lasallectsb2024

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5. Wk 12 Artistic Vision Statement

Revisiting my artistic vision statement in week 10. Initially, I didn’t put much thought into my goals or have a specific direction to work toward. Was it well thought out? Maybe, but honestly, I just wrote down my immediate thoughts without much deeper reflection. Now, I can see that it definitely needs to be revised.

As a design communications student, I strive to create designs that connect on a meaningful level, drawing from both personal identity and shared social themes. I believe that design is more than just visual impact; it’s a language that tells a story, shares an experience, and inspires reflection and I try to bring together personal perspectives with societal relevance, allowing for more authentic, memorable, and purpose-driven work.

1 of my projects that resonates most with social engagement is probably my Materiality and Techniques module, specifically my 3D Cube. This project highlights a meaningful connection between design practice, tradition, and social engagement, closely aligning with my aspirations.

I wanted to demonstrate how traditional techniques can be reinterpreted to address modern societal challenges, such as the need for cultural preservation in our rapidly globalizing world.

Overall, this project demonstrates how thoughtful design practice can preserve tradition, foster social engagement, and encourage meaningful conversations, reinforcing my commitment to create designs that deeply resonate with the world around me.

One of my works of design that resonates the most with my artistic vision is probably my photography project on typologies.

Through this project, I used my creative practice to reveal deeper insights into human nature and culture, prompting reflection on how shared spaces shape and are shaped by personal identities.

This project directly engages with societal values by reflecting on how individuals interact with public spaces, highlighting the role of design in fostering connection and understanding within communities.

I also analysed the ways traditional spaces are adapted for modern needs.

Additionally, this ties into my broader exploration of tradition in design, as shown in my other works, where cultural elements shape design processes.

My vision statement emphasizes the importance of creativity, authenticity, and societal relevance, and this project embodies these values by capturing how people creatively engage with their surroundings, turning communal areas into extensions of their private lives. As I try to convey stories through visual narratives, this project aligns with my desire to communicate meaningful messages through design.

Through my journey so far, I’ve come to realise how much my self-identity shapes my approach to design as I strive to create work that speaks to real-world issues, I see design as a way to make a positive impact.

By combining visual clarity with thoughtful messaging, I hope to create designs that encourage people to reflect, connect, and even take action. As I grow as a designer, I want to keep refining this vision, learning from each project and letting every experience deepen my understanding of how design can both reflect and shape our world.

~ 486 words

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4. Wk 11 Manifesto

Reflecting on our manifesto activity for Critical Thinking Skills B, I have realised how much these principles connect with my journey as a designer.

Our first slogan is "Own Your Chaos". For me, design work often starts in chaos.

Embracing the chaos at the beginning has taught me that my best ideas often emerge when things are still unclear, experimenting with different designs and approaches instead of just heading straight into designing the final product.

The slogan "Respect the Roots" especially relates to my Materiality and Technique module. For my 3D cube project, I needed to select from three traditional techniques and I chose Blind Embossing.

This technique was introduced through a presentation about Ang Ku Kueh.

Inspired by the history of this Kueh, I incorporated design elements reflective of its culture.

This allowed me to create a final piece that not only showcased my technical skill but also held personal and cultural significance, giving authenticity to my work.

The slogan "Storytelling, not Selling" resonates deeply with my Branding module.

For my product, I designed a medal that works like a magic 8-ball that, when shaken, delivers compliments for petty achievements, giving self-validation.

The instructions further enhance the humour, with warnings.

Recognizing that successful designs tell a story that stays with people, I concentrated on building a strong narrative and brand identity around the product, prioritising storytelling over the product's physical features.

The 4th slogan, "Curiosity Didn’t Kill the Designer," relates personally to part of my own growth.

Also, I’ve been challenging myself to design directly in InDesign to explore the advantages of each program and discover which best suits my workflow.

Additionally, browsing design websites for inspiration has broadened my perspective, allowing me to experiment with diverse styles and refine my designs to better align with the intended theme.

Staying curious doesn’t mean I always know what I’m doing, but it keeps me excited and open-minded, and that’s what helps me improve as a designer.

