Design Principles: Task 3
23/02/2026 - 13/03/2026 (Week 4 - Week 6)
Choong Yee Leng || 0381980
Design Principles || Bachelor Degree in Creative Media || Taylor’s University
Task 3: Development & Design
TABLE OF CONTENT
1. Instructions
2. Selected artwork
3. Work process
4. Final Outcome
5. Rationale
6. Feedback
INSTRUCTIONS
Document 2.1 Module Assessment Task
SELECTED ARTWORK
WORK PROCESS
Out of the three sketches, I chose the third one as it is the most aligned with the original artwork. In this version, the colours closely follow the original, with a dominant red tone that is iconic to Paprika and cannot be replaced. The title remains in white and the same typeface, as it stands out clearly against the vivid red background without distracting from the main subject.
.jpeg)
Figure 3.1 Sketch chosen
During the feedback session, Mr. Sylvain suggested that keeping the layering element from the original artwork could be a good option, as the current placement of Dr. Atsuko did not clearly justify its intention. Then, I refined the composition by reintroducing the layering concept inspired by the original movie scene, where Dr. Atsuko is positioned within Paprika.
.jpg)
Figure 3.2 Paprika movie scene
Figure 3.3 Composition 2
After recompositing, I realized the inner layer was not dark enough to stand out. To fix this, I increased its darkness to create stronger contrast against the red-toned background. I also aligned the title “PAPRIKA” parallel to Dr. Atsuko’s eye to guide the viewer’s attention to her eye after the title.
.jpeg)
Figure 3.4 Refining process
Lastly, I tried to make adjustment on the background. These are the options that I find working:
.jpeg)
.jpeg)
Figure 3.5 Background options
Finally, to ensure each element has enough contrast to stand out, I chose option 1. Although option 3 provides the strongest contrast, I wanted the background elements to remain visible. Therefore, option 1 works as a balance between option 2 and option 3, which allows the composition to stay clear while still showing the background details.
Figure 3.6 Process video
FINAL OUTCOME
Paprika _Choong Yee Leng _Task 3
RATIONALE
Design Decision
I rearranged the composition of Paprika, Dr. Atsuko, and the side characters from the original artwork. In this design, Dr. Atsuko is placed between two Paprika silhouettes, inspired by a movie scene where she appears as Paprika is torn apart. The side characters and movie elements are moved to the background instead of being inside the silhouette in the original artwork, as I see them as part of the dream world surrounding them, not within Paprika or Dr. Atsuko. Paprika is shown as a simple red silhouette without details, as her shape and the iconic red colour are already easily recognizable. Presenting her this way helps deliver the message clearly without unnecessary distraction. In contrast, Dr. Atsuko is shown with more detail to make her identity clearer, as she has less identity. Dr. Atsuko that only shows her side profile also suggests that she tends to hide her emotions, unlike Paprika, who is more expressive and outward facing. This idea is inspired by the original artwork, where Paprika looks outward while Dr. Atsuko looks inward. I made this contrast more obvious by turning their entire figures rather than just their gaze.
Meaning / Purpose
This artwork is based on the 2006 animated film 'Paprika'. The story follows Dr. Atsuko, who enters her patients’ dreams through her dream persona, Paprika, in order to treat mental illness. Through this composition, the artwork serves a narrative purpose by attracting the viewer’s attention and creating curiosity about the film’s story. The placement of Dr. Atsuko between Paprika’s silhouette creates a sense of suspense, which then encourage viewers to wonder about the relationship between the two figures and what happens in the movie. For viewers who are already familiar with the story, this composition highlights the idea that Paprika is actually an extension of Dr. Atsuko herself. The repeated use of the film’s iconic red tone helps evoke strong emotion and build a distinctive atmosphere that reflects the surreal quality of the movie. Finally, the title 'Paprika' acts as a clear link between the artwork and the film, completing the overall meaning of the design.
Design Principle
Gestalt Theory
- Gestalt theory is applied through the principle of closure, where Paprika is presented as a simple red silhouette without additional details. This allows viewers to mentally complete the figure even with minimal visual information. While the original artwork also uses this principle, it is only applied to certain parts of the figure. In my design, I chose to emphasize it more strongly by using the silhouette as a dominant element.
Contrast
- Since red is used as the dominant colour across most elements, including Paprika’s silhouette and the background, I created contrast by darkening the background and the inner layer of the silhouette to better separate them. Contrast is also created when Dr. Atsuko’s face and the title' Paprika' stands out clearly while surrounding with red tones.
Repetition
- Repetition is created when Paprika's silhouette is presented as 2 layers. Red tones are repeatedly used across the artwork as well.
Movement
- While placing the title 'Paprika' in parallel with Dr. Atsuko's eye, and darken the inner layer of Paprika's silhouette, it will create a flow to guide viewer's eyes to the title, then to Dr. Atsuko, lastly to the inner layer.
Word & Image
- The title “Paprika” is placed in white to maintain readability without distracting from the main subject. It also helps guide the viewer’s eye toward the focal point, while further strengthening the connection between the artwork and the movie.
FEEDBACK
Week 6: Good choice, design principles can be observed through the artwork, but try to explain how the design principles are developed from the original artwork and why the choices are made?
Comments
Post a Comment