Patterning and Abstractions

Project Statement

For this project I designed a mandala pattern by combining abstractions, values, and line work to create visual rhythm. My composition consisted of abstractions from waves, clovers, umbrellas, and butterflies that were repeated and scaled to emphasize my design principle. I used a specific gray scale value and certain line weights to give my composition a sense of depth. I then translated that gray scale value and created an blue analogous color scheme which created a very calm composition. To make a more contrasting composition while still creating a sense of depth, I translated the gray scale values into a blue-orange-purple split complementary color scheme.

Process

View detailed project process at Patterning and Abstractions: Process

Reflection

I learned how to develop a pattern by combining the design elements/principles with different shapes. I raced into the iteration stage of the design process which caused me to make multiple, close to being finalized, compositions. Since I skipped over the research stage, I had difficulty understanding the meaning of rhythm and how color harmony works. The outer part of my composition feels disconnected with the sharp pointy triangles which could have been fixed if I had more time. I would have liked to have more variety and depth of exploration in my color pallets. Personally I feel like the translation from gray to the blue-analogous color scheme feels very harmonious. However, the split complementary isn’t as strong as I hoped it would be. I now understand how important it can be to remind myself of the objectives whenever I get stuck in the design process.