⭐ 5/9/2023 - 28/12/2023 (Week 1 - Week 14)
π Yan Zhi Xuan | 0369425
πDigital Photography and Imaging | Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media | Taylor's University
π Project 1: Digital & Physical Collages
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. WEEK 1
3 FAVOURITE GRAPHIC DESIGN WORKS FROM PINTEREST
Design 1
Got Space? by Copete Cohete
Description: I was attracted to this picture when I saw it. Although the colours are not very bright, the drawing technique is memorable and the artist handled the details. The poster really expressed the theme very well, which is the overpopulation of urban areas. Moreover, I like that the artist utilised an isometric perspective to draw this poster. Its ability to convey more details in the designs through depth gives out a 3D effect in the artwork. Thus, the audience can understand the concept easily.
Design 2
COVID-19 Illustrations by Kinga Offert
Description: The theme is the COVID-19 illustrations. The tetradic colour scheme (green, blue, pink, and orange) is utilised in this artwork. I like the compositions, concept, drawing style, and colour used. As an audience member, I can understand the meaning of this poster. It expresses what most children do when they have a break during an epidemic, something I empathised with when I was in secondary school.
Design 3
People Poster Design 03 Red Version Minimal Graphic Design Project by Zeka Design
Description: This poster is from the People Poster Design Collection. I like the combination of people's photography with abstract and geometric shapes full of colour using the digital collage technique and mixing real photography with abstract forms to create this digital art. Although the concept is minimalism, the composition makes the poster stand out.
2. WEEK 2
PROJECT 1A (PART 1): PHYSICAL COLLAGE
My story for the collage: I am inspired by the vintage collage artwork on Pinterest. I have the piece David (Michelangelo) and decided it as the main piece in my collage as the focal point. After that, I tried out 3 compositions with the same cut pieces by using composition techniques: Rule of Thirds, Golden Ratio and the basic composition techniques. After finishing this practical exercise, I learned that I can create artwork easily with the use of composition techniques.
Pre-composition 1
Description: I used Rule of Thirds composition technique to create this collage.


Fig. 2.1 Left: Pre-composition 1. Right: Rule of Third.
Pre-composition 2
Description: I used the Golden Ratio composition technique to create this collage.
Fig. 2.2 Left: Pre-composition 2. Right: Golden Ratio.
Pre-composition 3
Description: I used basic composition techniques to create this collage.
- Focal point: I put David in the middle as the important piece.
- Scale and Hierarchy: I put the bigger pieces in the front and put the smaller pieces in the background to make a layered effect. Balance the elements: I put the pieces evenly.
Fig. 2.3 Pre-composition 3.
3. WEEK 3
PROJECT 1A (PART 1): PHYSICAL COLLAGE FINAL REVIEW
Feedback from lecturer: Hi Zhi Xuan, that's a great practice. I'm glad you're catching up. You may choose Composition #1 as your final collage.
Reflection: I discovered we get to do a collage by using anything around us. The advantages of doing a physical collage are we can explore different textured materials and this makes the final artwork more engaging.
Fig. 3.1 Physical Collage Final Review.
PROJECT 1A (PART 2): DIGITAL COLLAGE
3 different composition digital collages from the images that I’ve downloaded.
The story for the collages: After doing some research on Pinterest, I decided to use the pieces given to form the concept of fish swimming within the buildings. I think this concept is very special, as it looks like some kind of insurrectionist monster roaming around the city. Then, I chose the mint green fish as the main piece. I added another fish and changed its effect to Difference; it turned out so good. Moreover, I put the building behind the fish. Ultimately, I put different textures and opacities of pieces in the background.
Composition 1
Description: I used basic composition techniques to create this collage. Focal point: I put the mint green fish at the right bottom as the main piece. Scale and Hierarchy: I put the textured pieces in the background. I also changed the opacity of some of the background to make the collage more interesting. The main piece, mint green fish is in the front. Balance the elements: I put different-sized objects, textured elements and flatly coloured elements in this collage. Smaller objects might ‘weigh’ less than larger objects, and heavily textured elements might ‘weigh’ more than flatly coloured elements.
Composition 2
Description: I used the Rule of Thirds composition technique to create this collage.


Fig. 3.3 Left: Composition 2. Right: Rule of Third.
Composition 3Description: I used the Golden Ratio composition technique to create this collage.
Fig. 3.4 Left: Composition 3. Right: Golden Ration.
Practical in Photoshop
Fig. 3.5 Practical in Photoshop.
4. WEEK 4
PROJECT 1A (PART 2): DIGITAL COLLAGE FINAL REVIEW
Feedback from lecturer: Good series of collages. You may choose COMPOSITION #1 for your final collage.
Reflection: By using the useful tools in Photoshop, the digital artwork also can be engaging. Moreover, I discovered the advantages of using Photoshop to create collages are it saves time and makes non-destructive image editing.

Fig. 4.1 Composition 1 before edited.
