Common Module - AY25.26 CTS B

𝕐𝕖𝕠𝕟𝕛𝕒𝕖'𝕤 ꀸꍏꀤ꒒ꌩ ꌗ꓄ꂦꋪꍏꁅꍟ

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[CTS B] Compulsory Question 2

My artistic vision is still evolving, but it’s becoming clearer as I continue exploring how culture, identity, and visual storytelling come together. I’m still figuring out my own design language, yet I naturally gravitate toward visuals with rhythm, clarity, and atmosphere, especially in branding and editorial contexts. Illustration, typography, and conceptual thinking are the areas I feel most confident in, but what really drives me is the desire to express feelings and narratives that can’t be fully communicated through words alone.

The Week 10 peer feedback made me rethink what originality means. Many classmates encouraged me to consider how my current habits shape the designer I want to be. I realized originality isn’t about having a perfectly defined style right now, it’s a mindset built through patience, awareness, and the willingness to grow honestly. That shift helped me let go of the pressure to arrive too quickly and instead value referencing, observation, and analysis as necessary parts of building my foundation.

My relationship with visual culture goes back to childhood, when reading Coco Chanel’s biography opened my imagination to fashion as a world of identity and transformation. Later, during my K-pop–obsessed teenage years, I became fascinated by magazines like Vogue and ELLE, trying to understand how images create mood and status. A huge turning point was discovering Gentle Monster’s flagship stores, spaces that felt more like immersive installations than retail. Their use of architecture, atmosphere, and narrative made me realize that branding isn’t just about pushing products; it’s about building a world. That perspective has shaped the way I now think about design as a cultural and experiential practice.

Among all examples, the branding system for Seoul Fashion Week resonates most strongly with my current vision. It merges contemporary fashion culture with a uniquely Korean sensibility, turning the city, especially the DDP, into part of the visual identity. This connects directly to CTS-B themes such as lineage, context, and identity-making. As Hallyu expanded globally, SFW evolved from its Dongdaemun roots into a symbol of modern Korean culture.

Krippendorff’s argument that design produces meaning within cultural context (Krippendorff, 2007) fits perfectly here. He explains that design isn’t just about form, it’s about the social, spatial, and cultural systems that give form its meaning. This helps me understand why brands like Gentle Monster and institutions like SFW succeed, they build identities through heritage, environment, narrative, and experience rather than visuals alone.

All of this helped clarify my artistic direction. I want to create work that blends clarity with cultural nuance, intuition with critical thinking, and emotional atmosphere with functional communication. CTS-B showed me that meaningful design grows through self-reflection and an awareness of the cultural ecosystems we design for.

(447 words)

Image References:

simplyougrow. “Coco Chanel Didn’t Just Change Fashion. She Changed the Way Women Lived.” Instagram, 6 July 2025, www.instagram.com/p/DLwGCg2yPTx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==.

K., RiceJennifer. “Pin on COCO CHANEL.” Pinterest, 2022, ph.pinterest.com/pin/441845413446284254/.

Focusing Marketing. “[브랜드스토리 젠틀몬스터 (GENTLE MONSTER)의 브랜드 이야기, 공간 마케팅, 캠페인, 제니, 누데이크, 탬버린즈.” Naver.com, 2025, blog.naver.com/focussing0/222837687242.

Anon. “Seoul Fashion Week Marks 25 Years, Driving Global Growth and Fashion Industry Engagement -.” Seoul Metropolitan Government, 17 Jan. 2025, https://world.seoul.go.kr/seoul-fashion-week-marks-25-years-driving-global-growth-and-fashion-industry-engagement/

Anon. “Dongdaemun Design Plaza to Emerge as a Space for Creation and Knowledge -.” Official Website of The, 19 Dec. 2012, english.seoul.go.kr/dongdaemun-design-plaza-to-emerge-as-a-space-for-creation-and-knowledge/. Accessed 20 Nov. 2025.

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References:

Krippendorff, Klaus. “The Semantic Turn: A New Foundation for Design.” Artifact, vol. 1, no. 1, Apr. 2007, pp. 56–59,

https://doi.org/10.1080/17493460600844157.

