DPI Week 11- Final Project Consultation

2 December, 2024 - 8 December, 2024 (Week 11)

TANG LILIN (0376668)
Digital Photography & Imaging

Week 11: Final Project Consultation

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LIST

• TUTORIAL
• LECTURE
• INSTRUCTION
• PRATICAL

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TUTORIAL

There is no tutorial this week.

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LECTURE

• Case Study

Initially, there was only a portrait photo. During the subsequent creation process, a background featuring the sky, clouds, and moon was added. A ribbon was placed over the subject’s eyes, and floral and grass elements were incorporated to enrich and unify the composition.

For the portrait editing, curves were used to adjust the brightness of the image. The ribbon over the eyes blended seamlessly into the picture, with its color adjusted to match the overall palette.
The background with the sky, clouds, and moon was added and then color-graded to a pink tone. The grass was used to compose the lower part of the image, and the red floral elements were blurred to emphasize the subject and de-emphasize the presence of the flowers.

Inspiration: This work leans towards surrealism. The image's color tones are unified and pleasing, achieving a balance of motion and stillness, as well as focus and blur. It emphasizes the subject while the composition enhances this emphasis. The result is dreamy without appearing odd or uncanny.

First, import a photo of a house and extract the house from the image. Change the color of the house to purple, using orange and yellow as accent colors. Add a background image, convert its colors to black and white, and apply a grainy effect. Crop it to fit appropriately.

Next, start adding text. Begin with the main title, emphasizing the word HOME by enlarging it and changing its font color to the same purple as the house below. Then, add a question mark and the remaining text sequentially. Finally, enlarge the letter H and place it beneath the house layer, changing its color to the orange used as an accent for the house.

Lastly, add texture to the background.

Inspiration: Purple and orange are nearly complementary colors on the color wheel, creating a strong contrast. Pairing this vibrant color scheme with a black-and-white background creates a striking effect. The illustration and text are well-matched, and the layout establishes a clear hierarchy with a dynamic composition.

Import the photo of the subject and extract the head portion. Remove the upper part of the head.

Next, add geometric shapes to create an effect resembling rising gas. Add text, emphasizing the word thoughts by making it prominent and enlarging it to the maximum size.

Then, apply a layer of texture to the subject's face and add texture to the background as well.

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 INSTRUCTION

PROJECT 4: SELF-TITLED [30%]

Timeframe: WEEK 10 - WEEK 14
Duration: 15 second
Output: .MOV or .MP4 less than 20MB
Size: 1080 x 1920 px (I.G reel/ story size)


Idea Development: 5 marks (WEEK 10)
Design Direction: 5 marks (WEEK 11)

Execution and Post Production: 10 marks (WEEK 12)
Animation & Finishing: 10 marks (WEEK 13)


Submission: WEEK 14


ATTACH your final video link on this submission.
ATTACH your e-portfolio link on this submission.

Reference:
https://fauziyusoff.com/dpi/

https://jeslynlimsuharjadpi.blogspot.com/2022/07/final-project-cinemagraphs-self-tilted.html

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PRATICAL

After completing the description of my autobiography, I found those references:

                          Reference 1                   Reference 2                        Reference 3
 
Based on these references, I created my sketch.

• Part -  Subject

First, I used the Magic Wand tool to extract the main subject from the image.

• Part - Hair

I started by isolating the hair.

Then, I changed the hair color to make it more cohesive with the overall design. Using the Color Balance tool, I adjusted the hair's color and applied Curves to modify its brightness and contrast.

Below is the comparison:

• Part - Refining Loose Hair

I removed stray hairs for a cleaner look.

Below are all the layers used for retouching the subject's photo:

• Creating "SELF-TITLED"

Following the references, I created the background layer.

I applied a magenta photo filter to the background layer to make the colors more harmonious.

Next, I imported the subject into the file.

Creating the Laser Effect on Skin

At first, I was unsure how to achieve the special color effect. Eventually, I decided to use Gradient Maps.

Before applying the Gradient Map, I smoothed the skin to reduce noise and create a polished look. I used the Camera Raw filter for skin retouching, then applied a clipping mask to adjust the smoothing area.

 started adjusting the colors by adding a Gradient Map that matched the background color, followed by additional colors to give the skin a bronze-like appearance.

For the neck and hairline areas, I added more mapped effects to enrich the composition. Initially, I thought a single Gradient Map would suffice, but it didn’t achieve the desired effect. So, I began adding colors layer by layer.

Add those layers to do this effect.

• Gradient Mapping for Hair

I applied gradient mapping to the hair as well, layering colors step by step.

• Creating the Eye Effect

First, I added color overlays, followed by cloud elements.

Next, I added planets, positioning them carefully and applying effects to each.

Adding Details

• Creating the Body Effect

I traced suitable curves and added a color effect layer.

Then, I overlaid a laser effect.

Then, I overlaid a laser effect.

Using Liquify and Curves, I refined the laser effect and blended it with the body color.

• Special Effects

I added details like halos, outer glows, and more. Using Gaussian Blur, I created an additional rectangular background layer to enhance harmony in the overall composition.

Initial Draft:

Then I modified some details for the draft. 

• Final 

This artwork conveys the concept of "unleashing potential and radiating self-worth," inviting everyone to embrace their inner strength, face life’s challenges with courage, and shine in their own unique way. The figure in the composition symbolizes personal growth and transformation, while the floating planets, clouds, and halos represent boundless potential and a free-spirited mind, encouraging people to never underestimate the power they hold within.

Each element in the poster represents a piece of this concept:

• The Figure (myself):

As the focal point of the piece, I used a half-body photograph, surrealistically processed to give the appearance of melting. My eyes are obscured by dreamy clouds and planets, metaphorically suggesting the transcendence of present difficulties and reality.

• Starry Mask:

The mask blurs the boundary between the self and the universe, symbolizing that we are our own microcosm. It also represents the importance of having a broad, expansive vision, as limitless as the universe itself.

• Geometric Shapes (Circle + Triangle):

Halo elements are incorporated to evoke a sense of divinity, making the figure appear godlike. These shapes symbolize spiritual elevation and awakening. The halo behind the figure represents hope and energy, while the triangular geometry adds a sense of stability, signifying inner wisdom and steadfast belief.

• Rectangular Background:

The blurred, color-blended background conveys the sensation of consciousness melting and merging with the starry sky. The flowing colors symbolize the gradual blurring of reality's boundaries, reminding us to break conventions, escape constraints, and pursue a better version of ourselves.

• Floating Planets:

The planets symbolize infinite possibilities and cosmic potential. Each person’s inner self is as vast as the universe, filled with untapped power and capability.

• Color Palette:

Dreamlike Gradient: The gradient of pink, blue, and purple symbolizes hope, dreams, and freedom, creating a romantic and surreal atmosphere. 

Vivid Hues: Bright colors convey an uplifting energy, expressing a desire to break through and transform.

 

Through the combination of surrealism and dreamlike elements, this artwork weaves reality and idealism together, portraying my vision of a "better, stronger self." It is not only a personal expression of my journey toward realizing my dreams but also an invitation for viewers to rediscover their inner strength and value, encouraging them to boldly pursue the dreams in their hearts.