WEEK 2.GAME DESIGN
Annotation
I have chosen that game for my research because I like the minimalistic design of that game. The cards are made in monochrome. Only two colors are used. Moreover, these two colors work well with each other because there make a great contrast. Moreover, there are no objects, illustrations that will disturb the eye. When people take these cards they are concentrated on what is written rather than on other objects.
Moreover, such smooth angles look very good. However, I do not understand how they are made. Generally speaking, not all cards were cut with scissors one by one.
As for my design, should I use such a minimalistic approach?What If I crate a graphic glass inside which will be a text? Or maybe I should make cards in the shape of a glass?
Annotation
SITE
Article, Thomas Oppong
Life is unpredictable. And that’s okay. Embrace it.
When nothing is certain, everything is possible!
Your plans for tomorrow, next month or next year may not unfold as you expect. But it’s important to make plans and move on.
Landon Donovan once said, “Life isn’t perfect, of course, but we all know it’s how you react to things that counts.”
Imperfection is the basic principle of Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese philosophy of accepting your imperfections and making the most of life.
“Wabi” is said to be defined as “rustic simplicity” or “understated elegance” with a focus on a less-is-more mentality.
“Sabi” is translated to “taking pleasure in the imperfect.”
The concept of wabi-sabi, is wide and almost impossible to distill in a single post, but can easily be applied simply to moments of everyday life.
The relentless pursuit of perfection — in possessions, relationships, achievements — often leads to stress, anxiety, depression and hasty judgement.
This is where wabi-sabi invites a pause.
The Japanese philosophy encourages us to focus on the blessings hiding in our daily lives, and celebrating the way things are rather than how they should be.
Wabi-sabi prizes authenticity.
Wabi-Sabi is “a way of life that appreciates and accepts complexity while at the same time values simplicity,” writes Richard Powell in his book, Wabi Sabi Simple.
Richard says it acknowledges three simple realities:
“Nothing lasts, nothing is finished, and nothing is perfect.”
In Zen philosophy, there are seven aesthetic principles in achieving wabi-sabi:
- Kanso — simplicity
- Fukinsei — asymmetry or irregularity
- Shibumi — beauty in the understated
- Shizen — naturalness without pretense
- Yugen — subtle grace
- Datsuzoku — freeness
- Seijaku — tranquility
The timeless wisdom of wabi-sabi is more relevant now than ever for modern life, as we search for meaning and fulfilment beyond materialism.
Wabi-sabi is like minimalism with a conscious choice.
The concept has its roots in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony.
A common explanation is the example of a well-loved teacup, made by an artist’s hands, cracked or chipped by constant use.
Such traces remind the observer that nothing is permanent — even fixed objects are subject to change.
A great example of wabi-sabi in creativity is the art of kintsugi, where cracked pottery is filled with gold dusted lacquer as a way to showcase the beauty of its age and damage rather than hiding it.
The fault is not hidden but highlighted.
This is not to say the Craftsman was sloppy (wabi-sabi isn’t an excuse for poor craftsmanship). Wabi-sabi draws attention to the cracks in a tea cup as part of the beauty of the object.
In his book The Unknown Craftsman, Soetsu Yanagi argues that imperfections are necessary for a full appreciation of the object and the world.
We in our own human imperfections are repelled by the perfect, since everything is apparent from the start and there is no suggestion of the infinite.
Wabi-sabi is everywhere, you just need to know how to look, and what to do to embrace the concept in your life.
The cracks in the old teacup are seen as assets rather than flaws.
“Wabi sabi is a different kind of looking, a different kind of mindset,” explains Robyn Griggs Lawrence, author of Simply Imperfect: Revisiting the Wabi-Sabi House . “It’s the true acceptance of finding beauty in things as they are,” he says.
What does it take to embrace Wabi-sabi in your life?
Robyn explains that you don’t money, or special skills to appreciate your imperfections and make the most of life.
Bringing wabi-sabi into your life doesn’t require money, training, or special skills. It takes a mind quiet enough to appreciate muted beauty, courage not to fear bareness, willingness to accept things as they are — without ornamentation. It depends on the ability to slow down, to shift the balance from doing to being, to appreciating rather than perfecting.
