Movie poster

Drawing last assignment is a movie poster. And I've chosen a poster which is:

Matt Goldberg (2012), Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows [Movie Poster]. Retrieved from: http://collider.com/sherlock-holmes-2-movie-posters/

I've no idea on painting the poster. So I've googled up for painting inspirations and I found several inspiring paintings with superb and unique techniques. 

Sebastian Cheng (2013). Wolfman [Oil on canvas]. Retrieved from:  http://sebastiancheng.deviantart.com/art/Wolfman-movie-poster-painting-372910176

For example, I'm inspired by this movie poster on the skill of painting the hair of the wolf. The artist uses thick and thin brushstrokes repeatedly to create the hyper realistic look of how hair supposed to be. The hair is not wholly dark but contains different tones and layers. The artist uses lighter colours to paint the hightlighted part of the hair. I'm inspired and I've decided to apply this technique on my movie poster.

Unknown artist (2011). Frank Sinatra Portrait [Painting]. Retrieved from: http://art-on-canvas.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=169

Secondly, this painting has inspired me that the artist applied Cubism technique by Paul Cezanne to create texture. The artist use obvious brushstroke with visible cube shapes and overlapping them to build the tones layer by layer. This is outstanding although not a smooth skin texture is produced. However, it added unique characteristic to the painting. I'm inspired and moved by this kind of technique and I'decided to adapt it to my own poster painting. 

Jessen (n.d.). Sherlock Holmes [Painting]. Retrieved from: http://melanconent.com/lib/holmes/pict/pict.html

Lastly, the background of this painting has inspired me to paint the background of my movie poster. The artist uses thin and soft lines and brushstrokes to create the haziness of the background. I realize that it's similar to my background and it is suitable to use the similar technique as the artist. 

Hence, by combining the inspirations that I gained from those paintings, I've started my movie poster.

It's not a complete outcome yet. But no doubt the inspirations has helped me a lot and I anticipate my final artwork to be done!

Self cube

Creative Thinking last assignment is to create a cube which can describe our own personalities, which can represent us. And we are given a random theme/topic to adapt and justify our personalities to it. And my random theme is a kitten. In the beginning, I've no idea at all to start. So I've googled up to search for inspiration. And I found a picture which has inspired me.

Source of image: http://www.petplanet.co.uk/product.asp?dept_id=3352&pf_id=60997

It's a cube which functions as a home for kitten. So I've been thinking, why not turns my self cube to a home for kitten as well? Lastly, I've made the decision and finalize it. Here is the outcome.

The overall cube is a kitten itself. Then I adapt my personalities to different kittens with different postures. For example, I draw a kitten with Superman attire because kitten is brave. I think I have the characteristic of brave and Superman is my favourite Superheroes character. 

Also, I cut out some geometric shapes to indicate the hole as the inspired image.Then, I placed the kitten that I've drawn on it. So this is how a cat cube inspires me the way I create a self cube.

Vintage poster

The final project for Computer Graphic is to design a catalog. My desired catalog is a travel package catalog. Idea doesn't drop from the sky. So I did my research again to gain inspiration. And I'm attracted to a piece of artwork which is:

Stephen Wright (2012). Visit Palestine [Poster]. Retrieved from http://www.dontflygo.com/2012/05/10/16-vintage-travel-posters-from-asia/

It's a kind of vintage poster of a travel destination. I'm attracted by the vintage style which is simple yet interesting. The overall form of it is asymmetrical balance. The tree creates a focus and emphasis. Complementary colours are used which is blue and orange. Besides, the artist also uses different tones and shades to create a form for the objects such as the tree. Wright uses dark blue to indicate the shading and light blue for texture. It creates a 3D form yet not complicated.

Futhermore, the details at the back is not ignored as well. For the city buildings, the artist uses dark and light tone to show the shadows and highlights. As we can see, the mosque building is standing out from the background because of its colour used. The artist has successfully differentiate the mosque from other buildings by contrasting their size and colour.