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[pisces05jaie]

[CTS B] Compulsory Question 1

This week, we stepped back and reviewed the entire CTS-B journey, using that overview to create a group manifesto. I began by mind-mapping all ten weeks, breaking the concepts and activities into keywords. Visualizing everything at once helped me realize that each discussion, reflection, and hands-on task was more interconnected than I originally thought.

From there, our group wrote ten manifesto statements based on the weekly themes. We divided the work, and I was responsible for Weeks 1 and 4. I added brief explanations under each statement to clarify why I chose them and how they reflected the lessons of those weeks. Because each member approached the module differently, our manifesto naturally carried four distinct voices. Instead of seeing this as inconsistency, I found it meaningful, it showed how individual interpretation shapes learning. Looking back, I think my statements leaned too much toward keywords, and next time I would like to write in a more narrative and reflective tone.

Creating a manifesto felt like a natural extension of what CTS-B has been all along, a constant cycle of analysis and self-reflection. Normally, I tend to jump into making whenever an idea appears in my head, but it pushed me to slow down and think. Researching, comparing, questioning, and reorganizing my thoughts became a habit, and I realized design isn’t only about intuition, it also needs logic and evidence. Recent research supports this idea as well. The Complementary Roles of Intuition and Logic in Creative Design Ideation (Cupchik et al, 2024) argues that effective design emerges from the balance between intuitive exploration and logical evaluation. The study notes that designers often begin with intuition to spark ideas, but ultimately rely on logic, evidence, and critical analysis to refine and justify their decisions.

This activity also connected strongly to my other modules. In Studio, the mindset from CTS-B became especially helpful. Since we have pair-works, I had to learn how to merge ideas to find solutions together. It made me realize that collaboration itself is a kind of design, balancing communication, critique, and compromise to produce the best outcome. The manifesto’s themes of reflection and understanding context matched this process perfectly.

In Design Skills, following structured web-design frameworks required constant decision-making. I had to evaluate my own layouts, identify weak points, and let go of ideas that didn’t serve the design. Materiality also echoed the manifesto’s ideas. Working with limited materials during the zine project reminded me of the importance of reinterpreting what I already have and finding practical solutions within constraints, another form of design thinking.

In the end, the manifesto task became more meaningful than I expected. At first, I thought it was simply about writing ten lines, but it actually helped me articulate how I see design, what values I have, and how it shaped my approach. Defining these ideas for myself makes me more grounded for future projects. Everything we practiced in the module came together in this final activity, making it a fitting conclusion to the course.

(500 words)

Image References:

“Baybeats 2024 - Esplanade.” Esplanade.com, 2024, www.esplanade.com/whats-on/festivals-and-series/festivals/2024/baybeats.

References:

Cupchik, Gerald C., et al. “The Complementary Roles of Intuition and Logic in Creative Design Ideation.” Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts, American Psychological Association, Feb. 2024, https://doi.org/10.1037/aca0000635.

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[pisces05jaie]

[CTS B] Week 6: Critical Self-Reflectivity

This week, our team collaborated on a field observation project at Simlim Square. Our goal was to identify poorly designed shop signs, figure out why they weren’t working, and redesign them to be clearer and more functional. To make the most of our time, we split into pairs and quickly noticed that many signs didn’t even convey what the shop actually does.

After regrouping, we decided to focus on Hongye Health Clinic. The main challenge we faced was language. None of us spoke Chinese, and like many non-Chinese residents in Singapore, we had to rely on translator just to grasp the shop’s purpose. This highlighted a significant accessibility issue.

Taking inspiration from the original sign’s small clover icons, we revamped the identity with three main goals: 1. clearly showing that it’s a health clinic, 2. using English as a universal language, 3. and creating a simple, intuitive icon for easy understanding.

We merged symbols like a pill, a clover, and a heart into a sleek logo and polished it through several sketches. Even though the final mockup felt a bit rushed due to time constraints, the process taught me a lot about this week’s theme: Critical Self-Reflectivity.