The slogan "Simple Is the New Bold" aligns closely with my design philosophy, where I've learned that minimalism often speaks louder.

I used to believe that adding more details would make my designs more impressive, but I've come to realize that stripping them down can actually make the message more impactful.

By keeping designs clean and bold, particularly in my photography projects, each element has space to stand out and create a stronger overall effect.

Lastly, "Consistency is Sexy." This point ties back to my work in the Studio module.

Consistency pulls everything together, giving my designs a clear identity.

This manifesto helped me realize that design isn’t just about making things look good, it’s about understanding the process, purpose, and message. Each point reflects essential design principles and the growth we’ve experienced across different modules. Additionally, showing me that growth as a designer isn’t about having everything perfect from the start but about learning through the journey and letting every experience refine my craft. ~ 490 words No citations

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3. Wk 4-5 [Field Trip + How to Critically Analyse Artistic Traditions and Lineages]

Starting with the look and feel of the gallery, it is a seamless blend of modern architecture, intuitive wayfinding, and thoughtful design elements that come together to create a visually stimulating and comfortable space.

The architecture of the gallery is amazing; its combination of old and new creates a modern and sleek feeling.

One of the standout features of the National Gallery that caught my eye is its highly effective wayfinding system, featuring clear and informative signage throughout.

In addition, large wayfinding boards are strategically placed near exhibition entrances, offering specific guidance and helping visitors stay oriented as they move through the space.

In conclusion, the gallery provides a great blend of history, modern architecture, and thoughtful design, creating a tranquil and enjoyable space to experience art. The combination of natural sunlight, cool temperatures, and spacious layouts makes it a comfortable environment to explore and appreciate the exhibitions at my own pace. Moving on to the artworks, the first is National Language Class, Chua Mia Tee, Singapore, 1959.

I think that this painting reflects the significance of language in shaping national identity, highlighting the commitment to unity in a diverse society during a crucial period in Singapore’s history.

Another painting that caught my eye was Choo Keng Kwang’s Oyster Omelette Stall, Brickworkers at Alexandra Brickworks, and Incident 513. Using vibrant, earthy colours and bold lines, his paintings capture scenes of everyday life in Singapore, each vividly portraying the local community.

These paintings show us the realities of life back in the day, preserving our history and portraying important events that have shaped Singapore’s identity.

~ 264 words The architecture of National Gallery Singapore. PORTFOLIO Magazine. (n.d.). https://www.designandarchitecture.com/article/the-architecture-of-national-gallery-singapore.html

National language class, Chua Mia Tee, Singapore, 1959, oil on canvas. ROOTS. (n.d.). https://www.roots.gov.sg/stories-landing/stories/the-singapore-story-through-60-objects/art-historical/national-language-class/story

“5-1-3 (May 13th Student Riot).” ROOTS. (n.d.-a). https://www.roots.gov.sg/Collection-Landing/listing/1132595

says:, H. V. V., says:, Y. V., Says:, G., says:, C. P. V., says:, G. N., says:, S. 1960 curator, & says:, L. S. (2021, December 19). Interpreting national language class. s/pores journal. https://s-pores.com/2007/04/national-language-class/

Log into Facebook. Facebook. (n.d.). https://www.facebook.com/nationalgallerysg/photos/ndp2016-artwork-featureon-13-may-1954-a-student-protested-against-proposed-compu/1439450772737308/?_rdr

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2. Wk 3 [Connecting Practice with Society]

When connecting practice with society in design communication, it is essential to integrate societal relevance into our works. We don't just create visually aesthetic designs but designs that also resonate with societal needs, issues, and values.

Design communication has the power to shape public opinion and inspire social change, influencing people both physically and emotionally, affecting their views on various social issues.

For example, design communication can play a key role in raising awareness for a social issue such as climate change.

While other graphics might include direct suggestions or calls to action.

Another example is The Black Lives Matter movement. Effectively using graphic design to spread its message globally.

Next, design communication can also enhance cultural sensitivity and inclusivity. This approach integrates cultural awareness to connect meaningfully with diverse communities.