I'm amazed and inspired by the this artwork and I've decided to give it a try. For my catalog, I've decided to focus on America's travel destination. After my research on the web, I've done 4 pieces of similar style of artworks to be included in my catalog.

My title of the catalog will be "See the USA". So I've chosen several destinations which are NYC, Hawaii, Miami and Phoenix. I will be doing my catalog in card form. And every each of them will be the front page of the cards. It's inspired and it's a fresh try for me. Inspiration is really important for a designer. I'm working hard on my catalog and I hope the outcome will be satisfying! 

Poker Face

Computer Graphic exercise 3 is creating a magazine layout by using Adobe Indesign. I was lack of idea and I googled for inspiration. Hence, a graphic caught my attention with its excellent composition.

Martin Grohs (2010). Poker Face [Graphic]. Retrieved from http://grohsartig.deviantart.com/art/pokerface-194579704

The graphic which caught my eyes is as shown as above.
The artist uses poker face as the theme for his photoshop manipulation work. In order to make viewers get to know the theme of his work, the artist applies element of poker such as an ace and a poker card to enhance his work. Besides that, the artist uses splashes to make the art looked more interesting. The theme of the colour is red and black while the background is plain. It gives a focus and emphasis on the work.

Hence, I've applied the similar concept for my magazine layout exercise.

 

Here's the outcome!

Instead of random model, I use Lady Gaga as the main figure as we know that Lady Gaga has a song named "Poker Face". 

My work may not as excellent as Martin Grohs but I've tried on my own to create a work of art.

Through this exercise, I've learned more skills on manipulating several images into one.  Besides, I also learn to take other artists' work as inspiration. I believe that throughout more exercises like this, I will be able to enhance my skills in creating impressive artworks.

Creative everyday objects

With a creative eye, the casual observer can discern characters or faces in the everyday objects all around us. French artist Gilbert Legrand takes this a step further by painting and  modifying totally normal objects to turn them into cute characters and give them new life.

The artist lets his creative imagination flows by painting details onto these objects to let us see how he views these objects in a creative way. With the addition of a face and maybe some arms and legs, a spray bottle can become a rat, a paintbrush can become a mangled fox, an axe can become an angry bird, and so much more!

His works has once again inspired me that creativity is hidden in everywhere and your imagination acts as a role to discover it. Imagine that if our households daily necessities are designed by modifying from cute characters, it will be a whole new world!

I think this is how design works. It gives everything dull a new life. And perhaps this will change our daily moods. Hopefully, Legrand’s wildly imaginative creations will help me find the fun characters hidden all around and adapt them in my future assignments!

Source of all the images: http://gilbert-legrand.com/sculptures.html

Creativity starts from belief

 

kaleem. (2010, Dec 31). Best motivational video ever for creative people and startups.. . [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0JUFjTOM32g 

  

It's a video which talked about the fear has stopped us from going further. When we were a kid, nothing is impossible, we do everything without scared of falling or hurting. But when we becoming older, we are so scared of failure. Hence, we stop moving forward to prevent failure. Then we are keep wandering on the same spot. 

It inspired me that all of us have endless creativity, yet, we just let the ideas stay on our brain, without letting them go freely, and do them practically. Eventually, we missed the opportunity to start up. I think it's because we think negatively even before we take a try on it. We are too coward to take the risk and circumstances. That's also why and how regret happens. 

I think it applies on me, too. I'm not courageous enough to achieve my target. It's true that if you never step out, you will never achieve your dream. Your dream still remains as a dream. So, it's important to step out and do it, without hesitating and thinking twice. 

Besides the messages that the video gives me, the animation also inspired me in terms of simplicity. The creator uses simple still images and make it animated by combining them. Without fancy effects, the creator still managed to convey the messages by simple animation and typography. It inspired me in a way that how important visual is in communication.

It will be a great inspiration for me to adapt this kind of animation in my future animation project. 

