johannarala

[johannarala]

Artistic Vision and Social Engagement

My Artistic Vision:

Globe Man

“An old globe hangs in a cluttered workshop, contrasting with the vibrant red jacket of a partially hidden figure. The globe symbolizes dreams and exploration, while the messy surroundings suggest forgotten ambitions. *Globe Man* captures a moment where the past and present meet, encouraging viewers to reflect on their own journeys and the potential for new adventures.”

This photography piece was created for the Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) competition under the theme “Beautifully Different” The shot captured a perfect moment, as the person in the photo just happened to walk by the globe, sparking all sorts of narratives that this image could evoke. Globe Man represents a spontaneous yet meaningful intersection of different elements. The vibrant colours, the old globe, and the hidden figure who invites viewers to form their own interpretations. Each aspect works together to reflect ideas of self-discovery, purpose, and possibility within the constraints of ordinary life. By capturing this piece, I hoped to inspire others to look beyond the immediate and find beauty in forgotten dreams, ready to be rekindled or explored.

Globe Man aligns with the concept of creating art with purpose.

A principle highlighted by Milton Glaser’s Law, 1987, one of his most notable works blending graphic design with social commentary. Created as a poster commissioned by the School of Visual Arts, Law, 1987, it reflects Glaser’s perspective on the nature of laws, human behavior, and the role of design in society. It exemplifies his philosophy of using design as a tool for communication, emphasizing that art should convey messages that reach beyond aesthetics.

The poster features a simple, powerful message in bold type: “Art is Work,” a phrase Glaser emphasized throughout his career. This slogan challenges the romanticized view of art as a mere hobby or a flash of spontaneous inspiration. Instead, it underscores art as a disciplined, labor-intensive craft that requires dedication, skill, and resilience, much like any other profession. Glaser’s perspective redefines art as a process that involves rigorous effort and purpose, elevating the creative work of artists and designers to a level of serious, valuable societal engagement.

With Law, 1987, Glaser also comments on the crucial role of artists and designers as active contributors to society. By placing art on par with other forms of work, he elevates the designer’s role as both communicator and change-maker, someone who can use their craft to spark dialogue and inspire change. This piece reinforces the idea that good design should serve a purpose and provoke thought, encouraging viewers to consider art and design as forces capable of shaping perspectives, prompting reflection, and inspiring action. In this way, Law, 1987 becomes a call to artists and designers to approach their work with intention and the understanding that their creativity can contribute to meaningful change.

Word Count: 466

Citations:

"Dyslexia Association of Singapore Art Competition 2024 Winners." Dyslexia Association of Singapore, 2024, https://das.org.sg/upcoming_events/das-art-comp-2024/#winners. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

"Law 1987 Poster." Milton Glaser, 1987, https://www.miltonglaser.com/store/c:posters/919/law-1987. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

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Manifesto

In this week's CTS B class, we discussed our personal manifestos and collaborated as a group to visualize a collective manifesto. This exercise prompted us to reflect deeply on the values that guide our design practices, both individually and as a group. It became clear that having a manifesto is not just about words but about grounding your creative process in intention and purpose.

At the time, my personal manifesto was “Comparison kills creativity” and “It is what it is.” However, after reflecting on the purpose of design and my evolving approach, I’ve since refined it to “Design with purpose.”

The phrase "Design with purpose" emphasizes the importance of understanding the who, what, and why behind each design decision. It encourages the creation of work with intention and meaning, ensuring that every visual element serves a greater goal beyond aesthetics. Designing with purpose means that the work is not only visually appealing but also impactful, relevant, and thoughtful. It challenges me to move beyond trends and superficial aesthetics, pushing me to focus on delivering value and contributing positively to society. This mindset inspires me to create designs that resonate on a deeper level, whether through communication, engagement, or social change. It reinforces the idea that design can be a force for good in addressing real-world issues.