Description: After doing this Pen Tool exercise in Photoshop with digital collage, I learned that the Pen Tool is a crucial tool for digital artwork in Photoshop. It offers precision and control over creating selections and paths, enabling intricate work. Moreover, bezier curves, custom shapes, clipping paths, and layer masks may all be made with it. Smooth transitions can be achieved by fine-tuning and manipulating pathways with the Pen Tool as well. Besides that, it can also be used to combine, subtract, and intersect paths for complex shapes. It can take some time to reach the ideal level of precision, but it will be worthwhile if users are consistent and patient. The Pen Tool is also useful for background removal, creating custom elements, and arranging elements within a collage. In summary, mastering the Pen Tool is a valuable skill for anyone working on collage projects in Photoshop.
Fig. 4.2 Practical in Photoshop.
Fig. 4.3 Before VS After Using Adjustment Layers and Filter.
Description: I used Brightness/ Contrast, Curves, Vibrance and Photo Filter. After the adjustment layers and the layer, it's more of a story. I made the building more unsaturated so this makes the mint green fish stand out. Besides that, I made the textured background less vibrant. Moreover, I made the contrast level of the mint green fish higher so that once the viewers see this design, they will immediately recognize the mint green fish as the main character in this collage。
Fig. 4.4 Digital Collage Final Review.
Description: I discovered that Photoshop's adjustment layers and filters provide a variety of tools for creative modification, image editing, and retouching. They allow for non-destructive editing, precision control, and the ability to experiment and develop unique editing styles. Moreover, layer stacking, masking, blending modes, and artistic effects can all be applied to these layers. They can also be applied to sharpen and blur photos, improve colour and tone, and enhance photos. Adjustments are simple when layers are converted to smart objects before filters are applied. Images can be given texture and patterns by using filters, and configurations can be saved as presets for later use. These tools promote experimentation and artistic image manipulation. In summary, these useful tools can give us the chance to explore more creative artworks.
5. WEEK 5
PROJECT 1B (PART 1A): HEART MANSION & SHAZAM
Objective of this digital imaging exercise: To understand how to use: Quick Selection Tool, Layer Mask Filters & Color Correction.
Reflection: I learned that the tools and functions are very useful for creating good and interesting digital artwork. They are Colour Match, Gaussian Blur, Image Adjustments and Filters. To make Shazam more realistic, adding shadow and reflection is necessary.
Fig. 5.2 Work Process.
Fig. 5.3 Final Outcome.
PROJECT 1B (PART 1B): HEART MANSION & MY REFLECTION
Objective of this digital imaging exercise:
1. Learn to take a photo using the right lighting techniques.
2. Practice the Shazam’s exercise techniques.
Reflection: I learned that when taking a good portrait photo, we need to make sure to match the angle from the eye level. Moreover, the light technique is the crucial key to getting a good photo as well.
Fig. 5.4 The photo I took of myself.
Fig. 5.6 Work Process.
Fig. 5.7 Final Outcome.
6. WEEK 6
PROJECT 1B (PART 2A): RECOLOURING BLACK AND WHITE
Objective of this digital imaging exercise: Turn the B&W photo into a colour photo.
Reflection: I learned how to use the Brush Tool and adjust its opacity, hardness and size to create different coloured designs. The brush tool is used to paint on any layer, much like a real paintbrush; The Quick Selection tool is used to quickly and easily select one area or section of an image; the Layer mask is a nondestructive way to hide parts of an image or layer without erasing them; the Colour Picker is a panel with a wide range of colours and modes of colour such as Hue, saturation and CMYK.
Fig. 6.2 Work Process.
Fig. 6.3 Final Outcome.
7. WEEK 7
PROJECT 1B (PART 2B): RECOLOURING BLACK AND WHITE
Objective of this digital imaging exercise: Recolouring B&W photos at the advanced level.
Reflection: I learned that the function of the Marquee Tool is to select objects for colour change; the Eyedropper Tool is used to select a colour from an image or any Photoshop document.
Digital Imaging Exercise 2 (Part 1)
Fig. 7.1 Resources (Part 1).
Fig. 7.2 Work Process (Part 1).
Fig. 7.3 Final Outcome (Part 1).
Digital Imaging Exercise 2 (Part 2)
Fig. 7.4 Resources (Part 2).
Fig. 7.5 Work Process (Part 2).
Fig. 7.6 Final Outcome (Part 2).
8. WEEK 8
PROJECT 2A: DOUBLE EXPOSURE
Exercise 1: Follow the tutorial
Fig. 8.1 Source (Exercise 1).
Fig. 8.2 Final Outcome. Exercise 1: Follow the tutorial.
Exercise 2: My own version of Double Exposure portrait
Fig. 8.3 The photo I took.
Fig. 8.4 Source (Exercise 2).
Fig. 3.5 Final Outcome. My own version of Double Exposure portrait.
9. WEEK 9
PROJECT 2B: CONCEPTUAL PRODUCT PHOTOSHOOT (30%)
RESEARCH (WEEK 9)
1. Reference/ Mood Board (3 References)
Fig. 9.1 References/ Mood board.
