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WOII REFLECTION

Throughout the weeks, I have definitely delved more into reasons and external factors that shape design. Like how political and socio-economic factors influence representation.  Ethics, moral values, and current world affairs heavily influence graphic design by shaping the messages we choose to communicate. Designers often respond to social issues such as climate change, inequality, or political conflict. All done through visual storytelling that raises awareness or challenges norms. This responsibility pushes me to think critically about the impact and intention behind my work.

These lessons have made me more aware of how perception, context, and individual experience shape both the creation and interpretation of design. What we see and how we respond to visuals is never neutral, it’s filtered through our personal backgrounds, emotions, and cultural understanding. A design that feels powerful or moving to one person might seem ordinary to another, simply because their experiences differ. Context also plays a huge role; the meaning of a design can change depending on when, where, or how it's seen. This has taught me to be more intentional in my work, considering not just how something looks, but how it might be received, questioned, or interpreted from multiple viewpoints.

 Alongside this, I deepened my understanding of postmodernism, a movement that embraces rule-breaking, mixed styles, and expressive, unconventional design. I recognized its influence in my studio work, breaking more conventional habits and bringing unique flavour. It pushes me to think out of the box especially since I have learnt the logic and history behind the topic.

I think about future clients who want certain messages. How can I represent that in a creative way? That's where semiotics come to play. Knowing the signifier and the signified beforehand, makes coming out with design ideas a lot easier. 

-(293 words)

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WEEK 11 - POST-MODERNISM

Draft a response (~250 words) to: ● What are some notable ideas from today’s session?

Consider the topic, activity, keywords.

Remember to also make connections to your design training.

For this week’s session, I learned that postmodernism is a movement that came after modernism and is known for breaking rules, mixing styles, and challenging traditional ideas. It often includes bold colors,unconventional typography, and unexpected combinations of visuals. We looked at examples like Memphis design and retro-inspired posters that reflect this eclectic style.

 In graphic design, postmodernism can be used to create eye-catching, expressive work that feels fun, ironic, or unconventional. 

I see this present in my studio catalogue, using my chosen designer as reference and breaking down their style and language in more unconventional ways. Even through my normal design processes, I've never really realised how postmodernism is so present in design. It all boils down to perception and personal experiences and how intertwined it is to our own unique style, whether design, art ot the music we enjoy.

Trying to replicate PHUNK’s style in graphic design is new to me, especially when the work is unconventional or rooted in postmodern themes. Postmodernism thrives on breaking norms and blending unexpected elements, which makes it both inspiring and challenging to reinterpret. Me struggle lies in keeping the original design’s distinct flavor while pushing it into new, unpredictable directions that still feel true to me. It’s a balance between honoring the source and reshaping it into something uniquely mine, without losing the essence that made it stand out in the first place.

Overall, this week helped me understand how postmodernism encourages creative freedom through rule-breaking and experimentation. It showed me the complexity of borrowing from an existing style while still making it personal. This process deepens my design thinking and pushes me to embrace unpredictability while staying true to a distinct visual voice.

-(283 words)

SOURCES:

https://kmooki.wordpress.com/2013/10/23/modernism-vs-post-modernism/

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WOII WEEK 10 POST-STRUCTURALISM

1. Draft a response (~250 words) to:

● What are some notable ideas from today’s session?

- Consider the topic, activity, keywords.

- Remember to also make connections to your design training.

For this response, do select a new ad/poster to personally decode.

Do not use what was discussed in class.

For this week’s session the initial idea of structuralism provokes a deeper understanding of how almost all visual or cultural representations require structure and various ways to perceive. I don't think many of us pay attention to how we view things. And how alot of our habits in the daily world relate to some sort of muscle memory of initial understanding of something. 

Through research, I have seen how some things can be twisted to a myriad of  meanings, instead of one singular objective truth. And in terms of design this can be seen through many different elements. 

By breaking down the profound subject such as post-structuralism, I see how the philosophical topic can be used in simpler practices. For example in studio, I was tasked to curate and emulate a certain designer’s style. 