Reflecting on the class exercise, I found that Kara and Aarushi’s manifestos resonated with me in different ways, aligning with my design philosophy but expressed in unique formats.

Kara’s manifesto, “No matter what, Start,” particularly speaks to me, especially in the context of my Digital Applications module. Whether shooting the video or editing the scenes, I realized that opportunities are often lost if you don’t take that first step. It’s easy to get caught up in doubts or perfectionism, but Kara’s message reminds me that starting is the most crucial part. Once you begin, the process itself opens up new opportunities, insights, and growth, allowing you to move forward with confidence.

Aarushi’s manifesto, “Inspiration is everywhere,” has had a profound impact on my approach to design. This idea highlights that inspiration can be found in even the most unexpected places. The key is to observe and remain receptive to the world around you. During my Craft module, I found that inspiration could come from a variety of sources: books, shows, or even textures and materials found in nature. This approach has added depth to my design practice, encouraging me to stay open to new ideas and sources of creativity, which ultimately enriches my work.

This article on Dieter Rams, the renowned German industrial designer, and his “10 Timeless Commandments for Good Design” encapsulates the essence of what it means to have a solid manifesto for design: “Good design makes a product useful. A product is bought to be used. It has to satisfy certain criteria, not only functional, but also psychological and aesthetic.” This perspective deeply resonates with my refined manifesto and reminds me that good design is always purposeful and thoughtful.

Word Count: 450

Citation:

Ged Carroll. (n.d.). Dieter Rams: 10 Timeless Commandments for Good Design. Interaction Design Foundation. Retrieved from https://www.interaction-design.org/literature/article/dieter-rams-10-timeless-commandments-for-good-design

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Connecting Practice with society

Graphic design plays a crucial role in branding and identity for businesses, promoting both economic growth and innovation. It enhances public spaces through thoughtful signage and wayfinding systems, improving navigation and the overall user experience. By shaping our visual environment, graphic design not only beautifies but also empowers individuals and communities, making information and services more approachable and inclusive.

In Singapore, several events connect design with social issues, fostering dialogue and innovation. Key examples include Singapore Design Week, Design for Change, and The Good Design Awards.

Design for Change is a workshop series aimed at equipping participants with the tools to apply design thinking for social impact. It encourages creative solutions to community issues, empowering individuals to become active agents of change.

The Good Design Awards, on the other hand, recognize products and services that meet social needs, highlighting the importance of ethical and responsible design. Both events underscore design's potential to address real-world challenges and improve society.

Together, these initiatives foster collaboration among designers, policymakers, and communities, driving meaningful change through creative solutions. By engaging in these events, participants contribute to a culture that prioritizes thoughtful design with the potential to improve society.

I was particularly drawn to how my classmate, Hayeon’s group discussed housing issues and how rising living costs are impacting younger generations. This discussion highlighted the real-world implications of design, particularly in the context of today’s social and economic challenges.

Word Count: 234

Citations:

Design for Change Singapore. "Home." dfcsingapore.com, 2024, retrieved 14 November 2024, https://dfcsingapore.com/.

Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design. "Good Design Awards." good-designawards.com, 2023, retrieved 14 November 2024, https://www.good-designawards.com/.

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Self Identity

Self-identity plays a crucial role in shaping both personal life and creative work. It encompasses values, culture, beliefs, and experiences, which influence the art, designs, and concepts individuals create. A strong sense of self helps artists develop a unique voice, allowing them to produce authentic work that resonates with their audience.

In design, self-identity informs problem-solving, innovation, and communication. Creatives who understand themselves can challenge norms and address social issues. For example, artists from marginalized communities may offer fresh perspectives on diversity and representation.

Moreover, self-awareness helps creatives navigate feedback and trends, building confidence in their vision. As they grow, their work aligns more closely with their personal journey, leading to more meaningful designs.

