Design Principles /Task 2

 Tsak 2

February 03，2025

03.02.2025 -  21.02.2025 

Zhang Tianyao，0376838

Design Principles

Task 2：Visual Analysis & Ideation

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Instruction

2. Lecture

3. Selected Design

4. Explanation for Selecting The Work of Art / Design 

5. Feedback

1. INSTRUCTION

TASK 2 

Visual Analysis & Ideation

Fig 1.1《jazzways》

Artist : Paul Rand

Year：1946

Size：27 x 39 inches (approximately 68.6 x 99 cm)

source：https://pin.it/3lSx8mOOy

Below is a visual analysis in order of the phases : 

Phase 1 - Observation

The colors are bold and striking, with a red background creating a strong visual impact. The composition is made up of simple geometric shapes, with lines outlining the figure of a person playing the flute. Nearby, a trumpet symbolizes jazz instruments, and there is also a pattern resembling piano keys. The word “Jazzways” stands out prominently, while the text below indicates that this is an annual journal about hot jazz music, priced at one dollar.

Phase 2 - Analysis

Paul Rand’s Jazzways employs design principles such as color contrast, geometric composition, rhythm, and dynamic balance to convey the vitality of jazz music. The vibrant red background contrasts strongly with black, white, and yellow, enhancing visual impact. The use of simple geometric shapes to depict figures, instruments, and piano keys reinforces the symbolic theme. Flowing lines and staggered elements create a sense of rhythm and movement in the music. The title “Jazzways” is prominent and well-structured, ensuring clear communication of information. The overall design combines modernist and functional aesthetics.

Phase 3 - Interpretation

The designer completed this piece in 1946, and it seems that through the artwork, he aimed to express his love for jazz music and the piano. It also indicates that people’s understanding of instruments and music had already become quite sophisticated at that time. By incorporating jazz into the composition, Paul Rand clearly demonstrated his personal affection for jazz music.

Sketches And Rationale

First, create a rough sketch to visualize your ideas and what you want to express. This helps clarify your overall goal and direction.

Sketch 1

Fig 2.1 Sketch 1《Piano》

Rationale : 

I mainly want to express my love for piano music in this draft. Although I can’t play it, I really enjoy listening to it. The combination of piano, drums, and flute makes the music sound very melodious and harmonious.

Sketch 2

Fig 2.2 Sketch 2 《Music and Time》

Rationale : 

In this draft, I want to express my understanding of the combination of time and music. The circles on the lines represent clocks, and the guitar beside them will eventually be composed in a way that the circle is the clock and the rectangle is time. This strongly conveys the connection between music and time, emphasizing the importance of perception and awareness of time.

Sketch 3

Fig 2.3 Sketch 3 《Rich and Poor》

Rationale : 

In the third draft, I aim to express the wealth gap in modern society, where the rich become richer and the poor become poorer. This contrast is mainly reflected in the shape of their heads. The wealthy have an upright triangle, with the apex pointing upward, symbolizing forward-thinking and a broader vision. In contrast, the poor have an inverted triangle, with the point facing downward, indicating a short-sighted mindset, focusing only on the present without considering the future. They spend whatever they earn without saving. The empty bowl beside them represents their lack of saving habits, leading to continuous poverty. Of course, this illustration only represents a portion of society and should not be seen as a generalization.

Feedback

Week 4: As I have been lacking inspiration for the sketches all along, I only managed to make one this week. During the class, I sought Mr. Martin's help. After listening to his advice, I decided to think hard about what I like to do and what I should do.

Week 5: After getting inspired, I started working on it and made the two sketches later. Mr. Martin said they couldn't be too close to the artwork I chose, so I modified one of the sketches to make it less similar to the artwork.