2. Summary of My Ideas
3. Sketches
Fig. 9.3 Sketches.
3. Chosen Sketch Combo with Photographs
Fig. 9.4 The photos I took and the sketch.
10. WEEK 10
PROJECT 2B: CONCEPTUAL PRODUCT PHOTOSHOOT (30%)
11. WEEK 11
PROJECT 2B: CONCEPTUAL PRODUCT PHOTOSHOOT
FINAL ARTWORK (WEEK 11)
Title: Halloween Orange Toy
Description: I intended to combine the Halloween pumpkin toy and the orange I wanted the orange to replace the Halloween pumpkin toy body part, as they have similar shapes. It will turn out like an orange cartoon toy. Besides that, I did photoshop the background to make it more engaging.
Google Slide Link:
AFTER EFFECTS EXERCISE
Fig. 11.2 Work in After Effects.
PROJECT 3: Cinemagraphs - Self-tilted
PART 1: IDEA DEVELOPMENT (WEEK 11)
1. Write a biography about yourself
INTRO | My name is Yan Zhi Xuan, and I’m 19 this year. I come from Sungai Besar, the principal town of Sabak Bernam District, Selangor, Malaysia. I'm interested in design creation so I chose my degree programme as Bachelor of Design (Honours) In Creative Media. |
PARAGRAPH 1 | I started dancing when I was 5. I like dancing. Although I am of Malaysian nationality, I have the opportunity to be exposed to K-pop culture. Besides that, I have been to dance competitions and won prizes. I still teach myself to dance. I really enjoy dancing every single day. |
PARAGRAPH 2 | I love Y2K fashion and Japanese culture. this year, I was also honoured to have the opportunity to get into this part of the modelling field. I've become more interested in Y2K fashion and have started to experiment more with the style. It's a good match for my cheerful personality, love of dancing and singing, and love of anime. |
SUMMARY | I hope I can continue to shine in the realm of dance and fashion. In the future, I will make more efforts to reach out to related activities and get more meaningful gains for me. |
2. Write a statement about your work
Title / Theme: A Kpop Dancer in Y2K Fashion
INTRO | I want to create a poster themed as “shine in the good nights” which I like to wear Y2K fashion outfits. aligns well with my personality and interests, especially my love for dancing on the stage, enjoying K-pop and my fashion preferences like Y2K styles. I could create a visually appealing design that incorporates elements of K-pop and Y2K fashion. |
PARAGRAPH 1 | I will use vibrant colours or dynamic patterns that represent the energy and excitement of K-pop and Y2K fashion. Including illustrations or images related to my favourite K-pop styles. Moreover, showcase my Y2K fashion style with outfits or photos of my favourite looks. |
PARAGRAPH 2 | Besides that, I consider incorporating fashion elements into the overall design, like clothing patterns or accessories. For typography, I will use my own font for my quote. I will consider adding small icons or symbols that represent my dance interests or any other Y2K elements that reflect my interests. |
SUMMARY | I want to make it uniquely mine, reflecting my personality and the things that bring me joy. I will experiment with different design elements until I create a poster that resonates with me. |
3. Mood Board (3 Poster references)
Fig. 11.4 References from Pinterest.
12. WEEK 12
PROJECT 3: Cinemagraphs - Self-tilted
PART 2: DESIGN DIRECTION (WEEK 12)
1. Create a sketch for your work (Sketch your mock-up poster)
2. Create a digital poster based on your sketch
Fig.12.2 Work Progress #1-9 in Photoshop and Illustrator.
13. WEEK 13
PROJECT 3: Cinemagraphs - Self-tilted
PART 3: EXECUTION & POST PRODUCTION (WEEK 13)
Fig.13.1 Final Poster.
Fig. 13.2 Work Progress in After Effects.
14. WEEK 14
Lecture Week 14: Introduction to Digital Photography & Imaging
PROJECT 3: Cinemagraphs - Self-tilted
PART 4: SUBMISSION / FINAL OUTCOME (WEEK 14)
Fig. 14.1 The video was uploaded on YouTube.
Fig. 14.2 Final Video.
TITLE: A Kpop Dancer in Y2K Fashion
ARTIST STATEMENT: I wanted to envision a "shine in the good nights" poster featuring Y2K fashion outfits and K-pop. I aimed to create a visually appealing design incorporating K-pop and Y2K elements, using vibrant colours and dynamic patterns. My poster also incorporated clothing patterns and accessories, using my own font for the quote. The poster is unique and reflects their personality and joy. My chosen quote, "shine in the good nights" is a beautiful phrase that suggests radiance and positivity even during the nighttime. The poster uses a bright colour palette with blues, purples, pink, and green, or pastel colours for a Y2K touch. The stars symbolise the nighttime atmosphere, while light sources and typography convey the idea of shining in the darkness. Dance poses reflect movement and energy, and Y2K fashion elements are integrated with a nighttime twist.
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