from the reference design, using a symmetrical composition and a strong central light source to create a dramatic spatial scene.
In this composition, the bronze gate serves as the primary focal point. The intense light emerging from the narrow opening contrasts sharply with the surrounding dark environment, effectively guiding the viewer’s attention toward the centre and establishing a clear visual hierarchy.
During the design process, I referenced the contrast in scale between the environment and the human figure, making the character appear small in comparison to emphasise the grandeur and oppressive nature of the space. Additional elements such as chains and smoke were incorporated to enrich the visual details and enhance the overall atmosphere. The movement of the smoke also helps guide the viewer’s eye, creating a more fluid and dynamic visual experience.
The composition uses strong leading lines, including the vertical axis of light and diagonal lines from the ground, to guide the viewer’s eye directly toward the central figure and the opening door.
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| Fig. 2.2 - The leading lines created by light and shadow are not yet fully enhanced_JPEG (29/03/2026) |
The composition uses strong leading lines, including the vertical axis of light and diagonal lines from the ground, to guide the viewer’s eye directly toward the central figure and the opening door.
To better recreate the texture and visual qualities of the bronze gate, I conducted research on relevant references, including the colour, lighting, and material characteristics of bronze surfaces.
In terms of colour and lighting, I reduced the overall brightness of the environment to enhance the visual impact of the central light source. Final adjustments were made to unify the tonal balance and contrast, ensuring a stronger focal point.
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| Fig. 2.3 - The sample of broze surfaces_PNG (29/03/2026) |
In terms of colour and lighting, I reduced the overall brightness of the environment to enhance the visual impact of the central light source. Final adjustments were made to unify the tonal balance and contrast, ensuring a stronger focal point.
Fig. 2.4 & 2.5 - The color moodboard_PNG (29/03/2026)
Fig. 2.6 & 2.7 - Enhance the contrast between light and shadow_JPEG (29/03/2026)
(L) Before & (R) After
(L) Before & (R) After
The artwork is centred around the narrative theme of long-term guardianship and reunion. It not only represents exploration and the unknown, but also conveys a sense of hope, transformation, and the beginning of a new journey.
FEEDBACK
Week 07
No tutorial class, continue to complete Task 3 and the final assignment.
Week 08
No tutorial class, continue to complete Task 3 and the final assignment.