DPI Exercises

EXERCISE 1

Week 1 (The Bézier Game/3 Favourite Graphic Design Work)

Monday,  23rd August

Mr Martin recommended the class to play a game. Rather than jumping in blindly, he told us that we should get used to one of the most common tool in Adobe Illustrator— and that is the pen tool. He provided a link to a game called "The Bézier Game". In class, he played the game to give us a short preview of what the game looks like, then instructed us to play on our own. 

On another note, he told us to create a Pinterest account, as it is essential for us to have mood board. Then, he told us to gather our 3 favourite graphic design works, wanting us to explain why we liked the design.

To-Do List:

• Play The Bézier Game
• Goal: To get used to using the pen tool in Adobe Illustrator and command keys

 

• Describe 3 favourite graphic design works
• Goal: To gauge designing preferences and recognise the structure/component of a graphic work.

 

 

Task 1: The Bézier Game

I played the game Mr Martin suggested, in which he provided the link through a Google Doc. The stages get harder and harder, but after understanding how bézier curves work and the command keys— it doesn't take long to finish the levels.

 

Figure 1.1: Completed the game.

After the game, I have familiarised myself with the pen tool and hotkeys which will be useful when we start our projects.

 

Task 2: 3 Favourite Graphic Design Works

I already have an existing Pinterest account prior to this, so all I had to do was search up on graphic design works.

My Pinterest board, which will be used in the future to collect inspiration for projects: DPI Mood Board/Inspo

Design #1

Figure 1.2

"What I love about this design is the mix of complexity and simplicity. The background is filled with lines and texture, creating rhythm and makes the composition more dynamic. The plain geometric shapes offsets the chaos, creating balance in the graphic work. The choice of achromatic palette plus a shade of colour complements each other very well, making the design stand out without overwhelming it with colours. I also like the layering in this design, with the textured background, the woman as a middle ground and the geometric shape as the foreground. It conveys multiple layering in an otherwise flat image."

Design #2

Figure 1.3

"This design cleverly uses geometric shapes to create the shape of a wolf and a sheep. Using different shades of a colour, the designer was able to create the illusion of a 3D form. It makes the subject more popped out, bringing dynamic into the work. I appreciate the monochromatic palette in this design, because it makes sure that each detail has an equal division of attention. Overall, I like the minimalistic approach of this design— the viewer being able to focus on the subject without distraction."

Design #3

Figure 1.4

"Out of all the three graphic design works, this is my favourite among them. First of all, the design is a mix of realism and illustration. The girl and the illustration creates a powerful impact, as it contrasts each other in terms of what is real and what is drawn over to highlight. To me, it creates a sense of playfulness. The saturated colour palette works well in this design, as it catches the eye of the viewer. Yet, the colours still complement each other without overpowering one another. I like how the fonts also have a cartoon-like style to it, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the work."

- Last updated: 25th August 2021