I’m particularly inspired by Theo Crawford and Furry Little Peach, two creatives on YouTube. Theo Crawford, an Austrian photographer, influences my work with his dreamlike compositions that play with light, nature, and the human form. His ethereal style has inspired me to incorporate light into my own art.

https://images.app.goo.gl/SgmaUMmQ8UBPP4LFA

Furry Little Peach, or Sha’an d’Anthes, is an Australian illustrator whose whimsical, colorful style is both playful and imaginative. Her work, often featuring animals and nature, has inspired me to pursue a future in book illustration, and I find her narrative-driven art deeply motivational.

Word Count: 244 words

Citation:

Teo Crawford. "Home." teocrawford.com, retrieved 14 November 2024, https://www.teocrawford.com/.

Furry Little Peach. "Home." furrylittlepeach.com, retrieved 14 November 2024, https://www.furrylittlepeach.com/.

[johannarala]

Critical Creativity

Critical creativity plays a vital role in addressing the social challenges faced by the elderly in Singapore. As the population ages rapidly, it is crucial to move beyond traditional approaches to elder care and develop innovative, inclusive solutions that meet the diverse needs of older adults.

By applying critical thinking, we can analyse the underlying factors contributing to problems in the elderly population. 

Creativity, on the other hand, opens up possibilities for reimagining how we engage with and support the elderly. Some examples include designing various community spaces and other activities to enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

In Singapore, where the family unit is traditionally seen as the primary support system, critical creativity can also help reframe societal attitudes towards ageing, promoting a more inclusive view that values the contributions and potential of older adults.

Ultimately, critical creativity is essential in crafting innovative, culturally sensitive, and sustainable solutions to address the social needs of the elderly in Singapore, ensuring that they can age with dignity, connection, and purpose.

Design Concept: Develop user-friendly digital platforms that help elderly individuals connect with family, friends, and community services. The platform could offer large text, simple navigation, and voice-assisted technology tailored to older adults who may not be tech-savy.

Implementation: A mobile app could be designed to facilitate video calls, health monitoring, and access to community events. The design process would involve co-creation with elderly users to ensure the platform meets their needs and preferences, making it a valuable tool for staying connected.

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WOII REFLECTION

Throughout this semester, WOII has been vital in refining my understanding of art and design, diving into themes like Postmodernism, Cultural Materialism, and Phenomenology. Previously, I solely admired design for its appearance, but WOII has broadened my perspective, allowing me to analyse it from various angles.

WOII has notably honed my writing and articulation skills through presentations, group projects, and even drafting Tumblr posts, fostering growth as both a student and designer. Despite grappling with dyslexia, engaging with texts weekly has strengthened my analytical prowess and deepened my passion for typography and writing.

Moreover, WOII has instilled confidence in my creative abilities, encouraging innovative approaches in academic and personal projects. Group projects and constructive feedback from peers have offered valuable insights for design, fostering continuous improvement.

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Post Modernism

My group mate and I decided to design an ad for Nintendo using retro game styles while also combining some pop art influence. I learned that combining styles like this and gathering influenced styles to create this modern look. I think we could've done more experimentation with more time and resources available, it was an overall fun experience it was intruiging to know that there are more design styles that I can incorporate in my work in the future.

I really liked my friends' work it showcases a keen understanding and application of postmodern principles, resulting in a captivating and innovative design. Exhibiting a distinct postmodern style, evident in various aspects such as the manipulation of typography, use of perspective, and incorporation of vibrant colours. The playful experimentation with type, through unconventional spacing or sizing, reflects a departure from traditional design norms.

I am quite drawn to post-modern styles like Pastiche and Deconstruction. Making me drawn to the Craft Workshop workshop a lot more.

Deconstruction: A technique that involves breaking down traditional design elements and reconstructing them in unconventional or fragmented ways, challenging the viewer's perception of form and function.

