Illustration and Visual Narrative: Task 2

 11 June 2024-

NABIL JULIUS DORN (0370978)

Illustration and Visual Narrative | Bachelor of Design in Creative Media | Taylor's University
Task 2

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Jump links:

1. Lectures

2. Instructions

3. Task 2

4. Reflections

LECTURES

Week 7

During this week, Mr Hafiz briefed us on the upcoming task. We were instructed to create an album cover of the artist, Frank Sinatra, and animate it in the second part of the task. We were required to choose a song that was shortlisted by Mr Hafiz. During our decision, we needed to take into account, the general feel of the song and use the lyrics to influence our design choices. 

Illustrated typography must be included. Foreground, midground and background elements must be considered and illustrated. We were also recommended to follow some design styles which were, minimalist, retro style, pop art, art nouveau and art deco.

Fig 1.1 Artwork specifications

Week 8

Independent study break

Week 9

During this week, we were taught how to use the pencil tool and its functionality in Adobe illustrator. It is a tool used for freehand drawing using paths. 

We were then also shown how to use the type tool along with the pencil path. Using the type tool, we could use the pencil path to influence the shape and direction of the text. This allows us to be creative in creating dynamic text designs.

Regarding our assignment, we were encouraged to use the Image Trace tool if we had trouble finding good references online. We could even draw images on paper and use Image Tracing to convert that into Adobe Illustrator to use in our Album cover project.

Week 10

Mr Hafiz briefed us on using 2D intertwine. and the Envelop Distort tool in Adobe Illustrator.

Fig 1.2

INSTRUCTIONS

TASK 2

Project 1: Fly me to the moon - Frank Sinatra

Part 1.1: Album cover illustration

“Fly me to the moon” performed by Frank Sinatra exudes a timeless, romantic and uplifting vibe. The song carries a sort of elegance and sophistication. It blends a classic swing rhythm with Frank’s smooth vocals. The lyrics speak of love and the desire tor each new heights with each other.

Here are some references I found:

Fig 1.3 Reference 1

Fig 1.4 Reference 2

The above two references are images I found on Pinterest. I liked the interactions of the male and female in both references. I ended up going with the two subjects from Fig 1.5 as it has a more dynamic pose and uses emphasis and contrast a lot more. 

Fig 1.5 Reference 3

For this reference, I used midjourney AI bot to help me find a reference in terms of design style.

Fig 1.6 Draft 1

In my first idea/sketch, I felt like the composition and layout wasn't very appealing. There seemed to be a lack of interaction between the male and female. I did intend to keep the same elements, such as the moon, a man and a woman dancing, in my final output.

Fig 1.7 Final output

The central figures of a man and woman dancing, captures the swing rhythm and romantic feeling of the song, It is also a very dynamic and eye catching pose. I placed them both in a restaurant setting to give it a touch of sophistication and nostalgia. This setting suggests a date night, emphasizing the romantic atmosphere. It also adds depth as well as a foreground element and some context to the scene. The backdrop ties directly to the song's title and lyrics. It makes it as though everything around them has fallen away as the two of them are in their own world together in that moment. 

Fig 1.8 Color palette of image

The colors i used creates a striking visual effect using contrast. This contrast of using bright yellow with dark blue hues, highlights the couple, making them the focal point of the image. The choice of colors evoke a sense of warmth and nostalgia

The overall composition ensure that the main focal point, remains on the male and female in the center with the contrasting moon behind them, giving emphasis. The blend of realistic and abstract elements, add a whimsical touch that matches the songs mood.

Task 2.2

Animated album cover

For this task, we were  required to animate the album cover we created (Fig 1.7) in the first part of task 2. 

I also created a few more elements in Illustrator to help with the animation of the art piece. I separated all the layers and exported them individually. This would make it easier to animate the scene individually. I then brought all the layers into Blender 3D to recreate the environment. 

Fig 1.8 Scene in blender viewport

After reorganizing and resizing different elements, I managed to recreate the layout according to Fig1.7

I then animated the camera to move forward towards the main focal point, had the clouds move in and out to reveal the album title and exported the render as an animation.

Title: Fly me to the moon by Frank Sinatra

Frames: 72

Programs used: Blender 3D, Adobe premier pro, Adobe illustrator 

Animation length: 5 seconds

REFLECTION

During this task, we had to illustrate and animate an album cover of a Frank Sinatra song. The song I chose was "Fly me to the moon". The process involved listening to the song and depicting the vibe using lyrics from the song and then illustrating that into an album cover.

After several drafts and attempts at making an album cover I was happy with, I began separating the individual elements and bringing it into Blender 3D to begin animating it. Doing this in 3D helped me give it that parallax and depth effect as everything was on sperate layers in 3D space. 

The final outcome turned out great in my opinion with the animation and depth of the scene with the flat 2D elements made it seem like it was a Broadway set where the two characters were performing at.

I thoroughly enjoyed the process of illustrating and animating the album cover for this project.