Mike Sturm says Wabi-sabi is about accepting yourself and building on what you already have in life. He writes.
Embracing wabi-sabi is as easy (or as difficult) as understanding and accepting yourself — imperfections and all. It’s about being compassionate with yourself as you are, and building on whatever that is — not feverishly trying to rebuild yourself in order to pose as something else entirely.
Today, appreciation of the things we have, people we love, and the experiences we have the opportunity to weave into our lives is losing value.
Wabi-sabi represents a precious cache of wisdom that values tranquillity, harmony, beauty and imperfection, and can strengthen your resilience in the face of materialism.
It gently motions you to relax, slow down, step back from the hectic modern world and find enjoyment and gratitude in everything you do.
Put simply, wabi-sabi gives you permission to be yourself.
Embrace the perfection of being imperfectly you.
Exhibition Msculinity
PRIMARY RESEARCH
Annotation
In that photo, I can see a naked girl who does not has perfect skin on her face. However, it does not make her less attractive. I look at her and I like her. Also, there is something special about her. Maybe that feels comes up because of the way how made her lips.
In my opinion, the photographer's aim was to show that imperfection in a unique way. He achieved that. But how? I think that the smooth light helped him a lot. it made the skin very soft and more attractive. Moreover, the light is coming from the right side, so it is not straight. One more thing is the face of a girl. What emotions does she have? It looks like she is looking at something that she likes a lot or even maybe it is a person who she likes a lot.
I would love to try to create such smooth light for my project.
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In that photo, I can see imperfection too. However, it is not about character or person, it is about imperfections in nature and interior. I think that it is a very interesting piece to think about and to understand that nothing is perfect and that even in the world there a lot of imperfections.
What is interesting about that photo is that I can still find something attractive in that piece. There is still something that makes that old cheap room nice. Maybe it is because of the colors? Red and green make the atmosphere very friendly. While looking at that photo I would definitely say that it is a man's room because of the posters on the wall. Maybe it is even a man who likes to drink a lot. Otherwise why there is a bucket behind the bad? I find it is interesting who I can try to guess who is the owner of that room without looking at that person.
As for my project, I think that it would be interesting to try to show imperfections in a perfect way which i will find in nature. It seems like a good start for my Commune project.
Annotation
In that work, it is possible to see another approach to solving the body imperfection problem. In that photo, I see a person in a costume of an over-weight person without skin. It looks like he las a lot of mussels and fat. His body looks unattractive and attractive at the same time. Why so? I think the reason for that is that we can understand that it is a costume above a real person, not a real body. If it was a real body it would look frightening.
When I look at that work I am starting to imagine who is inside the costume and does he look. Is he or she handsome/beautiful, is he skinny? I feel that it is a sort of ugly cover and that inside there is a nice and beautiful person.
What I like about that work is the colors. Everything is made in pale shades. The body is a bit brighter, the background is so passive that it does not bother my eyes a lot.
I am not sure that I want to build a costume for my project. However, it is still a good example
books
FORAN, C. (2020). CONFIDENCE KIT. [S.l.]: EXPERIMENT LLC.
Gilbert, E. (2015). Big magic, creative living beyond fear by Elizabeth Gilbert.
-Domus-the Beauty of Imperfection-Central Saint Martins-Journals - Upper floor-Issue 232 (1949) - Issue 991 (May 2015), Issue 994 (September 2015) -
website:(Creativeboom.com)
Part from an article
How cartoons are made:
I want you to print an enlarged photo of the object on the printer.
On a printed photograph, make characteristic exaggerations or conversions. To make it look like what was remembered in the face? It can be sexual or unusual eyes, large or small, small eyes, interesting shapes or widths, nose - snub-nosed, large/small, “button”, long, wide, etc. If nothing special could be noticed, it’s not scary, proceed to the next item.
You would like to see it at the facility. You should choose again from the characteristic or directly opposite. When the mood is thought out, start creating it on the image. Transform catchy or regular facial features.
To make a cartoon of a person we have to choose person face's features which make him UNIQUE.