I found this to be a good example of post-structuralism as it pushes me to perceive and understand works in my own opinionated way and then translate it visually.

cross relating to craft workshop, I found post-structuralism to be present in my second workshop as well (experimental typography) I found that the different viewpoints on nostalgia actively shaped my decisions in designing the desired font. Nostalgia being my main topic, i began to dissect the different feelings packaged within the media/experiences i had when i was young.

These experiences might have had a different impact on someone. But it's interesting that our perception can be entire uniquely ours whether influenced by external factors or not.

-(250 words)

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WOII WEEK 4 SEMIOTICS

1. Draft a response (~250 words) to:

● What are some notable ideas from today’s session?

- Consider the topic, activity, keywords.

- Remember to also make connections to your design training.

For this response, do select a new ad/poster to personally decode.

Do not use what was discussed in class.

For this week’s session there were definitely some key learning points when it came to semiotics and the different ways of interpreting something visually. Semiotics can be used directly to send a message, or even provoke ways of thinking whether consciously or subconsciously.

With this Burger King ad, the initial thought is off-putting. An unappetising burger covered in mold. But then it makes us think about other products we have encountered before. Ones filled with preservatives and unnatural chemicals. The image of a moldy Whopper was sure to grab people’s attention and make them stop and think. It was a bold and risky move, but it paid off in terms of generating buzz and awareness. 

relating to the photography module, i see semiotics being used in different ways to emulate my chosen article's topic . Whether its specific compositions or subject matters the article talks about, i see examples of it being implied in my work

my chosen article was about unhappiness and the byproducts of such emotions. In my own interpretation of unhappiness, i chose to represent the topic through contrast. A high contrast of colors overlayed onto a dull collage. In a way the volatile difference between the two elements, formed the polar opposites of something happy and sad. Excluding color, both mediums are very different aswell, one being an illustration and the other, a bunch of photos collaged together.

In conclusion the, the signified was the large contrast between the subjects and background.

the signifier is the opposites of unhappiness and happiness, and the sign is the entire composition

source : https://edition.cnn.com/videos/media/2020/02/19/moldy-burger-king-ad-mxp-vpx.hln

-(261 words)

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WOII WEEK 2 PHENOMENOLOGY

Draft a response (~250 words) to:

● What are some notable ideas from today’s session?

- Consider the topic, activity, keywords.

- Remember to also make connections to your design training.

At the start of the lecture I found the term phenomenology to be quite interesting. In a way, it had provoked deep thoughts within me. The art of perception and how the world can be defined through our OWN eyes. Does my own viewpoint define what something is? After today’s session I dug into both Heidegger and Descartes’ phenomenologies. In simple terms, Heidegger rejects Descartes separation of things into thinking substance and material substance. He thinks this kind of approach causes problems from which philosophy struggled to recover. Heidegger's notion of Being-in-the-world asserts that the "subjective" and the "objective" are correlated rather than radically separate. 

In relation to design and today’s class activity, I believe this deeper study has taught me different ways of perceiving. Obviously, not to the degree of an actual philosopher, but rather as insight into how I can apply personal experiences, memory, and imagination to interpreting a piece of work. For example, we were tasked with conveying shadow or time through a series of images or drawings. Many people had different outcomes, each based on different elements of perception. That in itself can be a clear example of Descartes’ thinking where the definition of shadow can be materialised from our own conscious being. 

I believe my own art is a good example of this, i find that there is different interpretations of things we create, especially from someone else's viewpoint we may discover things we have no intention of discovering.

Perception and first-person viewpoint in design and art shape how we interpret and create. Our unique experiences, biases, and emotions influence artistic decisions, affecting composition, color, and form. This subjective lens can both limit and enrich creativity, pushing us to explore perspectives beyond our own, fostering deeper artistic expression and innovation.

-(250 words)

SOURCE: https://plato.stanford.edu/entries/heidegger/

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Week 5 & 6 - Design Analysis and Field Trip

What are some notable ideas from today’s session?