While reflecting, I was reminded of other brands that improved by reassessing their own identity. Some luxury labels revived their vintage logos to highlight heritage, while Sulwhasoo modernized its look to appeal to younger audiences. These cases show that strong design starts with honest self-evaluation, deciding what to keep, what to change, and who the design is really for.

This project helped me better understand how design works in real, messy environments and how clarity, empathy, and reflection shape the experience of everyday users.

(281 words)

Image References:

쿠키뉴스. “설화수 vs 수려한 로고 디자인 논란…‘비슷해도 너무 비슷해.’” 쿠키뉴스, 10 July 2018,

www.kukinews.com/article/view/kuk201807090225.

“Sulwhasoo.” Namu.wiki, 2025,

https://namu.wiki/w/설화수?uuid=c17c2243-9329-4214-a00a-03138da58ec2

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최소원. “[RE브랜딩 스토리] 설화수와 이니스프리, 변한 것과 변하지 않은 것.” The PR 더피알, 12 Apr. 2023,

www.the-pr.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=49916.

References:

최소원. “[RE브랜딩 스토리] 설화수와 이니스프리, 변한 것과 변하지 않은 것.” The PR 더피알, 12 Apr. 2023,

www.the-pr.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=49916.

[pisces05jaie]

[CTS B] Week 4-5: Field Trip & Analyze Artistic Traditions and Lineages

Following the lessons of weeks 4 and 5, I have gained a new appreciation for the intimate connection between history, context, intent, subject, medium, and form in both the creation and interpretation of art. Recognizing how these elements interact to generate meaning is crucial. Critical thinking assigns meaning to a work, while creativity allows for the imagining of new interpretations.

In Week 5, I observed Chua Mia Tee's National Language Class (1959). This direct experience provided a deeper understanding of its medium and form, the lines, composition, and subtle color palette, and its subject, a Singaporean classroom scene after independence. The artist’s intent was illuminated by its historical context, reflecting the nation’s contemporary concerns with language, identity, and social cohesion.

The gallery space itself, with its clean walls and subtle lighting, shaped my viewing experience and allowed for focused engagement. The thoughtful arrangement of surrounding works by the same artist reinforced the central themes, creating an impressive narrative. Other works in the Southeast Asian gallery were also striking. Having studied art in the Philippines, I felt a comforting familiarity in the works of Filipino artists, which exuded a traditional atmosphere.

Ultimately, the quality of my interpretation differed significantly between works whose cultural backgrounds I understood and those I did not. In hindsight, my analysis would have been enriched by connecting it to the artistic traditions from Week 4. Moving forward, I aim to apply both critical analysis and creative interpretation, approaching more works in a wider cultural and interactive context.

(250 words)

Image References:

NHCP Museo Nina Juan at Antonio Luna. “Commemorating Juan Luna Through Commemorative Stamp and Philippine Money.” Facebook.com, www.facebook.com/NHCP.LunaMuseum/posts/commemorating-juan-luna-through-commemorative-stamp-and-philippine-moneyjuan-lun/1302864337343800/.

Pilar, Santiago. “CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art | CCP Encylopedia of Philippine Art.” CCP Encyclopedia of Philippine Art, epa.culturalcenter.gov.ph/3/82/2253/.

References:

NHCP Museo Nina Juan at Antonio Luna. “Commemorating Juan Luna Through Commemorative Stamp and Philippine Money.” Facebook.com, www.facebook.com/NHCP.LunaMuseum/posts/commemorating-juan-luna-through-commemorative-stamp-and-philippine-moneyjuan-lun/1302864337343800/.

[pisces05jaie]

[CTS B] Week 1: Creative Practice and Critical Thinking

Initially, I believed that creativity and critical thinking were separate paths. Creativity seemed to break boundaries and inspire ideas, while critical thinking focused on analyzing and structuring thoughts. Over time, I realized that when the two come together, they complement rather than conflict with each other.

The metaphor of “art and science” helped clarify this relationship. Creativity(art), explores open possibilities, while critical thinking(science), builds logic and order. Because design relies on both exploration and structure, emphasizing one strongly can lead to ideas that feel either impractical or predictable. Understanding this made the importance of balance clearer.

