Week 5-Week 7（01.03.2025-17.03.2025）
WANG JINYI （0374697）
Design Principle/ Bachelor of Design (Honours) in Creative Media
Final Compilation
Table of Content
1. Instructions
2. Final Compilation
3. Reflection
4. Task 1-3 Design Principles Blog
5. Quick Links
Instructions
MIB for Bachelors of Design (Honours) in Creative Media | The Design School at Taylor's University 2025
Final Compilation
Task 1（Selected Artwork & Design Principles）:
The Night Watch (De Nachtwacht)
Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn
Year: 1642
Size: 363 cm × 437 cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Collection: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Image Source: here
Reason for Choosing This Artwork
I chose Night Watch because it uses many important design principles, such as contrast, balance, repetition, dynamics and Gestalt Theory, which make the picture more vivid and layered, and also give me a deeper understanding of how to guide the audience's vision and highlight the key points through design techniques.
First, Rembrandt's clever use of contrast, especially light and dark contrast, makes the captain and the adjutant the focus of the picture, which not only enhances the drama, but also allows the audience's eyes to naturally focus on the key figures. At the same time, despite the large number of people in the picture, he maintains balance through reasonable composition, such as the left side of the people, but the right side of the flag, spear and light just play a visual stability, so that the whole picture is rich and not cluttered.
In addition, the repetitive elements in the picture, such as the soldiers' clothing, weapons and similar movements, give the whole scene a sense of rhythm and unity. The most special thing is its dynamic sense, Rembrandt breaks the static composition of the traditional group painting, so that the characters seem to be in action, such as the captain steps forward, soldiers adjust the formation, so that the whole picture is full of life, like capturing a real moment.
From the perspective of Gestalt theory, although the picture is rich in details, all elements are cleverly organized together, and the arrangement of light, shadow, movement and hierarchy gives the picture a full sense of the whole, so that the audience can quickly understand the theme and atmosphere of the picture.
Analysis of Design Principles in the Artwork
Balance: Although there are many characters in different poses, the painting feels stable because Rembrandt carefully arranges them. The two main figures in the center help balance the composition.
Contrast: The use of strong light and dark areas (chiaroscuro) makes the important figures stand out. This contrast adds drama and depth to the painting.
Repetition: Similar elements, such as weapons, clothing details, and repeated poses, create rhythm and help unify the painting.
Harmony & Unity: While each character has distinct features and actions, Rembrandt unifies them through a cohesive color palette, consistent lighting, and a shared theme, ensuring visual harmony.
Emphasis: The central figures, Captain Frans Banning Cocq and Lieutenant Willem van Ruytenburch, are illuminated by bright light, drawing the viewer’s attention to them as the focal point of the painting.
Movement:The different poses, gestures, and expressions make the scene feel alive, as if the soldiers are in motion rather than posing for a portrait.
Symbolism: The young girl in the golden dress, carrying a dead chicken with its claws visible, is a symbolic element. The claws reference the emblem of the militia, emphasizing their identity. Additionally, flags, weapons, and other elements contribute to the military theme and reinforce the group’s significance.
Gestalt Theory: Rembrandt uses light and composition to create a strong sense of unity. The overlapping figures and the way they are grouped together make the painting feel like a single, connected scene rather than separate individuals. The bright areas naturally draw our eyes to the main subjects.
Task 2 （Selected Artwork and Visual Analysis）:
Fig. 2 The Night Watch (De Nachtwacht)
Artist: Rembrandt van Rijn
Year: 1642
Size: 363 cm × 437 cm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Collection: Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands
Image Source: here
Observation
Night Watch is more than just a group portrait—it feels like a staged performance. Each figure stands individually but is arranged in a structured and solemn way. Most of the characters are in soft, dim light, while the captain, his adjutant, and the little girl are brightly illuminated, drawing immediate attention. The composition is well-balanced, with the central figures acting as focal points. Repeated poses and similar details in clothing create a sense of unity. The strong contrast between light and shadow and the dynamic postures add a sense of movement, making the scene feel lively. Through these techniques, Rembrandt creates both drama and order in the painting.
Analysis
Looking closer, Rembrandt carefully arranges each character to ensure balance while maintaining a natural, stage-like effect. He brings key figures like the captain and adjutant to the forefront by using strong contrasts of light and shadow, making them stand out and guiding the viewer’s gaze. The repetition of similar clothing details and poses creates a visual rhythm, making the group feel more connected despite their individual movements. The overlapping figures and varied postures add to the sense of motion, making it seem as if the scene is unfolding in real-time. The depth and layering of the characters also add realism, as some figures appear closer while others fade into the background, reinforcing the illusion of space.
Interpretation
This painting is not just a simple group portrait; it is a carefully designed, dynamic composition. Rembrandt skillfully applies balance, repetition, movement, and contrast to turn separate figures into a unified and dramatic scene. He captures the discipline and energy of the militia while emphasizing the leadership of the captain and adjutant, who appear as guides and protectors. Historically, each person in the painting paid the same fee to be included, yet some figures are barely visible. This shows that Rembrandt valued artistic vision over commercial demands, prioritizing composition over fairness to his patrons.
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Task 3 （Final Artwork Design & Rationale）:
Fig. 3 Wang JinYi_The Night Watch_Task 3
Fig. 4 Wang JinYi_The Night Watch_Task 3 PDF
The original Night Watch uses a fairly level, eye-level arrangement where all the figures line up on a horizontal plane. I chose a more top-down (bird’s-eye) angle instead, giving the viewer a “god’s eye view.” This perspective heightens the guard’s imposing presence and delivers a more dramatic visual impact.
In the original version, the flag was positioned further back. I moved it to the top left corner to make it part of the composition. I accentuated the depiction of the two foreground figures, and the light and color contrast were stronger. Their gestures and body language feel more alive, making the scene more intense. The little girl in the original wasn't the main focus, but I made her more visually striking by adjusting the lighting and colors. Her bright costume contrasts with the dark background and enhances the expressiveness of the story.
I made the background more abstract and loose, creating an atmospheric effect without distracting from the main characters. I also added cool tones to the shadows to create a stronger contrast between light and dark, adding depth. The background crowd has a dynamic blur effect, making the scene feel more vivid and dynamic. By tweaking perspective, lighting, and color, I aim to create a more immersive and expressive version of the classic piece.
Reflection
Observations
I realized that changing the composition and perspective makes a huge difference in storytelling. Switching from a flat, eye-level view to a top-down angle made the scene feel more dynamic and engaging. The lighting and color choices also played a big role—by using warmer highlights and high saturation, I created a more vivid and intense atmosphere compared to the original.
Experience
At first, I made the mistake of just improving the original painting instead of truly reinterpreting it in my own way. My instructor pointed this out, which made me rethink my approach. In the second version, I focused more on my own artistic style, adjusting the composition and color choices to make the piece feel unique while still respecting the original. Experimenting with lighting, positioning, and contrast was both challenging and rewarding.
Findings
This process taught me that simply refining details isn’t enough—I need to bring my own perspective into the work. I also learned the importance of balancing high and low saturation to create visual harmony. Most importantly, I know how to apply design principles properly. My instructor’s advice helped me step back, rethink, and ultimately create a stronger, more personal version of the piece.
Task 1-3 Design Principles Blog
Fig.5 Task 1,2,3 [Wang JinYi_202502_Design Principles Blog]
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