- Consider the topic, activity, keywords.

- Remember to also make connections to your design training.

Consider applying the How Design Means framework to objects in your immediate environment.

Most of the key points I've learnt actually came from the lecture itself, How a good design can be broken down to different elements such as Processes, Purposes and mediums. All in relation to basic design fundamentals (balance, rhythm, scale etc) Not just within the limits of the physical realm but even different cultural backgrounds and certain intentions can make a good design. For example, I was at a flea market during my trip to Bangkok and bought a particular saucer  (Which i had brought to class for the activity). Likely made of red clay, I found it fascinating due to the consistency of its glaze—two distinct and contrasting colors inside and out—along with intricate hand-carved patterns on the exterior. I highly value effort in craftsmanship, as it reflects the time and dedication required to reach a high skill level. Pottery, in particular, demands immense practice to master. A good design demands craftsmanship, and is purposeful by nature. Similar to art where it may be defined by its meaning, it can also be inherently linked to its sentimental value it might have to something.

1. Document at least 1 work of design that you can connect into one of your curated object

groupings from last week. In your reflection, discuss how you think this new work(s?) is a

meaningful addition to the existing grouping.

* The object grouping last week was a group effort, but this new work/s of design should be your

personal choice.

The car can go under the grouping “daily use”. This would make much sense as the car has a very practical use.

2. Document at least 3 other works of design from the Kampong Gelam district that you can group

under a new theme. Consider the themes provided, or come up with your own. In your reflection,

discuss how you think these works form an interesting grouping in relation to the theme.

* This is not a group exercise, these works should be your personal choice.

For my new theme i chose the theme "aesthetic". I chose it because the images gave me the same vibe and feeling compared to the 3 objects i brought into class. While not directly linked by material or medium, I had actually imagined each item right next to each other (including the ones i brought last week) and questioned whether they would look nice together.

The theme “aesthetic” connects both sets of objects by emphasizing texture, pattern, and visual impact. The electrical box with stickers reflects a layered, urban aesthetic similar to the cracked glaze on the stoneware saucer, where imperfections create beauty. The Turkish lamps, with their intricate patterns and vibrant colors, parallel the flea market saucer’s detailed carvings and contrasting glazes, both showcasing craftsmanship and cultural artistry. The rock crystals, with their organic shapes and natural shimmer, relate to the ashtray’s raw, unrefined nature, proving that even simple, unaltered forms hold aesthetic value. Together, these objects highlight diverse interpretations of beauty in design.

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 3: Connect CTS A to your learning and professional journey

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1. What kinds of collaborative projects would you like to do?

A collaborative project I would eventually like to pursue would likely involve music or sound, focusing on creating visuals for a specific track or audio experience. I envision collaborating with LASALLE’s Diploma in Music program, as I believe this course aligns with my interests, particularly my strong passion for music and its ability to complement visuals effectively. Sound and music convey various emotions across all forms of media or design.

Another type of collaborative project I wish to undertake is with the Diploma in Creative Direction for Fashion. I aim to work on large projects that demand rich visuals and the development of a distinct aesthetic for a brand, necessitating various graphics for marketing, advertising, and promotion.

BA(hons) creative direction for fashion, as a example of what I would like to do. Credit: https://www.lasallesof.com/2024-diploma-in-creative-direction-for-fashion/jeanne-ardella-tjakra

2. What kind of final project would you like to do?  

A final project I would like to undertake involves creating a large installation or visual space that addresses the topic of mental health and how many individuals may experience a mental illness without even realizing it. The goal is to develop a space that educates and promotes greater awareness of mental health and well-being, particularly among youth and individuals of all ages.

3. Consider “Community Engagement and Professional Skills”

With my work, I aim to engage with organizations that promote positive mental well-being, such as the Singapore Association for Mental Health (SAMH). By creating works for events that SAMH might organise in the future, helping to market or promote their events or courses through graphics and visual posters. By creating for these associations, I can further immerse myself in the professional industry while contributing to a meaningful cause.