Example of Post Modernist artist/designer is:

Sarah Sze

Sarah Sze is a contemporary artist known for her intricate and captivating installations that blur the boundaries between sculpture, architecture, and drawing. Sze's work often involves the deconstruction of everyday objects and materials, reconfiguring them into stretched-out and chaotic compositions that challenge viewers' perceptions of space and scale.

https://www.sarahsze.com/

David Carson

David Carson is a graphic designer known for his experimental typography and layout designs. In the 1990s, particularly David Carson's groundbreaking layouts for magazines like Ray Gun, exemplify the postmodern embrace of chaos, fragmentation, and unconventional aesthetics.

https://www.davidcarsondesign.com/t/work/

Word Count: 279

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Cultural Materialism

Technological and economic aspects playing primary roles in shaping society and infrastructure

Through this week's class, I learned about the environment and infrastructure around school, which I was required to take photographs of. I observed that Singapore is exceptionally well-planned, from its housing arrangements to its transportation systems and cleanliness. Singapore stands out as remarkably advanced compared to other countries, such as the Philippines.

Growing up in Singapore, I often spent my summers in the Philippines visiting my grandparents. It always surprises me when I encounter something as basic as efficient transportation lacking in the Philippines.

Photos are taken from my last trip back home.

For those who have moved away from their homeland or when on holiday, the act of currency conversion becomes a routine part of shopping experiences. In the Philippines, prices can sometimes be as low as half of what one might expect to pay in Singapore.

Reflecting on Cultural Materialism in design, I believe that culture and cultural materialism play vital roles for designers and artists. They set the tone and connect with individuals who either identify with or are intrigued by the designer's or artist's perspective. Ultimately, possessing a strong grasp of one's cultural materialism can make a designer or artist truly stand out. For me, I aim to incorporate not only artistic styles from the Philippines but also influences from Singapore.

Among the notable Filipino creatives are Hannah Reyes Morales.

https://hannah.ph/

Word Count: 236

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Week 4&5

Week 4

Each of us brought items that we thought were special or sentimental to us. We categorised our items to fit our themes of needs and wants and how significant each item is by ranking them from least to most.

Week 5

Went to the museum to look at art and learned how to better categorise artworks through last week's class. Here chosen five art works.

Series of Upcycling Transit Cards

I found this intriguing as it not only shows a collective series of material items but it gives you a sense of progression of time through the enhancement of the various cards and more importantly, the light installation showed. It also show that everyone and everything is interconnected.

2. Photographs by Maynard Owen Williams (1888-1963)

It was interesting to see olden time Singapore through these photographs, it showed modernity Singapore had and how far it has come as a country. Photography really interests me and I hope to one day I can capture a sense of time through my photography.

3. The Malayan Railway

The message in these posters is simple and straightforward, I liked the art style that each poster had. Through this, I learned that having a series of different styles of work broadens my reach on people some would like one poster another would like something else. I just think its interesting that it showcases that.

4. Steamships and Airplanes

I really like these kind of older styled posters I would love the opportunity to design something in this style in the future. These poster give the sense of the rise in poster advertisment more importantly in tourism. It really caught my attention having viewed various posters with a wide ranges of styles.

5.Merger and Propaganda

I found the use of type as an installation really cool how differently one can read the article just solely based on assumption of mood based on the typeface serif or san-serif italic or bold, all of these plays a big impact on the viewer's experience. I learned that choosing the right font really is vital to design.

Word Count: 328

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Aesthetics

Aesthetics: The appreciation of beauty.

We delved into the myriad ways in which aesthetics and styles can significantly influence communication strategies across diverse brands. During a recent class activity, we embarked on a fascinating journey exploring various logos scattered around our campus, engaging in lively discussions about how a well-designed logo with a compelling aesthetic and style can notably outperform its counterparts. Among the logos that caught my eye, I found myself particularly drawn to those representing local restaurants. Despite their simplicity, these logos exuded a profound impact, seamlessly aligning with their respective brand identities. Through rigorous coursework, I acquired invaluable insights into the art of font selection, understanding how different typefaces evoke distinct emotions and messages.

