Illustration and Visual Narrative - Task 2

Aina Ahmed Aleem / 0355701

Interactive Design / Bachelor of Design (Honors) in Creative Media

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TABLE OF CONTENT

1. Instructions
2. Process - Task 2: Composition
4. Feedback
5. Reflection

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INSTRUCTIONS

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PROCESS

To begin, I read through Framed Ink to gain a deeper understanding of visual storytelling and composition techniques. The book provided valuable insights into how framing and structure can guide the viewer's eye and enhance the narrative impact of an image. After considering various approaches, I decided to focus on using the rule of thirds, as it offered a balanced and effective way to structure my compositions.

With this principle in mind, I began sketching several layout ideas by hand, experimenting with different placements and visual elements.

Once I was satisfied with the initial concepts, I moved on to the digital phase and recreated my sketches using Adobe Illustrator, refining the details and ensuring a clean, polished final result.

DOCUMENTATION

TECHNIQUES APPLIED

For this task, I applied techniques from the IVN module in Adobe Illustrator to create a background composition that complements one of the characters.

1. Shape Building & Layering
I used geometric shapes and layering to construct the environment, ensuring a clear visual hierarchy and balance that supports the character without overwhelming it.

2. Pen Tool & Vector Paths
The Pen tool was used to create custom shapes and organic elements in the background, such as trees, architecture, or abstract forms, giving the composition fluidity and cohesion.

3. Colour Palette & Gradients
A deliberate colour palette was applied to establish mood, depth, and atmosphere. Gradients and tonal variations were used to create subtle depth and guide the viewer’s focus toward the character.

4. Pattern & Texture Effects
I incorporated simple vector patterns and repeated elements to add interest and context to the background while maintaining a clean and cohesive vector style.

5. Layer Management & Composition
Elements were organized into layers to separate foreground, middle ground, and background, allowing easy adjustments and experimentation with perspective, scale, and positioning.

By combining these Illustrator techniques, the background composition effectively frames and enhances the character, creating a visually balanced scene with a strong sense of space, depth, and mood.

FINAL COMPOSITION

COLLECTIBLE CARD 

REFLECTION

This task allowed me to explore the relationship between a character and their environment, and how background design can enhance visual storytelling. Creating the composition in Illustrator gave me the opportunity to apply technical skills such as shape building, vector paths, layering, and gradient application while maintaining a clean and cohesive vector style.

Through this process, I learned how to establish visual hierarchy and balance by organizing elements into foreground, middle ground, and background layers. Colour choice and tonal variation were applied intentionally to set the mood and guide the viewer’s attention toward the character, ensuring the scene supported the narrative rather than distracting from it.

I also experimented with patterns, textures, and repeated elements to add subtle detail and interest, which helped create depth and context within the scene. This project reinforced the importance of scale, perspective, and spatial arrangement, showing how background composition can communicate emotion, atmosphere, and character personality.

Overall, this task strengthened my understanding of how to integrate a character into a thoughtfully designed environment and highlighted the impact of careful illustration techniques in creating a visually engaging and narratively coherent scene.