Illustration and Visual Narrative - Project 3: Digital Triptych & Final Project

2/6/2023 - 14/7/2023 (Week9 - Week15)
Teoh Gim Khoon (0361563)
Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media
Illustration and Visual Narrative
Project 3: Digital Triptych & Final Project


LECTURES

Week 10
Ornaments
Fig. 1.0 Pattern (Video Tutorial)


Fig. 1.1 Drawing Mode (Video Tutorial)

During our learning journey, we received instruction on creating patterns for texture backgrounds and using three different drawing modes to enhance the accuracy and ease of our design work. We gained valuable skills in developing intricate patterns that added depth and visual interest to our backgrounds. Additionally, the utilization of these drawing modes provided us with greater precision and efficiency, making the creation of our design projects more seamless and effective. Overall, these lessons equipped us with essential techniques that significantly enhanced the quality of our designs.


INSTRUCTION



Fig. 1.2 3 Acts Structure


RESEARCH & INSPIRATION

The Tell-Tale Heart


Summary
"The Tell-Tale Heart" is a renowned short story by Edgar Allan Poe, first published in 1843. It is a chilling narrative that delves into the mind of an unnamed narrator who becomes consumed by guilt and paranoia after committing a heinous crime.

The story begins with the narrator, who insists on their sanity despite their erratic behavior. They confess to meticulously planning and executing the murder of an old man with whom they live. The motive for the crime is never explicitly stated, but the narrator's fixation on the old man's "vulture-like" eye becomes a central element.

As the tale progresses, the narrator's obsession with the eye intensifies, leading them to carry out the murder in the dead of night. They suffocate the old man, convinced that they have executed the perfect crime. However, as the narrative unfolds, the narrator's mental state deteriorates rapidly.

Overwhelmed by guilt and the haunting sound of the old man's beating heart, the narrator becomes increasingly convinced that the heart is still alive, despite the man's demise. The sound grows louder and louder within the narrator's head, tormenting them to the point of madness.

Driven to confess, the narrator eventually breaks down and reveals their dark secret to an unknown listener, whom they address in the story. They describe their crime in vivid detail, plagued by the delusion that the relentless beating of the heart can be heard by all. The confession ends abruptly, leaving the reader to ponder the narrator's fate.

"The Tell-Tale Heart" explores themes of guilt, obsession, and the fragile state of the human mind. It remains one of Edgar Allan Poe's most celebrated and chilling tales, renowned for its psychological depth and mastery of suspense.

Fig. 1.3 "The Tell-Tale Heart" 3 Acts Structure


Design Style Inspiration

Illustration Art Style

Fig. 1.4 Steve Scott - Art Style

Steve Scott is an illustrator known for his dynamic and bold art style, characterized by vibrant colors, strong lines, and a sense of energy. His compositions and visual storytelling skills create engaging narratives within his artwork, spanning various subjects and genres. With a blend of hand-drawn and digital techniques, Steve Scott's illustrations captivate viewers and have gained recognition for their creativity and impact in the industry.


TASK - Digital Triptych

Sketch

Fig. 2.0 Digital Triptych Sketches

After read and understand the story, I have figure out the 3 Acts Structure to use for this 3 triptych that I designed.

First Panel ( Act 1 - Setup)
Once upon a time, there was a narrator who claimed to be misunderstood and not mad. He had heightened senses and a particularly acute sense of hearing. He became fixated on an old man with a vulture-like eye, which disturbed them immensely. Despite having no real reason to harm the old man, the narrator decided to take his life to rid themselves of the unsettling eye.

Second Panel ( Act 2 - Conflict)
One night, the narrator executed his plan with precision. He silently opened the old man's door, illuminating the darkness with a lantern. Startled, the old man woke up and questioned the intruder. Paralyzed with fear, the old man's accelerating heartbeat consumed the narrator's senses. Overwhelmed, the narrator couldn't resist any longer and exposed himself, ending the old man's life.

Third Panel ( Act 3 - Resolution)
After the murder, the narrator hid the severed body beneath the floorboards, remove all the traces. Suddenly, a knock came at the door. Three police officers had arrived in response to a reported shriek. Confident in his ability to deceive, the narrator welcomed them. But as time passed, the relentless sound of the old man's heartbeat, audible only to the narrator, intensified. Overwhelmed, the narrator confessed to the officers, revealing the haunting truth.

Digitalization

Fig. 2.1 Outline in AI

During the digitization process, I noticed that the arrangement of each triptych didn't appear as appealing as I had envisioned. As a result, I made some adjustments to the placement while maintaining the initial three-act structure for each panel, as originally sketched.

Fig. 2.2 Applied Colour in AI

Final Triptych
Fig. 2.3 Final Digital Triptych

Fig. 2.4 Final Digital Triptych - PDF


TASK - Final Project 

Planning & Sketch
Fig. 3.0 Planning Panel Ideas

I am currently brainstorming and drafting ideas for the content that should be included in each panel, as well as considering various panel design layouts for the first page.

Fig. 3.1 Visual Novel Sketch

To complete the sketch, I utilized Procreate on my iPad. Each panel was drawn to highlight crucial elements of the story, aiming to create a visually engaging and captivating narrative structure.


Digitalization

Fig. 3.2 Digital Process

After transferring the digital sketch into Adobe Illustrator, I began utilizing tools such as the Pen Tool, Pencil Tool, and shapes to create the illustrations. Additionally, I employed the Shape Builder Tool to assist in forming unique and intricate shapes within the artwork.

Fig. 3.3 Adding Details Texture

Once all the artwork was digitized, I proceeded to mask them within the comic panel layout. I then enhanced the illustrations by adding additional details such as grain texture, shadows, and adjusted color tones to achieve the desired art style that inspired me.

For cover page, we need to choose one from our 3 Digital Triptych

Fig. 3.4 Cover Page

Fig. 3.5 Comic Panels


Animation
Fig. 3.6 Animation 1

Fig. 3.6 Animation 2

To create the animation gif, I utilized Adobe Photoshop. Specifically, I focused on animating Panel 1 and 2, setting them to loop for 2 seconds at a frame rate of 25 frames per second (fps).

Final Compilation
Fig. 4.0 Final  Project Compilation


REFLECTION

Experience
During this project, we engaged in various activities related to ornaments, research, inspiration, sketching, digitalization, and animation. We received instruction on creating patterns for texture backgrounds and utilizing three different drawing modes to enhance the accuracy and ease of our design work. Additionally, we delved into the research and analysis of "The Tell-Tale Heart," which served as inspiration for our design projects. We explored the three-act structure and the design style of illustrator Steve Scott as sources of inspiration.

Observation
Through the research and analysis of "The Tell-Tale Heart," I gained a deeper understanding of the story's three-act structure. This helped me in sketching and planning the composition of the digital triptych, ensuring that each panel accurately portrayed the narrative structure. Furthermore, I observed the importance of carefully selecting and applying colors, textures, and details to enhance the overall visual impact of the artwork. The utilization of tools such as Adobe Illustrator and Procreate allowed for precise and detailed illustrations.

Finding
One significant finding was the importance of maintaining the initial structure and composition envisioned during the sketching phase while digitizing the artwork. Making adjustments to the arrangement and placement of elements ensured a visually appealing final result. Additionally, the process of adding details, textures, and shadows elevated the artwork and contributed to achieving the desired art style. Furthermore, the animation process in Adobe Photoshop enabled the creation of engaging GIFs that brought the illustrations to life.

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