For instance, I discovered that opting for a classic font like Garamond lends an air of sophistication to design projects, while playful options like Mudstone Sans inject a sense of whimsy and charm. Furthermore, I gained an appreciation for the principle of "less is more," learning how judicious composition and layout choices can amplify visual impact. Indeed, logo and graphic design stand as indispensable pillars in shaping the identity and perception of any brand or organization. A meticulously crafted logo harmonizes visual elements—such as colors, typography, shapes, and imagery—to effectively convey the brand's essence, values, and personality to its audience, forging lasting connections and leaving indelible impressions.

Word Count: 226

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Phenomenology

Phenomenology: The theory of lived-in human experiences.

Embracing the intriguing concept of "Shadow and Time," my task led me to photograph various objects and places where I envisioned illustrative effects could unfold. With a keen interest in illustrations, I sought to capture scenes that resonated with the imaginative potential of artistic interpretation.

These photographs serve as a testament to the multifaceted nature of design and art, showcasing how different perspectives and experiences shape our understanding and appreciation of visual narratives. In essence, they reflect the essence of phenomenology in design, highlighting the subjective yet transformative power of interpretation in shaping our perception of the world around us.

For example, Felicia Chiao's work titled "Malaise Art Print" depicts how anxiety and complex ideas and emotions through intricate illustrations.

Felicia Chiao's "Malaise Art Print" captivates viewers with its intricate illustrations, exploring the depths of anxiety and complex emotions. While the piece harbors multifaceted meanings, initial interpretations vary widely among viewers. Those who resonate with themes of anxiety and maybe depression may grasp its essence upon first glance, underscoring the nuanced interplay between personal experience and artistic expression whereas those who have not have had any experience with either of these themes would have to do extensive research to understand her works deeper—a testament to the profound impact of phenomenology within the realms of art and design.

(The use of AI was present for this post)

Word Count: 225

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Week 12

Connect CTS A to your learning and professional journey. In your personal response... What kinds of collaborative projects would you like to do? Elaborate on at least one idea. Review other diploma webpages to understand their programmes and activities. Consider “Community Engagement and Professional Skills”. Propose at least one community that you would like to work with, and specify how. Consider all groups/ organizations/ institutions that you could volunteer at or contribute to with your design skills. What kind of final project would you like to do?

Embarking on a collaborative venture with animation students to create a stop-motion animation rooted in illustrations holds immense potential for bringing joy to the elderly living alone in Singapore. By leveraging the power of animation, we aim to not only entertain but also illuminate the lives of this often-overlooked demographic.

In particular, I am eager to establish a partnership with Lion Befrienders Service Association (LBSA), a well-established voluntary welfare organization committed to providing various services for the elderly since 1995. This collaboration can be mutually beneficial, as our creative project aligns seamlessly with LBSA's mission to enhance the well-being of the elderly community.

Together, we can craft a narrative that not only showcases the artistic talents of the animation students but also serves as a heartfelt tribute to the elderly in Singapore. Through our collaboration, we hope to shed light on the challenges faced by seniors living alone and contribute to the broader societal awareness of their needs. This endeavor not only exemplifies the power of creative collaboration but also underscores the potential for art to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need.

How might CTS A help you professionally? Each student is to research and briefly describe the job scope of at least one desired position listed. Describe how CTS A could help you achieve the particular career goal, and/or how it could help you in that job.

CTSA class could significantly benefit me as a book illustrator by honing my analytical abilities and enhancing problem-solving skills. In the realm of illustrating, the capacity to critically assess narratives, themes, and characters is paramount. This class would equip me with the tools to deconstruct and interpret written content, allowing for a more nuanced and thoughtful approach to visual storytelling.

Professionally, this skill set is invaluable, aiding me in achieving my career goal of creating visually compelling and conceptually rich illustrations for books. Critical thinking would enable me to dissect complex narratives, ensuring that my illustrations not only capture the essence of the story but also convey subtle details and underlying themes. Additionally, in a professional setting, the ability to analyse client briefs critically and offer innovative visual solutions would set me apart, fostering success in a competitive field.

