Digital Photography and Imaging - Project 1A & 1B: Collage Design

Digital Photography and Imaging - Project 1A & 1B: Collage Design

29.4.2026 - 20.5.2026 (Week 2- Week 5)

JIHYUN LIM (0391015)

Bachelor of Design (Hons) in Creative Media 

Digital Photography and Imaging

Project 1: Collage

Table of Content:

1. Lecture

2. Instructions

3. Process Work

4. Feedback

5. Reflection

Lecture

Week 2 (29.04.2026)

     ◈What is Composition?

Composition means arranging visual elements like shapes, colors, lines, and text within a frame to create a clear visual structure.
A good composition helps guide the viewer’s attention, shows relationships between elements, and builds a sense of movement or story.
It doesn’t always have to look balanced or pretty—sometimes tension or imbalance can make the artwork more powerful and interesting.

Figure 1. Composition is about Organization

              

◈Principles of Composition

1. Balance

• Symmetrical: Equal weight left/right or top/bottom. Feels stable, formal, calm

• Asymmetrical: Unequal but still balanced. Feels dynamic, modern, energetic

• Radial: Balance radiating from a central point. Used in mandalas, logos

1-1. Symmetrical Balance?

Figure 2. Symmetrical balance

These posters demonstrate symmetrical balace by balancing visual elements evenly on both sides of the design. Each layout creates a sense of stability and harmony — the central alignment of text, shapes, and imagery draws the viewer’s attention directly to the middle, making the overall design feel structured and calm.

1-2. Asymmetrical Balance?

Figure 3. Asymmetrical balance

These artworks illustrate asymmetrical balance by using uneven visual weight to create dynamic balance. Each design feels lively and modern — the contrast between light and dark, the placement of figures, and the flowing shapes guide the viewer’s eye across the frame, making the composition more energetic and expressive.

1-3. Radial Balance?

Figure 4. Radial balance

This design demonstrates radial balance by arranging elements around a central point. The circular flow naturally directs the viewer’s eye outward in all directions, creating harmony and unity. 

2. Rule of Third

• Divide frame into 9 equal sections (3x3 grid).

• Placing subjects on intersections creates visual tension and interest.

• Works because human eyes prefer slight imbalance over dead-center placement.

Figure 5. Imbalancing makes it more dynamic

Figure 6. If everything is in the middle-boring

The rule of thirds divides the frame into nine equal sections using a 3x3 grid. Placing subjects at the intersections creates visual tension and interest, rather than positioning them in the exact center. This technique works because human eyes naturally prefer slight imbalance(not boring), making the composition feel more dynamic and engaging.

3. Framing & Negative Space

• Framing: Using other elements to direct attention (e.g., doorway framing a person).

• Negative Space: Empty space around objects.

  Prevents overcrowding, lets the subject breathe.
  Makes the main subject stand out by reducing visual competition.
  
  
• Overcrowded design = confusion; well-spaced design = clarity.

Figure 7. Negative space

Framing guides the viewer’s focus, and negative space keeps the design clear. Negative balance uses empty space to highlight the subject. By leaving areas unfilled, the design feels open and clear, and the main element stands out more strongly.

4. Contrast

Figure 8. Contrast is used here to make one person stand out from the crowd. The central figure’s bright yellow clothing and natural skin tone sharply differ from the surrounding gray and black figures. 

• Contrast is difference: size, color, value, shape, texture, alignment
  
• High contrast = eye-catching
• Low contrast = subtle, harmonious
• Crucial for accessibility (legibility in text)

Figure 9. Bad contrast one uses too many simiral tones;not clear to get info from

Using distinct tones—like dark text on a light background—creates strong visibility and focus. When too many similar tones are used, the design looks flat and confusing. Good contrast highlights important information and guides the viewer’s eye naturally.

◈Visual Hierarchy & Big-Medium-Small Framework

•      Visual hierarchy guides how the viewer’s eyes move through a design
•      Flow moves from large → medium → small
  

1.  Big: Primary Elements

Figure 10. The anchors of the design

The key visual element is what catches the eye first. It’s often big, bold, and colorful, serving as the center of attention. Using too many strong focal points can confuse the viewer, so one clear anchor works best.

2. Medium: Secondary Elements

Figure 11. Secondary Elements

Medium elements help support the main focus of a design. They add visual interest and rhythm, appearing a few times to maintain balance and harmony in the composition.

3. Small: Tertiary Elements

Figure 12. Tertiary elements

Tertiary elements add fine details and decoration to a design. They bring texture, depth, and completeness, often appearing repeatedly in patterns or backgrounds to enrich the overall composition.

