Illustration & Visual Narrative - Task 3

13/10/2023 - 31/10/2023 || Week 7 - Week 10
Ruchira Nowreen || 0347111

Major: Bachelor of Software Engineering || Minor: Creative Media Design || Taylor's University
Illustration & Visual Narrative 

PROJECT 3: Minimalist Poster

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LECTURE

PROJECT - 3 BRIEF

I was instructed to design a minimalist poster in the Art Deco style inspired by a personally resonant movie. The unique aspect of the poster involves incorporating limited animation techniques, including parallax, secondary action, and an animated background to depict a decisive moment from the chosen film.

The process began with thorough research on the movie, its key themes, and the specific scene I aimed to portray. A concept sketch was created to outline the poster's composition and plan for animating the chosen moment. Attention was given to visual elements such as typography, color palette, and overall adherence to the Art Deco aesthetic during the design phase.

The limited animation focused on the decisive moment, utilizing parallax to add depth to the design. Secondary actions and elements were strategically introduced to complement the narrative and enhance engagement. The Art Deco style was consistently maintained and refined throughout the poster and animation. An animated background was to be added to set the mood and provide context for the chosen scene.

To complete the assignment, I prepared a short video or GIF showcasing the poster and its animation. In this blog, I explained how the animation techniques, including parallax, secondary action, and the animated background was done. Additionally, I crafted an artist statement or rationale providing insight into the movie, the chosen scene, and the design choices made throughout the creative process.

The assignment will be assessed based on criteria such as adherence to the Art Deco style, design quality and composition, effective use of limited animation, the relevance of the animated background, and the clarity and effectiveness of the artist statement and presentation.

We were instructed to explore frame-by-frame animation techniques for the project. Among the provided references, some particularly helpful videos were attached below, aiding significantly in the creation of the project. These videos served as valuable resources for understanding and implementing frame-by-frame animation, contributing to the overall success of the assignment.

Figure 1: Animating in photoshop

Figure 2: Texture animated posted in after effects

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VISUAL RESEARCH

Chosen Narrative: The Lion King (1994)

I was instructed to begin Task 3 by conducting research on comic covers online and simultaneously engaging in brainstorming sessions to select a movie that would provide both visual impact and a compelling narrative. Emphasizing the importance of balancing illustration and storytelling, I aimed for a comprehensive and impactful final product.

During the research phase, I decided to feature "The Lion King" as it possesses a strong background story and vibrant visuals. Additionally, it holds personal significance as one of my favorite childhood movies. To gather visual references, I conducted searches for existing "The Lion King" posters and movie scenes, drawing inspiration from various artistic interpretations. This step was crucial in informing the aesthetic direction and design choices for the upcoming task.

Figure 3: Visual Research on The Lion King 

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TASK 2: MINIMALIST POSTER

In this section, I have chosen a scene from the movie that personally struck a chord with me. I will elaborate on this particular scene in the following discussion. I will be sharing my creative journey, unveiling the step-by-step process, and providing glimpses of preliminary sketches for the poster.

CONCEPT #1 

In the initial planning stages, I established a clear rationale for the development of my minimalist poster. The concept centers around placing Simba on Pride Rock, with a minor animated backdrop featuring moving clouds and Simba's mane to enhance the visual dynamics. The rationale, sketch and vector art for my concept #1 shall be discussed below.

Rationale #1 (Week 9)

Project Title: Legacy Ascendant: An Animated Tribute to Simba's Pride Rock Moment

Selected Scene:

The chosen scene for this animation project is the triumphant moment where Simba stands proudly atop Pride Rock. This iconic image captures the culmination of Simba's transformative journey, symbolizing his acceptance of responsibility and the restoration of balance to the Pride Lands.

Introduction:

"Legacy Ascendant" seeks to breathe life into the iconic scene where Simba, having overcome adversity, stands proudly on Pride Rock. This animation project aims to convey the triumphant spirit of the character, the restoration of the Circle of Life, and the enduring legacy of Mufasa's teachings.

Objectives:

- Symbolize Triumph Over Adversity: The animation will focus on symbolizing Simba's triumph over adversity and his growth from a reluctant cub to a proud and noble king. The image of Simba on Pride Rock represents a pivotal moment in the narrative.

- Capture the Circle of Life: The animation aims to capture the essence of the Circle of Life, emphasizing the cyclical nature of existence and the interconnectedness of all living things. Simba's presence on Pride Rock signifies the restoration of balance to the Pride Lands.

- Convey Pride and Nobility: By animating Simba's proud stance, the project seeks to convey the character's newfound confidence, sense of responsibility, and nobility. The animation highlights Simba's transformation into a worthy leader and guardian of the Pride Lands.

Conclusion:

"Legacy Ascendant: An Animated Tribute to Simba's Pride Rock Moment" is more than an animation project; it's a celebration of triumph, responsibility, and the enduring legacy of "The Lion King." By choosing to animate this iconic scene, the project aspires to rekindle the emotional impact of Simba's journey and inspire viewers to embrace their own destinies with courage and pride.