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Week 11

Connect CTS A to all your other modules (and components)! The challenge here is to address the full range of modules and components. The challenge here is to address the full range of modules and components. Include the image of today’s mind map in your response.

Organize the outcome in writing succinctly; elaborate connections under each module/ component (and NOT go through week by week). This will be a personal effort — you will have to re-organize the information in the mind-map into writing. If you can make further connections on your own (beyond the group effort), that would be a plus!

In the realm of artistic endeavors during craft, collaborative skills are indispensable, playing a pivotal role in the creative process. As a student doing class activites, I find that these skills are particularly crucial, given the recurring group or pair work assignments that characterise our weekly routines. The significance of collaboration becomes even more pronounced in disciplines such as Photography and Digital Applications, where the exchange of ideas and pooling of talents amplify the learning experience.

My personal growth mindset aligns seamlessly with the demands of Photography and Digital Applications. These fields not only demand technical proficiency but also encourage a continuous, proactive approach to skill enhancement. The dynamic nature of these subjects demands a mindset that embraces challenges as opportunities for improvement. This growth mindset serves as a catalyst, propelling me to actively seek ways to refine my abilities, experiment with new techniques, and stay abreast of emerging trends in the ever-evolving landscape of visual arts.

Within the environment of studio, I have come to regard it as a bastion of reliable sources. During the research phase of my projects, especially when constructing research frameworks, I have found myself delving into a wealth of knowledge from credible articles. This process not only enriches my understanding of the subject matter but also instills a sense of responsibility as I meticulously credit the sources that contribute to the intellectual foundation of my work.

In conclusion, the collaborative nature of Lasalle's education, coupled with a growth mindset tailored for dynamic fields like Craft, Photography and Digital Applications. Underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous learning. Critical Thinking, as a repository of reliable information, further emphasises the need for ethical research practices, contributing to a holistic and enriched educational experience.

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week 10

How do you understand the Critical Thinking Skills module?

Include image/s in your response.

This class has made me understand that critical skills are vital for problem-solving and adaptability, encompassing analytical thinking, creativity, and effective communication. These are crucial for all designers to have as skills to foster creative innovative solutions. Clear communication ensures the effective expression and understanding of ideas. Adaptability and resilience are crucial in dynamic environments, allowing individuals to navigate change. Additionally, collaboration and teamwork highlight the importance of working harmoniously with others to achieve common goals, contributing to success in various personal and professional contexts.

Explain your choice of visual metaphor. Do you have an alternative visual metaphor?

Our group chose a cow as our visual metaphor, as it symbolises our collective knowledge. Deriving from the phrase "Don't cry over spilled milk" The milk portrays the setbacks and failures one might go through and the cow's patterns are made up of the different lessons we have learned in Critical Thinking helping the cow know the steps to take to overcome the setbacks and failures faced.

Which was your favourite activity or session? Why?Which aspects of it were memorable for you?

My favourite session was Growth Mindset, seeing how everyone tried to enhance their chosen logo was really quite fun the logo that stood out to me the most is my friend Kara's design it really captured the brand identity well

What is the value of working in a group?

Collaboration within a group setting offers various amounts of advantages. It facilitates the pooling of diverse perspectives, fostering collective problem-solving and stimulating creativity. This synergy often results in outcomes that surpass what individuals might achieve alone. Furthermore, distributing tasks among group members enhances efficiency, allowing individuals to focus on their respective strengths. Beyond visible results, group work nurtures essential interpersonal skills such as communication and teamwork, crucial in professional environments. However, challenges may arise, necessitating effective communication and conflict resolution. In essence, the value of working in a group extends to innovation, mutual support, and the achievement of shared objectives, contributing to individual and collective success.

What do you wish you did more of, or better?

Being more engaged with my individual tasks, particularly when handed new sets of projects. Try not to lose interest so easily and practice better time management altogether to boost my productivity.

