Task 2 - Content Generation

Week 1 -7
26.09.3024 -7.11.2024
Lim Jun Teng / 0362890
Publishing Design / Bachelor of Design in Creative Media 

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Introduction

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Task 2 - Content Generation - Text Formatting

1.1 Text Formatting
For Task 2, we are required to write a 3000-word essay on a subject we are familiar with. Possible topics include yourself, your family, someone who inspires you, your hometown, or an experience or belief you feel strongly about. The essay should be organized into three chapters, each containing two subsections and one pull quote.

My story is ( Shadow and Light) and its about a young girl grappling with feelings of inadequacy and invisibility in a world where she often feels overshadowed by the achievements of her peers. As she navigates the challenges of adolescence, her perspective shifts dramatically after a visit to a charity organization for children with disabilities. Here, she discovers the profound resilience and joy found in the smiles of those facing significant obstacles. This experience sparks a transformative journey, guiding her toward self-acceptance and a newfound appreciation for her own ordinary life.

Through moments of introspection, connection with others, and the realization that everyone has their own struggles, she learns that true worth is not measured by accolades or recognition but by the kindness she offers and the beauty of everyday moments. Ultimately, she embraces her identity as an “ordinary” girl, recognizing that her life is rich with meaning and joy. This heartfelt narrative celebrates the extraordinary power of the ordinary, encouraging readers to find light in their own lives and embrace their unique stories.      



Here is the final submission :

1.2 Content Generation - 16 visual

Here are the sketches I’ve created to visualize key elements of my story. Each illustration has been carefully thought out to complement the themes and emotions within Shadow and Light.

Visual in black & white :

Fig 1.1

Fig 1.2

Fig 1.3

Fig 1.4

Visual in colour :

Fig 1.5

Fig 1.6

Fig 1.7

Fig 1.8

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Reflection

The process of creating Shadow and Light gave me a deeper understanding of my drawing skills and areas for improvement. This project not only challenged my techniques but also encouraged me to think about how visual language can better serve storytelling.

At first, my designs were overly focused on details and realism, attempting to illustrate every scene too literally. While this approach effectively conveyed information, it lacked emotional resonance. After making adjustments, I began to experiment with more abstract and symbolic techniques, such as using contrasts of shadow and light to emphasize the protagonist's emotional transformation. This exploration of visual language not only enhanced the emotional depth of the artwork but also added more room for imagination within the narrative.

I also realized that my use of color needed improvement. Initially, the color palette was too monotonous to distinguish the emotional atmosphere of different story stages. Upon reevaluation, I chose cooler tones for the protagonist's moments of struggle and gradually transitioned to warmer tones as she encountered the charity organization and experienced growth. This shift in color not only enriched the layers of the visuals but also effectively reflected the character's emotional journey.

Moreover, this project taught me the importance of balancing details with overall composition. I often found myself adding excessive decorative details to each illustration, which sometimes distracted from the core message of the image. By simplifying backgrounds and optimizing compositions, I learned how to make the visuals cleaner and more impactful while highlighting the central theme.