Design Principles | Task 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation

02/17/2025 - 03/03/2025 / Week 3 - Week 5
Rio Sato / 0360530
TASK 2: Visual Analysis & Ideation
Design Principles / Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media / Taylors University
Instructions

Fig. 1.1 Module Information Booklit - Design Principles

Analyze the art/design work from Task 1, examining its design principles, dimensions, layout, purpose, and effectiveness.

Requirements for Task 2 Visual Analysis & Ideation blog post:

  • Recap Task 2 brief.
  • Write a 300-350 word visual analysis of your selected artwork, following lecture notes and guide.
  • Sketch 3 improvement ideas (30-50 words each) with rationale and cited visual references. Follow the plagiarism policy and GenAI guidelines.
  • feedback from the lecturer
Task 2
Fig. 1.2 The Great Wave by Katsushika Hokusai

Artist: Katsushika Hokusai
Year: 1831
Dimensions: 24.6 cm × 36.5 cm (9.7 in × 14.4 in)
Source: Waller, L. (2023, August 8). The principles of design: movement. Inkling Creative. https://inklingcreative.ink/movement/



Visual Analysis

Hokusai's "The Great Wave" masterfully implements multiple design principles to create an iconic piece that has captivated audiences for generations. The artwork demonstrates exceptional use of movement, balance, rhythm, emphasis, composition, and unity to convey its powerful message.

The composition's primary feature is its dramatic diagonal movement, flowing from the upper left to the lower right through the massive wave formation. This creates dynamic energy that guides the viewer's eye through the scene, eventually leading to Mount Fuji in the background. According to the article (Waller, 2023b) the author mentioned that “When the wave is followed to its natural end point, the eye is led to Mt. Fuji in the background which you may not have seen until your eye was led there.” The curling waveforms add circular movement patterns that enhance the overall sense of motion and dynamism.

Despite the wave's dominance, Hokusai achieves remarkable asymmetrical balance. Mount Fuji, though smaller in scale, serves as a crucial counterweight to the wave's visual mass. The strategic positioning of three boats in the lower position creates additional balance, grounding the composition.

Rhythm manifests through repetitive elements throughout the piece. The wave's form displays recurring "finger-like" patterns that unify the composition and guide the viewer's eye. The three boats' positioning contributes to this rhythmic flow, creating a harmonious lower section that complements the upper turbulence.

The artwork's emphasis is achieved through bold contrasts in both scale and color. The enormous wave dwarfs Mount Fuji and the boats, creating dramatic tension. Dark blue waves contrast sharply with the lighter sky and white foam, drawing attention to the wave's form and establishing clear focal points within the composition.

Composition plays a crucial role, with Mount Fuji rendered lighter and less detailed in the distance. This technique effectively creates depth and spatial relationships within the two-dimensional format, adding to the piece's visual complexity.

All these elements work in concert to convey nature's power and beauty. The seamless integration of traditional Japanese artistic elements with dynamic composition creates a harmonious whole that continues to resonate across cultures and time, demonstrating Hokusai's masterful employment of fundamental design principles.

(350 words)



Reference List

Waller, L. (2023b, August 8). The principles of design: movement. Inkling Creative. https://inklingcreative.ink/movement/



Improvement Sketches

Sketch 1:

Fig. 1.3 Edit Range #1


Fig. 1.4 Sketch 1

As in Fig 1.5, objects in the distance appear lighter in color due to atmospheric perspective. By incorporating more subtle color variations in the waves and rendering Mount Fuji in lighter tones, we can enhance the artwork's sense of depth.


Fig. 1.5 Example of Depth Perspective


Sketch 2: 

Fig. 1.6 Edit Range #2

Fig. 1.7 Sketch 2

Change the color of the sky to a light, less striking color such as beige to draw attention to the waves and Mt. Fuji. This would add another layer of visual interest while maintaining the original composition's balance.



Sketch 3:

Fig. 1.8 Sketch 3

To enhance the artwork's depth, I incorporate various sized grain textures in the foreground layer. I also introduce rays of sunlight from the sky to imbue the piece with a more narrative quality.





Layer and Hierarchy Analysis


Foreground Layer:

- The wave crest with its detailed foam patterns commands immediate attention
- Small fishing boats provide human scale and create tension through their vulnerability

Middle Layer:

- Secondary wave formations create depth and reinforce the movement
- The wave's body serves as a transitional element

Background Layer:

- Mount Fuji, rendered with less detail anchors the composition
- The sky, treated with minimal detail, allows the primary elements to dominate

Hierarchical Relationships:

- Size hierarchy: Wave > Boats > Mount Fuji creates dramatic scale contrast
- Detail hierarchy: Foam patterns > Wave body > Background elements
- Color intensity: Dark wave > Medium tones > Light background establishes depth


Feedback

Week 3
In anticipation of Task 3, after sketching, analyze the layers and hierarchy of the artwork.

Week 4
Since depicting sunlight breaking through waves presents technical challenges, incorporating a moon or lantern would add narrative depth while being easier to execute.

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