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Facts, Realiable Sources and Filing Them

Week 6

Why is it better to look at a variety of sources -weather when writing or designing-instead of just using one reference?

Having a variety of sources gives you different views and perspectives of understanding and a broader understanding of what you are trying research. I have always been thought that research is the most crucial part of designing as it makes your designs more well informed. Having a well balanced idea comprising of inital ideas, sourced ideas from research and insights from friends such as feedback, suggestions or even showing each other our work. These are all different ways of looking at a variety of sources unconsiously we all have been looking at various sources already. However knowing how to comprise all these sources well and be credible is also important.

In terms of writing, having dislexyia does not make writing easy for me though I recently found a love for reading, however i do not see dislexyia as a weakness and i am always trying to upgrade myself writing is one key aspect of design in terms of coming out with detailed synopsis and answering design briefs. I have recently been reading design illustration books to better myself in that aspect.

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Growth Mindset Paying Attention and Mindfulness

Week 5

Q1. Describe an eventful moment you have experienced in this class bearing in mind the key ideas of the day.

Redesigning logos in collaboration with peers from another design institution was an enlightening experience. Unlike our usual exposure to finalized outcomes, sharing ongoing sketches provided fresh insights into everyone's design process. Notably, Leticia's simple yet captivating redesign stood out among my classmates' work.

These sketches mark my return to the art of illustration since graduating from the Institute of Technical Education (ITE). The process served as a refreshing reminder of the joy in spontaneous sketching. While I encountered challenges, like underestimating the proportions in one sketch, the experience was valuable in recognizing and learning from such mistakes.

Q2. Include selected images of your personal sketches and explain them. In particular, which sketches did you like the most? Which least? Why?

Among my creations, the top-left sketch stands as a testament to my learning curve, revealing flaws that I acknowledge but also interpret as opportunities for improvement. However, my personal favorites lie in the last images—a bird and a side portrait of a walking man—dubbed my "character sketches." Executed with simplicity and minimal premeditation, these sketches surprised me with their innate appeal. Intriguingly, I found myself drawn to them, prompting further exploration in various iterations.

A notable mention goes to a skateboarder painted in the first image, traversing Marina Bay Sands. Although the initial sketch is regrettably absent, the final piece captivated me, showcasing a playful manipulation of perspective. This exercise not only rekindled my passion for sketching but also motivated me to continue exploring and creating during moments of leisure.

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Emotional Intelligence

Week 3

Q1.We talked about "Self-Management", "Self-Awareness", "Empathy" and "Relationship Management". Which aspect do you think you are the strongest at and which is something you should try to improve? Discuss with reference to today's activities and even your studio collaborations

My strengths are rooted in empathy and self-awareness, values instilled by parents who emphasized respect physically, verbally, and emotionally. These principles greatly enhance my ability to connect with others, offering support when needed. The gratitude I feel for these values is immense.

However, self-management poses a challenge, notably during high-pressure situations like submission weeks. Recognizing this, I've learned to lean on my supportive peers. Their encouragement has created an environment where stepping back when overwhelmed is not only accepted but appreciated. I am grateful for their understanding, and I aim to reciprocate the kindness they've extended.

A snippet from the documentary "Ten Years with Hayao Miyazaki," delving into the creative process behind Studio Ghibli films, has deeply resonated with me, fueling my ongoing commitment to learning and growth.

Encountering art block during projects challenges my task completion. Self-management is vital, enabling adaptability and decision-making. For designers, it means overcoming creative hurdles, meeting deadlines, and staying current (NHK World Japan, 2019).

In a related context, Alicia Raeburn's article published by Asana on (July 21st, 2023) Serves as a valuable guide to identifying and overcoming challenges. Engaging in mindfulness, reading, and actively seeking feedback has proven instrumental in enhancing my self-management skills. This, in turn, contributes significantly to my evolution as a designer (Asana, July 21st, 2023).