-https://www.samhealth.org.sg/about-samh/vision-mission-values/

4. How might CTS A help you professionally?

CTS-A helps me organize my ideas and thoughts, documenting the processes and structures behind my work and thinking. It also prepares me for the professional world, where I must learn to meet deadlines and adhere to schedules. Additionally, it helps me improve communication with future colleagues and bosses, ensuring I am well-liked and productive in my work environment. It also enables me to excel in group settings and diverse environments, adapting for my own learning.

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 2: Connect CTS A to all your other modules (and components)

Common Module - AY24.25 CTS A --------------------------------------------------------------

A common pattern across all the modules is the emphasis on collaborative effort. Each module includes at least one group project that requires us to work together to brainstorm and complete the assigned tasks. For example, in Weeks 5 and 6 of the studio module (Hollywood Bling, Data Space), we are asked to collaborate on a music video and hierarchical classification. This is where the collaborative skills from Week 2 come into play.

Like the other modules, most of the CTS-A topics encourage us to approach our work in new ways—ways that help us convey emotion and better understand our internal thoughts. Concepts such as mindfulness and emotional intelligence are key examples. One particular topic I found especially useful in the studio module was "Digital Media: Documentation for Art Practice." It provided me with practical methods to source and cite the various references needed for my CPJ, ensuring I avoided plagiarism and gave proper credit to the original sources.

Even in group activities, I noticed many connections between CTS-A and the other modules. For instance, being open to change and striving for better communication are key aspects that apply across the board. In courses like Craft and Photography—both technical subjects that require skill and keen observation—CTS has helped me understand the bigger picture and approach things from a technical perspective. For example, I’ve learned to consider white space and balance, focus on the craft, and ensure I communicate my ideas clearly through visuals. To do this effectively, I first need to organize my thoughts so I can visualize what I want and how I want my final product to look. Looking back, I see that these skills are applicable not only across all my modules but also beyond school.

Being able to organize one's thoughts is a skill that takes practice and patience but ultimately leads to productive and efficient outcomes. I’ve found that brainstorming is much easier when I already have a clear idea of what I want and have outlined each step of the process. -337 words

-group collaborative effort during the brainstorm, linking all the different key point from each week across all the different modules

various Works done across 2021 and the years which I was studying engineering. I found comfort being able to pursue my passion while being in a completely different field.

Various old works, looking back now, i can see much more room for improvement and different ways i can grow, applying observation and mindfulness into what i do.

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Summative Assessment Compulsory Question 1: Discuss the seven weekly topics as a whole

Common Module - AY24.25 CTS A

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Each weekly topic initially seemed more like basic knowledge than something I could learn from. However, my perspective shifted as I began to realize how I could apply each topic to specific habits or aspects of school and work. For example, week 3’s topic on emotional intelligence taught me to be more aware of my relationships with others and how to manage them independently.

After working through the 7 weekly CTS-A  topics, I found myself gradually incorporating what I learned during CTS into my daily practice. For example, I became more aware of my surroundings and more open to collaboration. Since I also work outside of school as a digital illustrator, I feel more confident managing deadlines, as I can apply various communication styles when interacting with my clients. Especially since now i have been able to work with various artists and talents from other countries, i find myself wanting to improve my communication skills.

The first topic I initially struggled with was adopting a growth mindset. As I’ve grown into adulthood, the idea of self-improvement has become increasingly tedious. Being creative, especially in a suppressive environment, has been challenging. Despite the hard work that has paid off in improving my craft, I’m proud of how far I’ve come, though I feel the need for a change of environment—somewhere that motivates me to do better and excel. I found comfort in illustrating at a young age. This passion has taken me to many places, but at this point in my life, I still feel stagnant.