For instance, companies like Coca-Cola have used inclusive campaigns, such as the "Share a Coke" initiative.

Finally, connecting practice with society in a traditional manner.

For example, Lindsey Adelman, a designer known for her commitment to sustainability, craftsmanship, and collaboration with a variety of artisans.

Another example of her work is the Knotty Bubbles Collection.

These examples show her self-concept of merging artistic design with social consciousness, creating functional designs that are also a response to broader societal values.

For the class activity, we created a short documentary about inflation, aiming to highlight the impact of these prices on people living in Singapore.

In conclusion, connecting design with society is key to creating work that is both visually impactful and socially relevant. By incorporating these values into my work and exploring various design methods, I can address issues, inspire change, and promote cultural sensitivity.

~ 275 words

The impact of Communication Design: Enhancing Visual Communication Strategies. Design Cloud. (n.d.). https://designcloud.app/blog/the-impact-of-communication-design#:~:text=Communication%20design%20has%20a%20significant%20impact%20on%20various%20sectors%2C%20including,communicate%20their%20messages%20more%20effectively.

Design. (2024b, February 28). How can design communication address social issues?. Design Communication for Social Issues: A Guide. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-can-design-communication-address-social-issues-skills-design-owhrc#:~:text=Design%20communication%20can%20address%20social%20issues%20by%20fostering%20awareness%2C%20promoting,accessible%20to%20a%20wider%20audience.

Nelson, G. (2024, July 20). New Online Platform for Environmental Digital Art strives to drive climate action and reduce CO2 emissions. ARTnews.com. https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/new-online-platform-for-environmental-digital-art-to-drive-climate-action-reduce-co2-emissions-1234712294/

Communication. (n.d.). How can you use communication design to increase environmental awareness?. How to Use Communication Design for Environmental Awareness. https://www.linkedin.com/advice/3/how-can-you-use-communication-design-increase-environmental-zedlc#:~:text=Communication%20design%20can%20elevate%20environmental,a%20concise%20and%20engaging%20manner.

Vallverdu-Gordi, M., & Marine-Roig, E. (2023, February 28). The role of graphic design semiotics in environmental awareness campaigns. International journal of environmental research and public health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10001648/#:~:text=The%20findings%20show%20that%20the,cognitive%20reaction%20towards%20the%20campaign.

Miller, L. (n.d.). Global warming - poster campaign. Behance. https://www.behance.net/gallery/8391087/Global-Warming-Poster-Campaign

Nazeer, A. (2024, March 6). Beyond aesthetics: The impactful role of Graphic Design in society. LinkedIn. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/beyond-aesthetics-impactful-role-graphic-design-society-ahmad-nazeer-elnie#:~:text=Catalyst%20for%20Change%3A%20Graphic%20design,communities%20to%20effect%20positive%20change.

Apte, G. (2024, January 13). The story behind Coca-Cola’s “share a Coke” campaign. Medium. https://gauriapte2706.medium.com/the-story-behind-coca-colas-share-a-coke-campaign-9897f5b207b0#:~:text=The%20%E2%80%9CShare%20a%20Coke%E2%80%9D%20initiative,yet%20its%20impact%20was%20profound.

Cultural sensitivity in design - connecting with diverse audiences. ISAAC’S QUARTERLY. (n.d.). https://www.isaacsquarterly.com/iq-guidance/cultural-sensitivity-in-design-connecting-with-diverse-audiences

marketingmanagement4e. (2015, July 8). Coca-Cola to reintroduce popular “share a Coke” campaign, this time with more names and package varieties. Marketing Management. https://marshall-johnstonmm.com/2015/04/13/coca-cola-to-reintroduce-popular-share-a-coke-campaign-this-time-with-more-names-and-package-varieties/

Designing for social good: How designers can make A difference. MakeIterate. (n.d.). https://makeiterate.com/designing-for-social-good-how-designers-can-make-a-difference/#:~:text=Designing%20for%20social%20good%20uses%20design%20skills%20and%20principles%20to,their%20knowledge%20of%20design%20principles.