Sketch #1 (Week 10)

Figure 4: Concept #1 Sketch

Work Process For the Poster #1 (Week 10)

In the journey towards the final poster, I navigated through numerous iterations using Illustrator. Through this iterative process, I gradually honed in on the elements and composition that would culminate in the ultimate design. A valuable lesson I gleaned from this experience is the direct correlation between time investment and the quality of the illustration. Experimenting with different styles, shades, and compositions proved instrumental in refining the poster and contributing to its overall visual appeal. This iterative exploration underscored the importance of patience and creative experimentation in achieving a compelling and refined final product.

Figure 5: Work process in Adobe Illustrator

The initial step of my creative process involved tracing Simba from a reference image. Subsequently, I crafted the background, drawing inspiration from the visual research conducted earlier. The creation of Pride Rock involved tracing from an image sourced on Google, adding a crucial element to the overall composition. Once the background was established, I carefully placed Simba within it. To enhance the scene, I crafted trees and birds, integrating them harmoniously into the frame.

As the composition evolved, I observed that the landscape orientation didn't quite complement the overall aesthetic. Therefore, a pivotal decision was made to transition the layout into a portrait orientation, ensuring a more cohesive and impactful visual narrative. As the final touches, I conducted color adjustments, fine-tuning the palette to achieve the desired atmosphere and visual harmony within the poster.

Vector Art Poster #1 (Week 10)

Figure 6: Concept #1 Poster

After seeking feedback from Mr. Hafiz during class regarding my poster, he recommended adhering to a more minimalistic approach and reconsidering the pivotal moment. In response, I have decided to redo the work, and I will delve into the details of this decision in the following section.

CONCEPT #2 

Rationale #2 (Week 11)

Title: The Circle of Life: Rafiki's Presentation of Simba in "The Lion King"

Introduction:

"The Lion King," a timeless Disney classic, is renowned for its rich narrative and impactful storytelling. One of the most iconic and emotionally resonant scenes in the film is Rafiki's presentation of Simba to the animals of the Pride Lands. This pivotal moment captures the essence of the film's central themes—identity, responsibility, and the cyclical nature of life. In creating a minimalistic animated poster for this scene, I aim to distill the profound symbolism and emotional depth of Rafiki's gesture, offering viewers a visual narrative that embodies the heart of "The Lion King."

Symbolism and Theme:

The scene unfolds against the backdrop of a radiant African sunset, symbolizing not only the beauty of nature but also the promise of a new beginning. Rafiki, the wise mandrill, holds Simba aloft, presenting him to the gathered animals. This act is laden with symbolism, representing the cyclical nature of life, the passing of the mantle, and the acceptance of one's destiny. Simba, the rightful heir, symbolizes hope, renewal, and the continuity of the Pride Lands.

Visual Impact and Composition:

The choice to emphasize silhouettes in the minimalistic design serves to heighten the visual impact of the scene. Rafiki's distinct form, Simba's small but significant presence, and the majestic Pride Rock in the background are all conveyed through simple, bold shapes. The vibrancy of the sunset, achieved with a limited color palette, not only adds visual appeal but also contributes to the emotional resonance of the moment.

Emotional Resonance:

Rafiki's presentation of Simba is a moment of triumph, acceptance, and fulfillment. By distilling this emotional depth into a minimalistic design, the poster seeks to evoke a strong emotional response from viewers. The iconic image of Simba against the sunset serves as a visual anchor, drawing on the emotional connection audiences have with the character's journey.

Sketch #2 (Week 11)

Figure 7: Concept #2 Sketch

Work Process For the Poster #2 (Week 11)

The genesis of my second poster involved placing images and adjusting their opacity to facilitate the tracing of the initial shapes of characters and Pride Rock. Once this foundational step was completed, I incorporated intricate details to bring the characters to life. A gradual refinement process ensued, involving alterations to the gradients in the background and meticulous enhancements to the cloud formations.

I initiated the project by crafting five different versions of the poster as shown in Figure #8, each showcasing varied gradients and compositions. This iterative process continued until I achieved a satisfactory outcome. Subsequently, I chose a specific version and sought feedback from my lecturers for further modifications, as elaborated in the subsequent sections.

Figure 8: Work process in Adobe Illustrator for different variations of the poster

Vector Art Poster #2 (Week 11)

Initially, I chose the poster without rays, as depicted in Figure #9. However, upon receiving feedback from Mr. Hafiz and taking into account the Art Deco style guidelines, I opted to redesign the poster to include more rays, as shown in Figure #11.

Figure 9: Initial Poster with out title

The following picture shows the poster after adding the title to counter the negative space on the top as suggested by Ms. Anis.

Figure 10: Initial Poster with title

The following picture shows the poster after adding the Art Deco Style rays in the background as suggested by Mr. Hafiz.