 

Paper Wallet

So the latest Computer Graphic assignment is designing a paper wallet!
When I was out of inspiration, I look at my beloved phone, and I get inspired by it!
Inspired by a phone to do a wallet, sounds not really relevant? No no no, not by the phone actually, was inspired by my phone case :P

Tadaa! That is my phone case. Since the wallet requirement is >30 shapes must be included in our design. So it's just right, I got my direction on how to design the wallet.

The case design is a lion with invented texture on it. The use of lines to create the flows of the hair of lion is interesting. Also, by repeating lines, the direction is also shown . Side profile of the lion indicates the fierceness of it. Textures that have been done create a sense of strength. I'm inspired by how the artist uses repeated patterns to form the attraction. Besides, we can also see contrast between organic lines and geometric shapes. It is interesting as it serves a function to focus and attract.

So, I'm moved by it and decided to manipulate and simplify it to suit my needs and level.
And here's the current outcome.

Although it's not as powerful as my case, but I'm quite satisfied with it!
I'm inspired to add in similar shapes and repeating it to form the flows. As for colours, I'm inspired by other arts also! It is......

 

Vicente Teng (2011). Out of the Container [Doodle]。 Retrieved from http://vicenteteng.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/out-of-the-container.png

I'm inspired by the way artist using only 2 basic colours to fill up. It is simple and does not distract any part as the fact that doodles are easily to be distracted. It still forms an interesting piece although the colour use is basic. 

This is my first time trying out doodles like this and it turns to be not bad!

I realize that inspiration comes from everywhere as you look around. It inspired me to do my assignment and I will be trying it sometime in the future again.

Art Street

I'm from Shah Alam but sad to be true is that I've never been to any art streets in Shah Alam >_<
But today, I've got the chance to visit there because of a study trip organized by our drawing lecturer.
So the place that we went is named as Laman Seni 7 Street Art (LS7) at Seksyen 7, Shah Alam.

Basically it is a "part 2" or continuity of the first street art project endorsed by MBSA.
Compared to the first part, this second part is bigger, grander and more exciting.

The "lorong belakang" has been transformed into a clean and tolerable back alley. It becomes so artistic and full of creativity.

"Melting" by #Cloackwork. A message on global warming.
It's using melting ice-cream to show how warm the weather is. Instead of using typically rainforest or animals theme to show global warming, the artist uses one of our favourite dessert -- ice-cream to portray the message he/she wanna tell. Also, the artist had used more than one colour to attract the interest and attention of viewers towards global warming. Much effort can be seen through the outcome on the wall.

Next, I like this tribute for MH370 murale. This flight incident is still the biggest issue in the town. I like how the artist makes the current issue and art connected. The artist uses puzzles to show how mysterious the incident was. Also, this murale will keep reminding people not to forget about it and keep praying until it's back.

Wanna up for a quick snake and ladder game?
Art on floor is also one of the categories that dominate the street. It turns the game into a life-size one!

Can you see what media that the artist used to create this elegant and colourful flower?
Yeah, it's forks, spoons and plates! The artist arranged it in a circular format so it shows radial balance. Also, the artists sprayed variety of colours to increase vibrancy. It's amazing and inspired me that even usual things can make thing unusual!

 

Same goes to this masterpiece! 

The 2 airconds are actually the spectacles of the uncle murale painting. The artist creatively combined the things that are already there in the alley with his/her murale. He/She harmonized the street together with art. 

 Most of the pieces in the street are communicating with viewers besides showing for aesthetic. 

As example, this is advising the people to not smoking in a creative way.

Throughout this short trip, it has inspired me that creativity does not come from staying at home. We should be going out and hanging around to activate our creative juices. Besides, it also inspired me in a way that how a 3D art can be formed by showing the depth with various tones, values, shapes and sizes. I'm so inspired and I hope to visit the first part of the art street in a short time. Hopefully I can try this kind of art in the future? Perhaps. Or adapt the technique in my coming assignments.