Annotation
In that photo, I can see completely naked woman with a beautiful body standing in the middle of the bath and looking at herself in a mirror. I can not see the face of a woman but I can tell without looking at it that she likes herself and that she loves her body despite the fact that it is green and should be imperfect. I think that it is a good example of t=what I am trying to achieve through my project. Actually, I would love to try working with a professional model for my project.
The photographer showed us not perfect skin in a perfect way. That photo looks utopian. One of the reasons for that is the colours pf the photo. The skin is green, the bath is pink. Everything looks real and at the same time not. Moreover, everything is very neat in the photo what is creating a feeling of perfection.
As for my project, I think that the mirror could play a big role in my subject. It is an object which people use to asses their appearance whether they are looking good or bad. I think that it is a good thought and I have to expand it further.
Annotation
That work is another example of how my subject could be interpreted. The person you see on that photo emphasizes his features through his appearance, makeup, jewelry. The model is an individual and he shows it and says out lout about that. He likes to look differently and he feels confident about that.
When I look at that photo I question my self why that photo is taken in monochrome? Maybe like that the viewers think more about the model's character and the colors of the photo are not disturbing their eyes? However, I feel that the photo would look interesting in the colored and vintage filters. I would love to get more atmosphere of the place where that photo was taken.
Moreover, I question my self about the side where the model looks. What is he watching for? What is outside the frame? That secret makes the photo very intriguing.
As for the composition, I find the fact that the foreground is not in focus very interesting. The photographer destroys all the rules of the perspective and that makes the photo unique. Maybe it even emphasizes the unobvious character of the model. Also, the fact that one eye is closed and one is open emphasizes the interesting character of the person.
As for my project I have to experiment more with the angles and focuses to create much more interesting shots.
Gail and Beaux; Mom (our last one) from the series Goldie (Mother) by Pat Martin, 2018
Annotation
I have chosen that photo because it shows the character of the model. Through that photo, I can definitely understand the passion of the model. I think that is relevant to my subject. In that photo, I can see an over-sized woman with a small dog in her hand. That woman is wearing a t-shirt with a photo of that dog.
I think that such a contrast between the sizes of the woman and the dog is very interesting. Also, the similarity which was tried to be shown through the t-shirt and animal is very interesting too. What is more, is that the photographer did not try to use a more complicated angle. I think that the reason for that is that the model and her pet are very interesting by themselves. If the angle was different that It would have been very difficult to understand the photography.
As for my project I want to try to emphasize the character of my models in the way how it is made here.
Annotation
I have chosen that photo because the features of the boy's character are emphasized through the photo. I see how the little boy tries to repeat the dog's actions: both of them are standing in the same pose. Moreover, the boy tries to repeat even the face mood of the dog. I do not think that there was a sort of an issue in that photo. The photographer's purpose was to show the similarity between the dog and the boy.
In my opinion, the contrast in that photo is very important for the successful composition: the dog has black fur whether the boy has a pale color of the skin. Also, the shade is very interesting too. The light is coming from the side, so the face is bright but the body has a lot of shades on it. I think with such light the photographer managed to achieve the depth of the photo and made it not flat.
I have to take into account the way where the light comes through and the importance of showing the model's character. Because the features of character make us individuals.
Annotation
The most interesting in that painting is the size of it. It is about 2 meters high. I think that such size makes people think about the meaning of the work even more. In the painting, I can see an over-sized naked woman. The woman is shown in the way how she is, naturally. I think it is a very good example of how imperfections are could be shown in a perfect way.
In my opinion, the angle from which the painting was drawn is very interesting. With such an angle the painter was able to show the woman in a gorgeous way. I look at her as I would look at a queen or somebody who is very important and famous. Moreover, the big strokes are very interesting too.
As for my project, I think that it would be interesting o try to take photos from that angle. For instance, I can show self-confidence as an imperfection through such photograph
research sketchbook
I think it is easier to have a sketchbook for my research because it is much easier to work with and explain to different people what I mean. Like that I will never lose my research and inspiration start
I think that I should write an explanation for each group of research to make it more clear and representative. That what I will start doing. I have not done it before because I made it just for me and than I thought that it is a good thing to show in my Workflow too
Salvador Dali
I find that research, that book very useful. It tells about Dali's life and methods which he used to create his art pieces. Firstly, when I have read that book I have been very inspired and started to create something my own. I feel that this book had a big influence on me. It forced me to do something new during the quarantine.
