Leon Kai
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Graphic Designer
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Leon Kai 〰️ Graphic Designer 〰️
My name is Leon Humphrey. I have multiple years of experience in freelance design work, completing online courses and providing services for client’s digital illustration work done. From GCSE level I have achieved grades and qualifications in Art and design which I then took further with a B-Tec, achieving a qualification in digital media. From there I have been able to freelance my work, self-teaching and developing my skill, completing personal and client projects to skill and gain experience.
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For this project I was given inspiration and a mind map of ideas by the client for what they wanted for the end result of this project. The scene was set for a young 18year old, fair-skinned girl with afro hair and light eyes. The client informed me that this character would feature in a future book series as a Medicine graduate with a special superpower. This book is targeted towards young children to educate and inspire in for future career purposes. Taking all of this into consideration I had to think about the facial expression of the character, hence why I went for a warm smile. Even the theme of the background plays a part in the character’s aura, therefore I chose bright colours and a seemingly positive environment, this was most suitable for the character at hand.
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In total this project took 4 days to complete as it was done in specific and particular stages to ensure it was executed properly. Day 1 was for planning and generation of ideas, where I gathered backgrounds, facial expressions, hair styles, colours etc. Day 2, I began to construct the character with a sketch to confirm proportions and scale, following on from that I gathered the block colours to fill in features. Day 3 was solely focused on shadows and highlights where I considered lighting and dark areas to make the image realistic. Day 4 was for the background and final touches/details, this is where I finalize the piece and ensure that it is ready to send to the client.
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Through this project I really learnt how the positioning of facial features being eyebrows, eyes, nose and mouth really dictate how the character and image are perceived, alongside other factors such as the background and the lighting. This is a skill and technique I am developing for my work personally. I also learnt about variety in brush strokes and how that can add different dimensions to your work. For instance, in the hair I have manipulated the pen in different ways to produce different stokes being thicker, thinner, bolder and lighter.
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For this piece, I was able to send it back and forth between me and the client for the purpose of the confirming and agreeing with the process of the project. I was given tips and suggestions for changes to be made to improve the work. Reviewing the result of this piece, it is something I can be proud of and certainly a project that represents by brand and quality of work well.
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The client has asked for there to be an art gallery podium mounted by an office building in a street environment surrounded by land, included a brick wall on either side of the infrastructure and other natural features such as trees and people for viewers and stakeholders to gain an understanding of the scale of the infrastructure. The office building should be 5 stories high and the art gallery should include features such as paintings and sculptures to give an idea of the spacing. Lighting and background scenes should be included within the design to help stakeholders understand the reflection and shadows the infrastructure will give.
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With this task I have the responsibility of taking the architectural drawings formed and transforming them into a 3D model to give an additional dimension. With this process may come some risks or constraints whereby drawings and measurements are miscommunicated in translation to avoid these circumstances plans and designs should be frequently discussed with architects to ensure there is a definite and clear understanding. The resources I have to complete this project are most importantly the Blender software which is where the designing will take place. I have a Blenderkit resource which allows me to import models and scenes into the design. There are also a number of sites that can be used to download and import textures which would add an authentic and life like feel to the scene.
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In order to get started I needed to set up the task at hand, which meant adding and naming layers appropriately to keep order. I then had to build the basic geometry of the structure to form a basic and general idea of the shapes included. Following from that I began to adjust, scale, rotate, and modify mesh objects to fit the drawn designs. I was then able to choose appropriate materials and textures given to me by the client to be included within the scene. Finally, I was able to apply those features and add finishing touches to complete the project and meet the requirements.
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The results for this project were successful in the sense that I was able to produce what was set out for me in the project proposal. The plan I had proved to be clear and effective. The Client was happy with the outcome of the 3D I produced. “It gave a clear representation of what was needed to be translated into a real life infrastructure”. Stakeholder parties were satisfied with end result “it is a project we can all be proud of; a level of professionalism was shown across the board”. With help from the design lecturer I was able to correct minor mistakes and areas and details in which I struggled to understand, the lecturer was able to guide and teach me things to inevitably develop my skills.
Design Software Tools
Utilizing Procreate & Blender has enabled me to harness the power of digital illustration and expand my creative horizons. My proficiency in these platform is evident in my ability to seamlessly blend traditional drawing techniques with digital artistry. Whether it's crafting detailed illustrations, experimenting with textures, or cutting-edge 3D visuals, these software’s are my go-to tool for bringing imaginative concepts to digital fruition. The versatility and precision it offers are reflected in the vibrant and detailed artwork featured in my portfolio.
Attention to detail
Attention to detail is at the core of my design philosophy. I believe that the nuances of a design make a profound impact on its effectiveness and appeal. My meticulous approach ensures that every element, from typography to color schemes, is carefully considered and harmoniously integrated into the overall design. This precision not only enhances the visual aesthetics of my work but also ensures clear and effective communication of the intended message. My portfolio showcases a range of projects where my keen attention to detail has resulted in visually stunning and strategically coherent designs.
Willingness to learn
In an ever-evolving field like graphic design, I understand the importance of staying ahead of the curve. My inherent curiosity and passion for design drive me to continually learn and adapt. Whether it's mastering new design software, keeping up with the latest design trends, or experimenting with new techniques, I am committed to personal and professional growth. This approach not only enriches my skill set but also ensures that my designs remain fresh, relevant, and impactful.