Splash portrait

Jack Le (2014). Unknown [Painting]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/realjackle/photos/a.451747058206597.96908.451666978214605/701821566532477/?type=1&theater

This speed colour painted portrait has inspired me!
Guess how long the artist used to paint it? It was only 20mins!
The way the artist let the watercolours flow spontaneously is a great gimmick.
He uses the naturally flowing watercolours to create emotion in the portrait and the colours blend very well together. The artist controlled his pressure on the brush in order to create tone and value.
As a viewer, I can truly feel the expression through the lines applied.

 Jack Le (2014). Unknown [Painting]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/realjackle/photos/a.451747058206597.96908.451666978214605/705019006212733/?type=1&theater

Another masterpiece from the same artist.
Can you see the flowing hair which was achieved by flowing watercolours?
The colour combination is harmonized and it gives a pleasing feelings to us, the viewers.
I feel so warm and comfortable while looking at this painting.
A simple yet amazing artwork indeed.

 

 Jack Le (2014). Unknown [Painting]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/realjackle/photos/a.451747058206597.96908.451666978214605/702721846442449/?type=1&theater

They're very interesting artworks which awaken my creative genes.

I'm so gonna try this out when I'm free or applying the technique in future assignment/project.

It makes the typical old style portrait different!

What inspires me to travel?

Undeniably I love to travel, a lot.
All of my friends know it. And I'd received some questions such as: Hey Pek Teng, why do you like to travel?
I've been questioning myself as well, and I think...

It's the stories.

It’s always the stories that inspire travel. The stories come from many different people: family, friends, authors, teachers and mentors.
But, no matter who you hear them from, the most powerful stories are those that come from people you can relate to. Those that help you believe you can do it too.

I must admit that I spend a hell of a lot of time dreaming and planning travel.  Far more time than I spend actually traveling.  The amount of trips that I have planned in word documents and excel far outnumber the amount of trips I have taken, let alone the number of times I have daydreamed about destinations. 

So, out of so many dreaming and planning travels, I'd successfully achieved one of it, which leaves the most memorable and meaningful memories for my life so far - It was my eighteenth birthday gift which I gifted for myself, to Korea, alone.

You can see how lonely I was through this photo T_T 

Hey, however, do you know that being alone can create stories too! And all those stories you've gone through, nobody will know it besides yourself :) It's like, what you've did there, just leave it there. HEHE. I only mean those crazy clumsy acts which you'd not doing in your own country :> For example: fully naked in a public sauna :o <--which I nearly did but not due to certain reason :(

Okay okay. Lemme story you a bit my single trip. 

One of the most heartwarming things that I've encountered of being alone is definitely when I receiving helps from strangers :)

PLEASE IGNORE MY FUGGLY FACE.  And focus on the 4 persons at the right. 

They're 4 Hong Kong travelers which I first met during my trip. Thus, the impact that they gave me is truly big. We traveled for an one whole day together. And since I was the youngest among them, they took care of me well. As you can see in the photo, the wind was blowing so strongly till our hair became so fuggly lol. We were climbing a hill and the weather on that day is horribly cold and blustery. Since I'm from Malaysia which consists only hot and very hot seasons, I've nearly zero knowledge on keeping myself warm. I'd underestimated the weather in Korea since it supposed to be flowery and comfortable spring season. But it was not. I almost freeze like a statue at that hill -_-

Fortunately, I got help from the Hong Kong people!

One of them (2nd ppl counting frm the right) borrowed me her down jacket *cries of a grateful heart*

Yes the jacket keeps me warm, but the warmest one is their heart and kindness, which touched me very much.

It was only a small story out of my 18-days trip. But it inspires me to keep going on traveling, to fully experience other world views, to meet new people, and to create my own stories. I can say I'm fully addicted to traveling, and it's also where my money goes T_T 

But it worth, as experience can't be copied and pasted.