One of Dali's methods was to create a story where everything should be unpredictable. It was a sort of a game to say something and create further action the most unpredictable. Like that he created crazy stories with a meaning in it. Moreover, the artist was not afraid to go wild. I decided to do the same. I took a needle and decided to make a colorful apple. And I decided to take photos of that process. It looks weird but beautiful. I will definitely use that method when I will not have ideas for my further work.
How to Create Dramatic Portraits with Shadow Photography
Emil Ruder
Most of his work is made in monochrome wham helps to make the hight contrast. Moreover, he uses the
Due to the fact that Workflow works badly in my city, I am posting one PDF file with my research instead of a lot of images
Annotation
That is a series of photos with such a cracky effect on each. I find it very interesting because each crack means something. `For instance, here the photographer tried to make one part of the body invisible for the viewer. Moreover, there is a special atmosphere in that photo that is created with that crack and the emotions on the man's face. It looks like he feels pain because of the invisible hit which has broken that glass creating that crack.
What is more interesting about that photo is that it is not made in monochrome but everything around is black and white. That makes an emphasis on a man. I think that such a composition works effectively.
As for my project I have to think about the appearance beside the interacting part. I had an interesting interactive part. However, I did not have an interesting outcome. What If I added that kind on a frame?
Article."5 reasons to embrace imperfections". John Spector
“Perfect is the enemy of good.” — Voltaire
After I write this post, I have two options.
I can obsess over its flaws, wonder if there’s a better way to say what I want to say, and edit it for months until I think it’s perfect.
Or, I can hit publish.
I’ll choose the latter option.
Because seeking perfection doesn’t move us forward — it holds us back.
Our best work isn’t perfect. It’s the imperfections in our work that enable it to be great.
Here’s why…
Perfect isn’t interesting.
Perfection is never as interesting as imperfection.
The flaws, rough edges, broken rules, and counter-intuitive choices are what makes our work unique, effective, and memorable.
The imperfections are what attracts others to our creations and what makes them stand out.
Attention is drawn to things that stand out — not things that fit in.
What makes something stand out is how it differs from the norm. But perfection demands the opposite — it encourages you to embrace the norms.
The definition of “perfect” is something that “has all the required or desirable elements.”
What that actually means is it’s perfect because it offers what’s expected. That’s fine, but what’s expected is rarely interesting and often boring.
What’s expected isn’t what gets noticed.
Perfect isn’t relatable.
It’s cliche to say nobody’s perfect, but it’s cliche because it’s true.
Nobody is perfect and that includes our audience. We all struggle and like to see our struggles reflected back to us in the people we follow and admire.
Revealing your imperfections instead of hiding them doesn’t drive people from you — it draws them to you.
Imperfections are relatable.
They humanize us and our creations, and they encourage people to connect with us in ways they’ll never connect with things that appear perfect.
Perfect is limiting.
Let’s say we manage to create something perfect (we can’t, but more on that in a minute).
We’ve lived up to the impossibly high standard we set for ourselves, but now what? Where do we go from here?
Perfect doesn’t allow for change, improvement, or growth. If we convince ourselves something we’ve done is perfect, we remove our ability to improve it.
Iteration, adaptation, learning…these are enabled by imperfection.
When we become comfortable with putting imperfect things into the world, we create opportunities for ourselves to become better.
Our mistakes are valuable. Don’t undervalue them by trying to avoid them.
Perfect is an excuse.
The easiest way to avoid putting something into the world is to aim for perfection.
We can’t let anybody read our book because it’s not perfect. We can’t sell our product until it’s the best it can be. And there’s no point in pitching potential clients until we’ve perfected our pitch. Right?
Wrong.
Too often our quest for perfection (our “high standards,” “commitment to excellence,” or whatever other nonsense we label it) becomes an excuse to avoid moving forward.