A short story written in class reinforced this idea. The man builds paper towers in a repetitive competition, a blank report with a single period, resulted from both a critical reassessment of the system and a creative twist on its rules. The message became powerful where these two modes of thinking converged.

The second activity offered a visual reminder: critical thinking organizes and tests, while creativity opens new paths. Together, they broaden the scope and depth of problem-solving.

This understanding deepened while reviewing the abstract of Young-jung Kim’s thesis, Creativity and Critical Thinking. Kim argues that creativity grows from critical and logical thinking, and that critical thinking is essential for situation-adaptive reasoning in a knowledge-based society. (Kim, 2025) His point that creativity emerges when rational problem-solving is renewed aligns with the idea that design should not seek novelty alone, but meaningful innovation grounded in context.

In summary, creativity alone feels empty, and criticism alone becomes limiting. Like art and science, the two become more complete when united. Moving forward, I hope to keep practicing their seamless integration in future classes.

(276 words)

Image References:

Jones, Jonathan. “The Christmas Story in Art: Archangel Gabriel Appears before Mary.” The Guardian, The Guardian, 24 Dec. 2013, www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2013/dec/24/christmas-story-art-annunciation-leonardo.

Lam, Alex. “Archifest 2018.” Cargocollective.com, 2018, cargocollective.com/alexlam/Archifest-2018.

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References:

Kim, Young-Jung. “창의성과 비판적 사고.” 인지과학, vol. 13, no. 4. pp. 81–90, DBpia.co.kr, 11 Nov. 2025, www.dbpia.co.kr/journal/articleDetail?nodeId=NODE01003371.

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[pisces05jaie]

𝐖𝐎𝐈𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐈𝐧 𝐒𝐮𝐦𝐦𝐚𝐫𝐲

Throughout the WOII classes, I was introduced to a range of new concepts, not just in theory but through hands-on design work. Applying ideas in practice taught me that design is more than quick production, it's a process of trial, error, reflection, and connecting ideas to personal experience.

Week 6 and Week 11 stood out as highlights. These sessions were especially enjoyable and helped me realize how meaningful the learning process can be when it’s engaging and experimental. I learned that mistakes and experimentation are not setbacks but important parts of design thinking.

However, I’ve noticed that I sometimes focus too much on visual outcomes and rush through final stages, which can weaken the conceptual depth of my work. I want to improve by developing stronger ideas, analyzing them critically, and tying them more clearly to design contexts.

At the same time, I’ve found that my playful, experimental mindset fits well with postmodern approaches. If I continue to strengthen my conceptual thinking, I believe I can turn that instinct into a real strength, creating work that’s both expressive and thoughtful. WOII has not only built my skills but also shaped how I approach design with curiosity and intention.

(198 words)

Reference:

Maat, Michel. “Strategic Thinking.” Pinterest, 13 Jan. 2025, pin.it/2F1UEAwOG.

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𝐖𝐎𝐈𝐈: 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟏𝟏 - 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐨𝐝𝐞𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐦

In this class, we designed posters centered around the theme of postmodernism. Our objective was to defy traditional norms and transform the mundane into the remarkable. Collaborating in pairs, we photographed an item we owned and crafted a "postmodern" advertisement for it, focusing on aspects like typography, fragmentation, pluralism, and distortion.

While brainstorming slogans for our product, we noticed a carton of soy milk on our desk and chose it as the centerpiece of our ad. The main question we addressed was: Why opt for soy milk instead of regular milk? Throughout the project, we aimed to infuse postmodern characteristics that would render the ad fresh and surprising, steering clear of clichés. This approach allowed us to incorporate humor and satire, making the design more engaging and enjoyable.

The result was a creative reimagining of something as ordinary as soy milk. Yuna illustrated soy milk as seducing and overpowering milk, while I depicted soy milk pushing milk off a rooftop, symbolizing the rising demand and disruption in the traditional milk market. Although our scenes were different, they both conveyed a sense of subversion, and the contrasting yet harmonious outcomes made the experience enjoyable and fulfilling.