Hadjiosif, S., Journal #1 – The Importance of Good Design – Jasmin Cuahuizo-Tlazca Site, The Importance of Design - MyFancyHouse.com, & Rajesh. (2021, November 7). Why is design so important in our society? • terra movement. Terra Movement. https://www.terramovement.com/why-is-design-important-in-our-society/

Adelman, L. (n.d.). Lindsey Adelman Studio. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from https://lindseyadelman.com/

Hamm, A. (2020, October 27). Lindsey Adelman: The designer who makes lighting feel like sculpture. Architectural Digest. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from https://www.architecturaldigest.com/story/lindsey-adelman-lighting-sculpture

Cohen, M. (2018, February 13). Lindsey Adelman: Lighting design meets craftsmanship. The New York Times. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from https://www.nytimes.com/2018/02/13/t-magazine/design/lindsey-adelman-lighting.html

Bauer, A. (2019, July 25). The art of lighting: Lindsey Adelman’s creative process. Design Milk. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from https://design-milk.com/the-art-of-lighting-lindsey-adelmans-creative-process/

Elkins, K. (2020, May 4). Lindsey Adelman on the intersection of craft and modern design. Elle Decor. Retrieved November 12, 2024, from https://www.elledecor.com/design-decorate/artist/a32004774/lindsey-adelman-craft-modern-design/

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1. Wk 2 [Connecting Theory and Practice]

Our self-identity and self-concept significantly shape the way we approach design communication. When combined with the knowledge we've learnt, these personal aspects influence our design style, decision-making and how we communicate ideas and engage with people.

Our self-identity, which can be shaped by culture, experiences, and values, influences the creative choices and aesthetic preferences that we make. For example, Liubov Kuptsova, a designer with a strong cultural background incorporates elements from her heritage into her designs.

Secondly, self-concept influences how we designers apply our knowledge and skills, shaping our design process and the way we communicate through design. Additionally, specific movements or styles may impact our use of typography, and colour, allowing our self-concept to reflect our personal and professional values.

Paula Scher, renowned for her bold typographic work and iconic branding, centres her design self-concept around the belief in typography’s power to communicate clear, direct messages. For example, her work on the public identity of the New York City Ballet.  

Paula Scher's bold, geometric compositions reflect her confidence in her graphic design skills and her willingness to break conventional boundaries. For example, in her work for The Public Theater in New York.

Her work for Microsoft blends modernity with simplicity and exemplifies her self-concept as a designer focused on clarity and strong visual language to shape impactful brand identities.

The class activity of creating a collage to represent our self-identity highlighted how personal experiences, values, and personal views shape our approach to design.

Ultimately, it showed me that design is not just about technical skill or aesthetics, but a reflection of who we are.

The connection between self-identity, self-concept, theory, and practice is key in design communication. Our personal identities influence how we apply design theories, shaping both our creative decisions and communication. Understanding this intersection enables us to create authentic, meaningful work that resonates with both ourselves and our audiences, promoting confidence, creativity, and clarity, which are essential qualities for success in design. ~ 265 words

https://study.com/academy/lesson/what-is-personal-identity-definition-philosophy development.html#:~:text=Personal%20identity%20is%20the%20concept,time%20and%20what%20you%20believe.

https://www.artmajeur.com/liubov-kuptsova https://www.kuptsovaart.com/pages/282023/biography

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Arnold, D. (2020, November 18). The impact of Paula Scher’s typography on modern design. CreativeBloq. https://www.creativebloq.com/inspiration/the-impact-of-paula-schers-typography

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Smashing Magazine. (2021, September 16). How to build an identity through design. Smashing Magazine. Retrieved November 11, 2024, from https://www.smashingmagazine.com/2021/09/build-identity-through-design/

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Windows - story. Pentagram. (n.d.). https://www.pentagram.com/work/windows/story

The Public Theater - story. Pentagram. (n.d.-a). https://www.pentagram.com/work/the-public-theater/story

New York City ballet. Zeynep Orbay. (n.d.). https://www.zeyneporbay.com/new-gallery