If we try and fail, we’re a failure. But if we work on perfecting our creation forever, then we just have high standards!
We can’t use perfection as a cover for our own fear.
When we’re willing to put something imperfect in the world, we force ourselves to realize the only thing holding us back is our fear — and that can be overcome.
Perfect doesn’t exist.
Here’s my last pitch to convince you to embrace imperfection.
Perfect doesn’t exist. You’re chasing a ghost.
There are an infinite number of variables surrounding our work that make perfection impossible to define and assess.
What’s the perfect version of this post?
For some people, it’s a short version. For others, it would be 10 times longer. Maybe it needs more concrete examples or more profanity (Fuck! I knew it was missing something!).
There’s no “perfect” version of this post just like there’s no perfect version of anything we do.
But that’s fine as long as we learn to embrace what does exist — imperfection.
I know this post is imperfect and I’m fine with it.
Because I’m fine with it, I can publish it, provide value to people with it (hopefully), learn from it, and move on to create another one.
Aiming for imperfection allows me to progress. To move forward. And ultimately to succeed.
So, who needs perfect?
Annotation
These photos are two more examples where I can see mirror as one of the main objects of the composition.
In the first photo we can see the body of the woman, we can see just her face through the mirror. It makes the photo intriguing and mysterious. Actually, it is difficult to tell something about the woman's emotions, her face is neutral. So, I do not think that the author's purpose was to show the woman's judgment about herself through the mirror. In my opinion, the author tried to focus more on that mysterious feeling and the fact that we do not see the body.
However, I think that it would be interesting to add some emotions. Then the photo would have more meaning and it would make people think more about the photo itself.
Annotation
In that photo, I can surely see the man's emotions. Despite the fact that the man has a perfect body he is still not happy with himself. He looks at himself in the mirror and feels unhappy, he judges himself in a bad way. However, other people would be proud of themselves if they would have such a body. Therefore I ask my self a question as a viewer: Why the man is unhappy with himself? What is wrong? What he would like to change?
In my opinion, that photo is very deep and makes people think that even people who look perfect do not feel confident about their appearance. So, Is Kim Kardashian look at her seld as that mad do?
Explore graphic design magazines:
-Wallpaper
-Eye
-Form
Annotation
That is the photo of a character from the film. I think that the appearance here is very important as an imperfection. Moreover, the juxtaposition between the appearance and the intelligence of the person is very important too. I think that it is a good example of my subject and project.
However, should I concentrate on a physical appearance or should I concentrate on a character?
Annotation
Powerade is an energy drink. Their brand's slogan is 'You have more power than you think'. In my opinion, you can see the relevance of these words to the advertisement. I can surely say that the company wanted to present its drink as a drink for sportsmen. The proof of my words could be the rocks for climbing as the main objects of that advertising.
The viewers started to climb these rocks. It is a good example of an interaction with the public. People do not pass by without reading the text on a stand, they get involved with the activity which is already the part of the advertisement. If I were one of the viewers of that poster I would think in my head what if the taste of the energy drink as interesting and unusual as its advertising. After that, I would buy one to have a try. I would become not only a viewer, I would become a consumer.
Moreover, there is almost no text on the advertising. People do not have time to read it when they pass by. Instead of that colorful rocks are used as an attraction. The interesting fact is the way how colored objects look on the black background. People can see that advertising from far way with no need to come closer.
I think that such a game interact was very successful. I would love to use something similar in my project.
Annotation
That it is part of Stefan's Sagmeister exhibition "Be happy". In that picture, you can see a lot of rounded boxes with balls. The viewers hove to take one with them from one of the boxes depending on their mood(1-10).
In that exhibition, I like the colors. I think that the yellow colour makes the viewer happier at the beginning. I have to bear in mind the importance of the colour of the product which I produce. Which mood do I want to show? What I want my audience to feel?
Moreover, I think that such interaction is very successful because people are actually taking something with them. So, it is about giving something to the audience besides the fact that the designer receives some information for his work. Moreover, such interaction and the rounded boxes with balls remind me of the children's toy or gum vending machines. Sometimes adults want to feel small.