This poster project underscored the fundamental tenets of postmodernism: questioning conventions, embracing diverse viewpoints, and reinterpreting established ideas to generate new meanings. Through this experience, we discovered the excitement and challenges of breaking rules and reimagining concepts. Moving forward, we will continue to adopt these principles to create innovative and captivating work.

(247 words)

[pisces05jaie]

𝐖𝐎𝐈𝐈: 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟏𝟎 - 𝐏𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐦

I became curious about the distinctions between post-structuralism and semiotics before I began my exploration, so I researched the topic. Semiotics in design focuses on how signs and symbols convey meaning, while post-structuralism questions the notion of fixed meaning, suggesting that it evolves based on context. I believe that merging these concepts can result in designs that are both intuitive and open to various interpretations.

During week 10, we ventured outdoors and each selected a "text" and an "image" from our environment. Without prior discussion, we paired our images with each other's texts or the other way around. It was a refreshing experience to see how diverse perspectives on the same location produced surprising outcomes. For instance, the pairing of a "No Entry" sign with a cone created a narrative that was both straightforward and captivating. This activity highlighted how much creativity can stem from viewing things from different perspectives.

Regarding structure versus function, I believe neither is superior; they are intricately connected. Structure influences our perception of reality, while reality itself conveys meaning through its structure. Ultimately, our understanding of the world is shaped by how it is presented to us.

In Francis Bacon’s "Portrait of George Dyer in a Mirror," the distorted and fragmented depiction of the subject challenges fixed interpretations, utilizing visual structure to elicit a range of emotional responses. This illustrates how structure can influence and transform our perception of reality, adding layers of meaning.

(239 words)

References:

unknown. “CATALOGUE RAISONNÉ FOCUS: PORTRAIT of GEORGE DYER in a MIRROR, 1968 | Francis Bacon.” Francis-Bacon.com, 10 Feb. 2025, www.francis-bacon.com/news/catalogue-raisonne-focus-portrait-george-dyer-mirror-1968.

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[pisces05jaie]

𝐖𝐎𝐈𝐈 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐮𝐥𝐬𝐨𝐫𝐲: 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟓 & 𝟔 - 𝐃𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐲𝐬𝐢𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 𝐓𝐫𝐢𝐩

In the fifth week, our focus was on the concepts of 'memory' and 'materiality'. We exchanged personal items and contemplated how their materials and functions relate to our life experiences. I believed it was essential to move beyond the superficial aspects of objects and consider their significance in our lives.

Building on this, I was able to connect these ideas to the real world during the Kampong Gelam field trip in the sixth week. While exploring a vintage accessory shop, I found a wooden keychain carved in the shape of cats, which caught my attention due to its cuteness. A friend who owns a cat remarked that the keychain resembled his pet, prompting me to link these discovered items back to our discussions from the fifth week. This connection highlighted how curating can evoke joy by showcasing objects that embody "memory" within "materiality," ultimately serving a decorative purpose while also generating profit.

As I collected images of design works during my stroll through the Kampong Gelam district, the concept of "momentality" emerged. The signboards at shops selling retro cameras particularly stood out to me. I felt that the assortment of retro cameras displayed acted as signboards, conveying the urgency to capture moments, as these cameras freeze time in a single instant. Additionally, a piece at Haji Lane's art gallery appeared to change slightly depending on the viewer's angle, allowing me to experience multiple perspectives in a fleeting moment. The artist's creativity and vision can be communicated in mere seconds. Lastly, I took an instant photo with a friend, and each time I look at the four pictures, I am reminded of the memories from that day. Ultimately, these experiences allow us to understand the evolution of time and the significance of these objects, emphasizing the importance of the moment.

(299 words)

Image Reference:

Vinyasa C. "Design not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works. - STEVE JOBS." Linkedin.com, 14 Nov. 2023, https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/design-just-what-looks-like-feels-how-works-steve-jobs-chalasani-zds9e

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[pisces05jaie]

𝐖𝐎𝐈𝐈: 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟐 - 𝐀𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬

When I first encountered the term "aesthetics," it seemed like a vague concept, merely a way to describe something visually appealing. However, as the classes progressed, my perception evolved. I came to understand that true aesthetics encompass more than just looks; they involve the interplay of form, function, symbolism, and emotional resonance. Among these elements, form and function emerged as particularly significant.

