clairedelune02

[clairedelune02]

Compulsory question 2

I selected the mesmerizing piece titled "Torrential Waterfall Deep in the Mountains" from The Liu Kou-Sung foundation's esteemed collection. This artwork exudes a profound mystical aura, evoking a sense of lucid dreams and a connection to the subterranean realms in Buddhism. The meticulous use of green light is striking, creating an eerie illusion of towering mountains concealing ancient secrets. The lighter shades of green resemble both grass and a verdant flame, delicately dancing across the canvas and adding an ethereal quality to the composition. The texture, seamlessly depicting a rock-like surface, invites tactile engagement, enhancing the viewer's connection with the artwork.

The masterful manipulation of light and texture showcases the artist's profound creativity and in-depth knowledge. Each stroke on the canvas appears a deliberate choice, contributing to the creation of this mystical masterpiece. The play between light and shadow, along with the careful application of texture, underscores the artist's dedication and meticulous attention to detail.

The juxtaposition of beautiful yet dark contrasts within the painting is awe-inspiring, reflecting the artist's profound journey into creativity and expertise. The artwork serves as a testament to the artist's dedication and skillful execution. Observing such compelling works, I realize that the skills I've acquired can be harnessed effectively in my chosen field.

Being open to adaptation and continual learning, I draw inspiration from the world of illustration and painting. Exploring artworks in museums fuels my creative aspirations. Every designer aspires to showcase their best work to the world, inviting constructive criticism and basking in well-deserved compliments. Eager to enhance my illustration skills and cultivate a distinctive design style, I commit to consistent practice and refinement. Establishing an effective feedback loop is crucial, and I recognize the importance of a discerning selection system to glean insights from others.

Furthermore, my engagement with CTS B significantly contributes to my growth as a designer. It serves as a valuable platform for delving into ethical considerations in design and heightens my awareness of cultural sensitivity. Learning about these crucial aspects is essential for a well-rounded designer, and CTS B plays a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of the ethical dimensions inherent in the design world.

In summary, the captivating allure of "Torrential Waterfall Deep in the Mountains" has deepened my appreciation for art and sparked a renewed commitment to enhancing my skills in illustration and design. This artwork serves as a guiding light as I navigate the intricate and ever-evolving landscape of the design industry.

408 words

[clairedelune02]

Compulsory question 1

The primary tenet of our group's guiding principles is to draw inspiration and uphold ethical standards in the realm of graphic design. It is imperative for each member to cultivate their unique style while continuously deriving motivation from the work of others. This entails a commitment to daily observation of diverse creative outputs. Additionally, honing the skill of critical thinking is paramount, ensuring that our designs serve practical purposes and convey information with clarity and logic. A regular practice we engage in involves pin-up critiques, wherein collective examination of our work fosters heightened awareness and serves as a catalyst for inspiration, motivating us to strive for greater excellence.

Beyond the collective manifesto, I personally adhere to a supplementary set of principles in my journey as a designer. One cornerstone is the unwavering commitment to diversify my design portfolio continually. This involves subjecting myself to challenges by enrolling in various classes that expose me to different design methodologies. Even in areas where proficiency has been attained, the conviction to explore new realms persists, as I believe sustained growth lies in the perpetual pursuit of novelty. Furthermore, meticulous drafting stands out as a crucial practice, allowing the final product to seamlessly embody the envisioned idea. In practical terms, this manifests in my illustration class, where a multitude of sketches, diverse references, and exploration of techniques are indispensable components in refining and elevating my drawing skills.

Within the context of CTS B, a profound ethos centers around perpetual self-discovery and maintaining a trajectory aligned with personal values. The awareness of one's social context and identity assumes paramount importance. The learning curve extends to a collective sharing of individual goals and aspirations, facilitating constructive feedback and guidance. This collaborative atmosphere not only underscores the significance of being socially aware but also emphasizes the mutual support required to navigate the path toward realizing our ambitions.

In essence, our group manifesto champions not only the professional development of graphic designers but also the cultivation of a holistic approach that encompasses individual growth, ethical standards, and a collective commitment to continual learning and support. This multifaceted framework propels us towards a realm of design where inspiration, innovation, and self-awareness converge to shape a dynamic and purposeful creative journey.

