09.02.2026 - 29.03.2026（Week 01 - Week 08)
Lee Xiang Ling / 0384095
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Final Compilation
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Final Compilation
LIST / JUMPLINK
INSTRUCTIONS
FINAL COMPILATION
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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.
FINAL REFLECTION
1. What have I learnt in this module?
In this module, I learned many design principles and gained a better
understanding of how to apply them effectively in my work. Design
principles are not as rigid as I once thought. Instead, when used
appropriately, they can bring different visual effects and emotional
expressions to an artwork. In addition, I also learned how to observe and
carry out visual analysis, which has helped me better understand
composition, focal points, and ways of visual expression during the
creative process.
2. What did I enjoy the most?
What I enjoyed most was the process of searching for and analysing
reference works. This process not only helped me gain a deeper
understanding of design principles, but also exposed me to a wider range
of outstanding works. Through continuous observation and analysis, I was
able to appreciate the creativity and thoughtful craftsmanship of
different designers, and I sincerely admired their attention to detail and
dedication.
3. What did I not enjoy the most?
I think the part I liked the least was the sketching process in task 2,
because I was not entirely clear about the requirement to draw “based on
the reference design.” I was unsure whether this meant sketching the
main visual elements from the reference work, or developing ideas based
on the design principles applied in the reference. This uncertainty made
me feel confused during the process of developing and selecting
sketches, and it also affected my efficiency in moving the design
forward.
4. What have I learnt about myself?
I realised that I tend to pursue details excessively, which often
causes me to spend too much time focusing on specific parts during the
creative process, sometimes affecting the overall progress and unity
of the work. In addition, I became deeply aware that I have been
unconsciously limiting my own imagination, and that I am not always
bold enough to explore more possibilities in my designs. However,
through this process, I also discovered that I have a certain
foundation in colour control and atmosphere creation, which helped me
recognise both my strengths and the areas that still need
improvement.
5. What has changed and what has not changed?
What has changed is that I have gained a deeper understanding of
design principles. Before taking this course, I often felt that
there was something strangely off about my artworks, but I could
never clearly identify the reason. After learning more about
design principles, I gradually came to understand that these
issues were often related to composition, visual hierarchy,
contrast, and overall arrangement. This has allowed me to approach
my work more consciously and make adjustments to improve the
overall visual result.
What has remained unchanged is that I still tend to set invisible
boundaries for myself during the creative process, which limits
the development of my imagination. Many times, I hesitate to try
new approaches because I worry that the outcome may not turn out
well. Although this has not completely changed, I have at least
become more aware that this is an area I need to keep working on
and overcome in the future.
6. What are my aspirations?
My goal is to allow myself to imagine and create more boldly,
instead of constantly setting boundaries that limit my
imagination. In addition, I hope to further improve my drawing
skills, learn more artistic techniques, and continue strengthening
my abilities in visual expression, detail handling, and overall
composition.