Our fieldwork at Simlim Square reinforced this understanding. We took photographs of logos and signboards in the area and analyzed them. Rather than simply gathering visually appealing signs, we explored the reasoning behind their designs, the feelings they evoked, and their target audiences. For instance, IJOOZ, with its vibrant colors and playful font, conveyed more than just juice; it represented "fresh energy." In contrast, the humorous sign for Dr. Clawtopuss captured attention in an entirely different manner.

A highlight of the experience was creating a mood board and developing our character, MaChoPuSS. What began as a spontaneous sketch transformed into a blend of visual elements inspired by the brands we examined. Our team collaboratively crafted it into a visual narrative that combined humor, personality, and symbolic significance, resulting in something impactful.

Through this journey, I began to perceive aesthetics as a concept that goes far beyond mere "pretty design." It is both sensory and functional, reflecting personal experiences and cultural contexts. Moving forward, I recognized the need to deepen my understanding, looking beyond surface-level appreciation to grasp the intention and emotion behind each design decision.

(247 words)

Reference:

“Alfred North Whitehead Quote.” A-Z Quotes, 2025, www.azquotes.com/quote/313636.

tug96485. “Mood Board – Vogue.” Alexandra Joy, 10 Feb. 2019, alexandradesignforjourn.wordpress.com/2019/02/10/mood-board-vogue/.

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[pisces05jaie]

𝐖𝐎𝐈𝐈: 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝟒 – 𝐒𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐜𝐬

Semiotics aren’t just about symbols, they’re like a quiet language we use to share complex ideas without saying a word. It’s something we encounter every day, and in design, it plays a powerful role in how messages are shaped and understood.

For this project, Yuna and I explored Nivea’s sunscreen ad campaign, analyzing it from both formal and contextual angles. One of the most memorable visuals featured the words “NIVEA SUN” scorched into a piece of toast. With no extra text or clutter, the ad cleverly connects sun exposure with burning, while positioning sunscreen as the solution. The stark contrast, blackened toast on a soft, neutral background, immediately draws attention and communicates the message in a single glance. Subtle lines like “Don’t burn” reinforce the brand’s focus on protection and safety. It’s a great example of how something as ordinary as toast can become a powerful symbol when used with intention.

Another group’s analysis of a “Plant-Based WHOPPER” ad also stood out. The image hinted at bacon, or maybe wood, creating just enough ambiguity to spark curiosity. It reminded me that sometimes, what we see isn’t always what it seems, and that’s part of the richness of visual language.

Overall, this project helped me better understand how images guide emotional responses and shape trust. It made me think more critically about how I want to approach design in the futureless about just making things look good, and more about making sure they truly connect.

(244 words)

References:

Hurth, Geoffrey. “Geoffrey Hurth’s Post.” Linkedin.com, 2025, www.linkedin.com/posts/geoffreyhurth_this-nivea-ad-is-creative-brilliance-simple-activity-7283835737614000128-1NZ5.

Syarif, Edwin. “From Signs to Emotions: How Semiotics and Emotional Design Shape User Perception.” Medium, Bootcamp, 29 Mar. 2023, medium.com/design-bootcamp/from-signs-to-emotions-how-semiotics-and-emotional-design-shape-user-perception-f8021aa0b264.

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[pisces05jaie]

𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗔_𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟭𝟮: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟯

I have a massive interest in fine art, and I believe organizing an exhibition in other fields would be an incredible opportunity. Exploring the thoughts and emotions artists wish to communicate through their art, and presenting that in an exhibition seem captivating (LASALLE). This process extends beyond the works to include areas like spatial design, art history, and visual arts, allowing me to improve my communication skills and expand my knowledge for better collaboration. Moreover, I could enhance my design career by applying my unique talents in visual design where needed.