[clairedelune02]

WEEK 3: This Is How You Connect Practice with Society

The Timeless Ao Dai: A Symbol of Tradition

One shining example of this fusion of tradition and modernity is the Ao Dai, a quintessential Vietnamese garment with a rich history dating back to 1774 during the reign of Lord Vuong of the Nguyen dynasty. In its original form, the Ao Dai was characterized by long sleeves, offering a conservative and modest appearance. However, over time, this traditional attire has gracefully evolved.

Evolving with the Times: The Modern Ao Dai

Contemporary iterations of the Ao Dai have seen striking changes. The once floor-length garment has been reimagined, now often ending at the knees with skirts replacing the traditional long pants. Sleeves, too, have been tailored shorter. These adaptations serve both practical and aesthetic purposes. They address the challenges presented by Vietnam's humid climate while infusing the Ao Dai with a sense of youthfulness and elegance.

Preserving Heritage, Expanding Choices

Crucially, the modernization of the Ao Dai does not diminish its historical or cultural significance. Rather, it offers people a broader spectrum of options. Some may choose to embrace the traditional, with a more covered and elegant look, while others opt for a youthful and vibrant style, ideal for festive occasions.

A Reflection on Tradition and Choice

For me, the Ao Dai symbolizes a profound connection to my cultural heritage. Its modernization stands as a testament to the enduring relevance of traditional attire, adapting to the ever-changing needs and preferences of contemporary life. It serves as a reminder that even with a dress rooted in history, we have the freedom to choose, reflecting the versatility and adaptability of our cherished traditions.

269 words

[clairedelune02]

WEEK 2: This Is How You Connect Theory and Practice

What is identity?

According to social definitions, I am a 21-year-old cisgender female of Vietnamese descent and currently a student. As a designer, I'm in the process of defining my unique approach to design while drawing inspiration from others.

Expressing My Identity Through My Moodboard

I've created a moodboard that reflects my personal tastes and preferences, which have played a significant role in shaping my identity. Icons like Taylor Swift and comedy series hold a special place in my heart, and I can't imagine a life without them. These passions are intrinsic to who I am today, and they have contributed to my self-discovery. I value the authenticity of being myself and couldn't imagine being someone else just to fit in any sort of stereotype.

Perceptions and Impressions

Recently, a classmate created a moodboard for me, offering their insights into how they perceive me. They see me as funny and extroverted, and it's evident that I've made my fondness for Taylor Swift quite obvious. I find moodboards to be a powerful way to express emotions and thoughts when words fall short.

The Journey of Self-Discovery

Part of the journey of growing up is the contemplation of how others perceive me and what impressions I leave on them. I hope that people find me interesting, appreciate my designs, and that I continue to maintain my unique spark.

226 words

[clairedelune02]

WEEK 1:

Praxis: Creative Practice and Critical Thinking

Creative practice and critical thinking share a fundamental commonality: they both rely on a similar foundational process, which involves research and analysis to yield a substantial outcome. However, the two diverge when it comes to the specific steps involved. Creative thinking introduces additional components like sketching and storyboarding, which are pivotal in giving shape to innovative ideas.

For instance, consider a recent writing assignment I completed. In this assignment, I crafted a narrative centered around a young woman in China, a fresh graduate, navigating the treacherous waters of online job hunting. The story revolves around her near-miss with a malicious job offer from a dubious small business. When I presented this narrative in class, it was presented in written form, consisting solely of words, without any accompanying images or other forms of narration.

In contrast, the same story was conveyed through a different medium when shared on Douyin, a video-sharing platform. In this version, the storyteller leveraged video editing techniques, incorporated visual effects, and provided concrete proof of her interview experience. Despite these varying approaches, the core objective remained constant: to shed light on a pressing social issue and raise awareness about it.

In essence, creative thinking and critical thinking align significantly in terms of disseminating information effectively, even though they employ different methods. Recognizing this synergy, it is beneficial to practice both to enhance our analytical skills.

228 words