With week 4’s focus on growth and mindfulness, I’m gradually incorporating these practices into my daily life. I look forward to coming to school to work with and observe my classmates and their creative processes. Their work motivates me to improve and continue seeking personal validation. Slowly i am beginning to merge my work and social life, as before that i was insecure about what i created despite having a decent following. -373 words

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reference: Nikita Duggal https://www.simplilearn.com/emotional-intelligence-what-why-and-how-article

Both of my works done in August-September, in collaboration with 9lives and Colour factory(london) needing me to communicate well with the deliverables of the task

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Q .1 Describe your strengths and weaknesses as a collaborator. What did you do well, and what are some areas to improve? Discuss with reference to today’s activities.

Q. 2 If you had more time and an unlimited budget, how would you design the monument differently? Include pictures of the group work and your personal redesign.

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Throughout my life, I have always preferred working alone rather than in groups. I find that I can manage deadlines more effectively, and I’d rather rely on myself than on others. If I make a mistake, I take full accountability for it. However, I have learned to be more open to different perspectives when working in a group and to embrace being a team player. I aim to find ways for us all to achieve a common goal together. One area for improvement is that I need to be more outspoken in group settings. I often feel anxious about speaking to people I don’t know well or worry about being judged for having an incorrect idea or potentially letting others down. I should take the initiative to express myself more openly and communicate my ideas with my teammates.

tree monument done in class, as a group.

If I had more time and an unlimited budget, I would enhance the monument by adding more greenery, artificial leaves, and lights. The monument is intended to represent global warming and its effects on our planet. It should stand for a long time and serve as a reminder of the beauty of nature.

source -https://pxhere.com/en/photo/621932?utm_content=shareClip&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=pxhere

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CTS WEEK 3 Q.1 we talked about “self management,” “self-awareness," “empathy,” and “relationship management." Which aspect do you think you are strongest at, and which is something you should try to improve? Discuss with reference to today’s activities, and even your studio collaborations.

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The aspect I believe I excel in is relationship management. Whether in school or at work, I have always been attentive to the people I encounter and the relationships I build with them. I strive to be communicative and mindful of how I treat others and how they treat me, aiming to leverage my connections while still remaining genuine.

I have consistently been aware of those around me and how I engage with them. I pay close attention to others’ feelings and the tone of my words. I also take note of my relationships, considering how close I am to different individuals and their personalities. Particularly with my friends, I feel drawn to how I interact with people and enjoy socializing, which may seem surprising given my more introverted nature.

This awareness enhances my emotional intelligence and improves my interactions, especially with my partner. Additionally, it helps me maintain professional relationships in work environments and with future supervisors.

However, I recognize that I should work on expanding my social circle and stepping outside my comfort zone. I often feel passive when it comes to seeking human connection, preferring to wait for others to approach me and initiate closeness rather than making the first move myself.

"To your Eternity" is one of my favourite manga

It follows the theme of fleeting relationships and how things do not last, which i thought would have been applicable to my own personal growth and how i manage my relationships.

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CTS week 1

WEEK 1

Q.1 Describe your understanding of critical thinking that you had before the class, reflect on what you may have learned.

Q.2 WHat have you learned about mindfulness? How might you integrate this into your learning environment?

Q.3 Describe an eventful moment you have experienced in this class.

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Being able to work well generally, critical thinking, to me, has always been about common sense and is more of a habit. Critical thinking is also a practice—something that takes time and effort and is different from regular thinking. To me, critical thinking is about problem-solving and planning how to tackle a certain task at hand. Through the lecture, I have learned how to incorporate critical thinking in a more meditative and structured way.

Being mindful means always being aware of your surroundings and your personal thoughts. It is my understanding that being mindful is not as commonly noticed as I thought. It is more of a subconscious behaviour and habit that we all have. During class, I have also learned how to practice and develop mindfulness, making it more of a habit rather than a subconscious practice. This allows me to observe what's around me and think of ways to interact with my surroundings.

So far, in this first week of school, an eventful moment was definitely making new friends and talking to people who share the same interests. Previously, I was in an engineering course and often felt bored, as I was unable to actively express my creativity in my academics, constantly working with diagrams, math, and numbers. It is certainly refreshing to know that I will be studying something I truly enjoy and want as a career, while also being able to observe the creativity of my peers and be motivated and inspired by them.    

-248 words