E-PORTOFOLIO

 

GRISELDA JEVON - 0353958

GROUP 22

Bachelor of Fashion Design Technology (Honours)

The Design School 

Faculty of Innovation and Technology

Taylor's University

INSTRUCTIONS (MIB)

Click here

PROJECT 1 - PROPOSAL

Week 1 - 3

Cultural of Interest

For this project, we must create a proposal to translate concepts into a final design that is centred on one topic, and is supported by research. After brainstorming a bunch of topics, our group came up with Chinese culture/traditions topic. We also came up with 3 sub-topics, which are :

- Chinese Ink Painting

  (to perform the Chinese ink painting on fabric and create a wearable art)

- Chinese Paper Cutting

  (to create a brochure using paper cutting designs)

- Chinese Dancing Lion

  (to create a 3d animated dancing lion)

Research

After we were certain and clear about our topic, we started to expand our research. To ensure that everyone contributed equally to this proposal, we assigned each member to conduct research based on the 3 sub-topics.

I was assigned to do the research on Chinese Ink Painting and Chinese Paper Cutting with my two other friends. While my other 2 group mates worked on the Chinese Dancing Lion.

We did our research mainly on these sub-topics of each tradition:

Chinese Ink Painting

- Definition & History

- Principles of Chinese Ink Painting

- Materials & Techniques

- Values & Symbols

Chinese Paper Cutting

- Definition & History

- Techniques 

- Values & Examples

- Symmetrical design 

Chinese paper cutting is often forgotten by the young generation nowadays. We did research on this culture and found out that Chinese paper cutting has deeper meaning. It is traditionally used to decorate windows and doors by allowing light to shine through the negative space. It creates beautiful designs and each designs usually symbolize something. Some designs symbolizes good luck, longevity, etc. 

Group 22 Proposal Slides : Click here

References & Sketches

- Chinese Ink Painting

For ink painting, we planned to create a modernised cheongsam with ink painting textures. By doing so, we seek to spread awareness of the beauty of ink drawing among young people and encourage them to appreciate the traditional beauty of Chinese culture. In this sketch, we included chrysanthemums, swallows, leaves, and carp.

- Chinese Paper Cutting

For this sub-topic, we came up with two design ideas.

- Chinese Dancing Lion

For this topic, we came up with an idea of making a dancing lion animation to show people the difference between the Southern and Northern Lion.

After presenting our proposal to the lecturer, we agreed to choose Chinese Paper Cutting as our final topic. However, we got feedbacks to focus more on the symmetrical emphasis. Therefore, we decided to change our sketches and final design idea. We did deeper research on the symmetrical design in Chinese paper cutting culture. To speed up the process, we assigned some of the group members to do the research on the importance of symmetry in Chinese culture. While the others worked on the design sketches. 

We slightly adapted the previous ideas, which is using the 12 Chinese zodiac. But instead of using zodiacs, we decided to use animals that have special meanings in Chinese tradition. We wanted to raise the awareness about this culture to people around the world, especially the young generations. So we came up with an idea of making Instagram filters using Chinese paper cutting designs. Besides, we also realise that the “Chinese Paper Cutting” instagram filters haven’t been launched by anyone. 

The role delegation are as follows:

Michell: drawing rabbit

Khai Xuan: drawing butterfly

Griselda: drawing phoenix 

Zi En: set up filter for butterfly & rabbit

Vanessa: set up filter for phoenix

Humayra: research on symmetry aspect

PROJECT 2 - DATA COLLECTION

Week 5

After agreeing on the designs, we started collecting data. Based on the significance of symmetry as a study issue, we attempt to comprehend the motivations for symmetry patterns as well as the significance of a given shape. We started to do more research and data collection and focus on these questions : 

- How important is symmetry in Chinese Paper Cutting?
- What is the meaning behind specific shapes or patterns in the Chinese Culture

- What are the reasons or values behind the symmetrical patterns?

Group 22 Data Collection Slides : Click here

FINAL PROJECT 

Week 6 - 7

After finishing our research and designs, we started to make the instagram filters. Some of our group members started to make the paper cut design and turn it into filters. We chose butterfly, phoenix, and rabbit as our final filter designs. We also do the filter in mirror, which makes it symmetrical. Here are some screenshots of filter making process.

Group 22 Final Presentation Slides : Click here

The filter is now available on instagram. You can simply scan the barcode on the poster below or search “Chinese Paper Cutting”. 

Final Outcome Poster

FEEDBACKS 

1. Ms. Anis wanted us to do more research on Chinese Paper Cutting art in the direction of importance of symmetrical design chinese culture. "An important feature in Chinese architecture is its emphasis on articulation and bilateral symmetry, which there signifies balance."

2. Our early project ideas for Chinese paper cutting were described by Ms. Anis as being too simple and uninteresting. She advised us to rework the concept and place more emphasis on the symmetry component. After presenting our new ideas, thankfully Ms. Anis approved our new designs. She also talked about how we can experiment with shapes to create filters for charming, elegant, and bold looks.

REFLECTIONS

This whole module was a great experience for me. I get to know & work with people from Creative Media and learn new things such as designing and making filters. I am also grateful to learn more about intercultural design through listening other groups’ presentations and honestly, doing research about Chinese culture made me realise i don’t know much about the culture even though i’m Chinese. Overall, I had a great time doing this project with my friends.

Although we encountered a lot of challenges during this project, I appreciate our group members’ hard work to finish this project, especially to done the filter successfully. Despite all of the difficulties, I am happy that we’re able to finished the assignment on time.