Figure 11: Art Deco Style Poster

Incorporating valuable insights from consultations with Ms. Anis and Mr. Hafiz, I endeavored to align with the Art Deco style by introducing rays emanating from both Simba and the sun. This addition injected a dynamic and visually compelling element into the composition. I further enhanced the poster by incorporating the title—a subtle yet impactful addition that contributed to the overall completeness of the design. This step-by-step evolution, guided by their feedback, resulted in a composition that not only adhered to the Art Deco aesthetic but also effectively conveyed the narrative powerfully.

Animated Poster (Week 12)

In the animation phase, I chose to bring subtle yet dynamic movements to different elements of the poster. The birds were animated to gracefully traverse the sky, adding a sense of liveliness to the background. To enhance the natural ambiance, I incorporated rhythmic movements to the soft hanging stems of the trees. The tails of Rafiki and Madusa were animated, introducing a gentle sway that contributed to the overall organic flow of the scene.

As a pivotal element, I animated the light rays, infusing a captivating dynamism inspired by the Art Deco style. These animated rays added a layer of depth and engagement, harmonizing with the overall narrative. The decision to animate specific elements aimed to create a visual symphony, capturing the essence of the scene while adhering to the stylistic principles of both Art Deco and animation.

To ensure a fluid and visually appealing animation, I meticulously crafted 43 frames, each featuring subtle changes to depict motion. The intention behind generating a significant number of frames was to achieve a seamless transition between each, contributing to the overall smoothness of the animation. Each frame, with its minor adjustments, played a crucial role in capturing the essence of motion and bringing dynamism to the animated elements within the poster.

Figure 12: 43 different frames (without light rays) made on Adobe Illustrator

Additionally, I generated a second set comprising 43 frames, featuring spread-out light rays crafted in the Art Deco style as depicted in the figure below. This variation in the animation provided an alternative dynamic element, adding versatility and depth to the overall visual narrative.

Figure 13: 43 different frames (with light rays) made on Adobe Illustrator

Next, I proceeded to create animations using Photoshop. I exported all the 43 frames from Illustrator, as JPEG files. On photoshop, utilizing the "Load Files into Stack" option under "File > Scripts," I uploaded the images into a stack. Subsequently, I opted for the "Create Frame Animation" feature, enabling me to manipulate the frames seamlessly.

Figure 14: Timeline on photoshop (without light rays)

Figure 15: Timeline on photoshop (with light rays)

In the animation process, I carefully adjusted the timing for each frame to achieve a cohesive and visually appealing flow. Once satisfied with the animation sequences, I exported them as GIFs using the "Save for Web (Legacy)" option under "File > Export." This method ensured that the animation maintained its quality while complying with the necessary file format for submission. Seeking Mr. Hafiz's opinion, I aimed to finalize the poster that best aligned with the project requirements and visual impact.

Figure 16: Animation #1 (without light rays)

Figure 17: Animation #2 (with light rays)

Figure 18: Animation #2 (slower version)

In finalizing the submission, I consulted with Mr. Hafiz for guidance on selecting the most suitable GIF version according to the specified criteria. Following his advice, I am adhering to the slower version of animation #2.

FINAL OUTCONE

Figure 19: Final Poster (PNG)

Figure 20: Final Animation (GIF)

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FEEDBACK

Week 9 (By miss Anis)

For attempt #1:

- Adjust the placement of "The Lion King" lower in the frame and minimize the prominence of Pride Rock for a more impactful composition.

- Position Simba with the sun in the background to enhance the visual appeal.

- Introduce additional trees to the background for added context.

- Include the title at the top to offset the negative space in that area.

Week 10 (By Mr. Hafiz)

For attempt #1: 

- Emphasize that the poster should adhere to a minimalist style, reducing excessive details.

- Strengthen the rationale by focusing on a pivotal moment in the movie.

Week 11 (By Mr. Hafiz)

For attempt #2:

- Acknowledge that Attempt #2 is preferred, praising its minimalist approach and strong rationale.

- Prioritise incorporating an Art Deco style into the background for the final poster design.

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REFLECTION

Embarking on the creation of a minimalist poster in the Art Deco style, inspired by "The Lion King," became a nostalgic journey intertwined with design, animation, and storytelling. The careful research into Art Deco aesthetics and comic covers laid the groundwork, but choosing a scene capturing Simba's pivotal moment elevated the project beyond visual aesthetics. Feedback from mentors guided the balance between detail and simplicity, reinforcing the poster's purpose to convey a profound narrative.

The realization of true minimalism in Week 10 marked a turning point, emphasizing the essence of conveying a pivotal moment rather than mere visual appeal. Week 11 solidified the project's direction, favoring Attempt #2 for its minimalist approach and the introduction of an Art Deco background. The decision to animate the poster added a dynamic layer, breathing life into the static composition, and enhancing viewer engagement.

In reflection, this project served as a comprehensive exploration of minimalism, design rationale, and the transformative potential of animation. Beyond creating a visual tribute to a cherished movie, it became a journey in storytelling, encapsulating emotions frozen in time within the elegant framework of Art Deco aesthetics.

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QUICK LINKS

Task 1: Vormator Challenge
Task 2: Honor (Digital Triptych)

Task 4: Self Titled