< Week 4 >

Figure 13-1. Clapping Mask

Figure 13-2. Control Hue/Saturation

Figure 13-3. Final work

In class, I practiced editing photos using Photoshop tools. I learned how to separate images and place them in the positions I wanted. I also adjusted the colors so the background and objects blended naturally. After that, I used the brush tool to add shadows, which made the final result look more realistic and natural.
▶PHOTOSHOP SHORTCUT RECAP

1. Zoom: CTRL + +(In)/-(Out)
2. Navigation : Spacebar (Hold)
3. Layer Management- Duplicate: CTRL + J Group: CTRL + G
4. Move Tool: V
5. Undo: CTRL + Z
6. Redo: CTRL + Shift + Z
7. Copy Paste: ALT
8. Selection Tool: Marquee (M) Lasso (L) ▶ Shift (Add Selection) / ALT (Sub Trace Selection) Selection (W)
9. Deselct: CTRL + D
10. Brush Size: [ (smaller) / ] (bigger)
11. Crop Tool: C
12. Brush Tool: B
13. Eraser Tool: E

< Week 5 >

Figure 14-1. Skin retouching using Photoshop’s tool

Figure 14-2. using Hue/Saturation to make looking naturaly

Figure 14-3. Blending two photos naturally using Clipping Mask and Hue/Sataration adjustment 

Figure 14-4. Note: decontaminate color on and OK

Figure 14-5. Note: setting new layer with layer mask and OK

Continuing from the previous class, I learned how to blend photos naturally using the clipping mask and color adjustment tools. As a more advanced practice, we focused on cases that require finer and more natural Photoshop techniques, such as retouching hair, skin, and lips.

Instructions

Process Work

<Task 01. Collage>

Week 2. 

Figure1. main slogan

Figure2. seeking the elements

For this collage assignment, I began by brainstorming ideas. I wanted the theme to center around “being myself”—a concept of authenticity and individuality. With that in mind, I searched through magazines to find elements that resonated with my idea. One phrase stood out: “one of one.” I immediately felt this text captured the essence of my theme, so I decided to use it as the primary element of my composition.

Figure3. secondary, tertiary elements

Figure4. secondary, tertiary elements

Next, I identified supporting elements. I was drawn to the small figures with serious expressions positioned at the bottom, contrasted with a background that gradually brightens into a gradient as it moves upward. These visual components symbolized a journey from seriousness to lightness, aligning with the theme of self‑expression.

Figure5-1. pre-compositon 1

Figure5-2. pre-compositon 2

Figure5-3. pre-compositon 3

In terms of collage composition, I wanted to apply techniques we learned in class and experiment with different approaches. Specifically, I focused on:

• Slogan technique: using images that connect directly to the chosen text.

• Background technique: cutting or tearing the background into unusual shapes to create visual interest.

By combining these methods, I aimed to create a collage that not only reflects my personal theme but also demonstrates my ability to apply diverse techniques in a thoughtful way.

▶WEEK 2: PRACTICAL (COLLAGE ELEMENTS)

W2_COLLAGE ELEMENTS_JIHYUN LIM_0391015.pdf

< Task 1B Digital Collage Design Work >

Figure 6. Composition #1 — “Gashigogi"

Figure 6-3.Composition #3 — “Breakthrough”  

Figure 6-2. Composition #2 — “Yin and Yang”

Feedback

< Task 1A Collage Design Feedback >

Pre-Composition #1:

The concept of being unique is clear and expressive, but the large central text interrupts the visual flow and creates an unbalanced, bottom-heavy layout.

Pre-Composition #2:

While the vertical layering and colors effectively create a playful mood, the dominant central text competes with the main figure, weakening the overall visual hierarchy.

Pre-Composition #3 (Selected Design):

This is the strongest composition as the figure’s vertical placement reinforces the “One of One” theme, providing the clearest focal point and a more intentional relationship between the elements.

Final Conclusion:

Pre-Composition #3 is chosen for its superior visual hierarchy and conceptual impact; the final step is to refine the neatness of the edges and spacing to ensure a polished finish.

< Task 1B Digital Collage Design Feedback >

• Composition #1 — “Gashigogi” Personal and meaningful concept with childhood memory and mystery. The blue fish stands out and creates calm movement. However, it feels less developed compared to #3. Needs more depth or supporting elements.

• Composition #2 — “Yin and Yang” Interesting idea of opposite forces with mirrored trains, fish, and people. Strong movement and contrast between dark and light. But the design feels crowded, with too many elements competing. Needs simplification and clearer balance.

• Composition #3 — “Breakthrough” Strongest design with clear focus. The red train through the doorway shows escape and freedom. Buildings suggest confinement, leaves suggest nature. Good depth and storytelling. Needs small refinements in edges and lighting. Recommended as final choice.

• Final Conclusion: Composition #3 is the best option. It has the clearest concept, strongest visual hierarchy, and most effective storytelling.

Reflection

< Task 1A Collage Design Reflection >

From the three pre-compositions, I learned that clear hierarchy and strong structure make a design more effective. Pre-Composition #3 was chosen because the central figure looks like the number “1,” which fits the idea of individuality and uniqueness. The torn-paper layers add movement, and the portraits at the bottom show contrast between one person and the group. The feedback taught me that small details like clean cutting and neat placement are important to make the final collage look polished. This process showed me how concept and execution must work together to create a strong design.

< Task 1B Digital Collage Design Reflection >

In my final collage, I learned that small details matter. The feedback showed me that clean masking, smooth transitions, and good framing make the design stronger. By fixing the edges and connecting the train, doorway, and background more naturally, the main focus stays clear. This taught me that even when the concept is strong, careful finishing is needed to keep the viewer’s attention on the right point.