So,

agniesz (2012). Keep calm and travel on [Poster]. Retrieved from http://www.keepcalm-o-matic.co.uk/p/keep-calm-and-travel-on-165/

Get closer.

Jung von Matt Limmat. (2011, March 25). Jung von Matt/Limmat: Pro Infirmis Get closer. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFWr-CKMWGY&feature=share

Surfing through Facebook and saw this video shared among my friends. And it inspired me to be thoughtful, and leads me to think. 

It's a video filmed by Pro Infirmis to conduct an experiment: small part of the society doesn't have empathy on disabled people. Nevertheless, the passenger seat in the public bus next to Fabian (the disabled person who dressed up as a mascot in the video) often stays empty. The message that they filmed this video is to remind public that handicapped people are a regular part of our society. 

In the video, it might be regular and normal at the beginning. A bear mascot giving out free hugs. Seems regular right? But at the end, when he took off the mascot, then I only realized it's a disabled person dressing as a mascot. I started to think the purpose of this video, the message that the author wanted to tell.

"Do we need to disguise ourselves to get closer?" - It's a line appeared when he took off the mascot. So I wonder, is it true when they disguise themselves, hide themselves, only can get hugs from the public? Why is it so? How if when he doesn't wear any mascot and offers free hugs on the street? Will he get equal responds as when he is in the mascot? I doubt.

We always say out loud that we're giving the disabled people love and caring. But when the last time we give them one? Or have we even started? If you're in the situation - a disabled people giving out hugs on the street - will you hug them? Without thinking twice? 

I'm also asking myself.

 

 

Rose inspiration

Was looking for stocks to design computer graphic assignment, and I found that rose is a very good source of inspiration.

Taken by me.

Rose always give a sense of graceful and sensitive to me. The color, the shape and the texture on it always able to create good quality of work. I mean no matter how you insert the rose, it still looked fine and good haha. 

It can be easily adapted and generated a new piece of art. Hence, I've used rose as the main subject to create my first photoshop work:

I used 2 roses with different color as the main subject and focus. Red and pink create harmony and some butterflies to evoke stability. Rose inspires me to finish my first exercise!

What inspires you to do good?

When I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a picture of an African child starving, and it inspires me of goodness...

I think the 'do good' inspiration stems from the empathy of our own hearts. To a certain extent, everyone feel the same sadness, frustration, emotional, etc. as others. Hence, those discomforts often urges me to initiate action and caring.  

It is difficult to look at a starving child without feeling some kind of emotion. When I see these pictures online, I can’t help but think of my family and my friends; I think I can safely say that no one wants to see their friends and family starving. And I realize that we are very blessed if compared to starving child somewhere in the world. In this way, I have a desire to help the people who truly need it. 

Besides that, the bad in our world inspires me to do good. There is an infinite amount of hurt in the world and we are all affected by it in one way or another. No one’s hurt is more significant than another. However, there is the also the potential for an infinite amount of good in this world as well. 

There is no better place to find goodness than inside yourself. That is what inspires me to do good in this world: the knowledge that I can contribute to something positive. Something that may bring a smile to someone’s face or cause the ache of the world to slightly subside for a moment. 

Goodness is everywhere, you just have to be willing to open your heart and eyes and embrace it for what it is. Be good.

Nature

Photographed by me.

Was wandering around the garden with a camera on hand and the beauty of nature inspires me to take photographs...

It's true that my biggest source of inspiration is nature. I'm always drawn to green plants and bright flowers. I almost instinctively photograph the nature creations as my own photograph collection. The shapes, the colors of nature has been a great source for me to develop ideas in photographing and also designing. 

Whenever I'm out of idea, and when I step out from the doorstep, hanging around the neighborhood which surrounded by nature's creations, I could always end up with some sort of new ideas originated from nature. 
And what is really wonderful about nature is that it is infinite. Inspirations are everywhere.
Nature is beautiful, and it's always around you.

Photographed by me.