As the design world evolves, so do design exhibitions. A good example is the exhibition at the Busan Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, which highlighted painting and collaborated with the graphic design studio DDBBMM (Lee). The curator manages all facets of exhibition design, from theme planning to creating visual materials like posters and videos, as well as researching artworks. This experience would not only cultivate an artistic viewpoint and visual appreciation but also ignite creativity for generating varied ideas and planning exhibitions. Additionally, it would offer valuable lessons on the significance of careful observation and exploration.

It's thrilling to envision how the plan might transform into a final project at LASALLE College of the Arts. The campus boasts multiple exhibition spaces, providing a great opportunity to delve into details while offering both time and mental advantages. I would also love to collaborate with the Singapore Art Museum, as I see it as the ideal place for gaining profound insights and knowledge in Singapore.

Taking on the role of a curator through fine art and exhibitions appears to be an excellent way to enhance critical thinking skills as a designer and artist. This experience could foster a diverse skill set, promoting growth in problem-solving, teamwork, communication, and creativity. It’s not just about crafting visual designs, it’s about navigating space and interacting with various elements and senses.

<Exhibition Thump (2024)>

<Brian Clarke: The Art of Light (2020-2021)>

<Art Curators>

(317 words)

References:

LASALLE College of the Arts. “Diploma in Fine Arts | LASALLE College of the Arts.” Lasalle.edu.sg, 2024, www.lasalle.edu.sg/programmes/diploma/fine-arts.

Lee, Junghoon. “도장에 진심인 디자이너와 큐레이터가 만든 전시, <쿵>.” Design＋, 27 May 2024, design.co.kr/article/16207.

Yurman, David. “Brian Clarke: The Art of Light | Museum of Arts and Design.” Madmuseum.org, 2020, madmuseum.org/exhibition/brian-clarke-art-light.

Sybaris. “What Are the Different Types of Art Curator?” Sybaris Collection, 7 Mar. 2022, sybaris.com.mx/what-are-the-different-types-of-art-curator/.

[pisces05jaie]

𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗔_𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟭𝟭: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟮

During the CTS A session, I realized that critical thinking plays a significant role in our daily lives and across different fields. To illustrate this, I created a mind map centered around 6WH questions related to critical thinking. The main takeaway was that critical thinking enables us to make better choices, bringing us closer to our ultimate goals while enhancing our cognitive abilities and execution skills (Kallet). When I compared my activities before and after incorporating critical thinking, I noticed a marked improvement in the practicality and professionalism of my results, which made me feel like I had grown in multiple ways.

I also made an effort to apply critical thinking to other subjects. For instance, in Studio 1, I observed a noticeable enhancement in research skills, communication, and information evaluation. My observational skills improved through various activities, and I learned how to effectively organize and document the information I gathered on Research Framework, Type & Language, and Hollywood Bling, allowing me to evaluate it for optimal outcomes. Additionally, I found that techniques like Visual Thinking, Typo Sensory, and Data Space helped me improve my technical skills and communication methods.

The Craft Workshop was instrumental in fostering creativity and visualizing ideas as a whole. It provided a chance to organize my thoughts and encouraged me to keep asking questions throughout all activities, from mark-making to abstraction. In photography, I practiced critical thinking in various ways, such as identifying problems and making decisions about subjects. These two subjects, in particular, aided me develop well-rounded and creatively insightful critical thinking skills through the use of different visual tools.

To wrap it up, in the realm of Digital Skills & Applications, I focused on honing my skills with Adobe. I also took the time to evaluate how the content and form connect, checking for any issues with the visual language I'm aiming to convey (Lee). This ongoing exploration helps me achieve great results. Ultimately, this entire journey fosters growth and enhancement through critical thinking.

(329 words)

References:

The Foundation for Critical Thinking. “Critical Thinking: Where to Begin.” Criticalthinking.org, 2017, www.criticalthinking.org/pages/critical-thinking-where-to-begin/796.

Kallet, Michael. Think Smarter: Critical Thinking to Improve Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Skills. Wiley, 2014.

You, Isaac. Question Intelligence (질문 지능). Dayeon Book, 2017.

Lee, Chungho. “[문화산책 칼럼] 디자인에도 비판적 사고가 필요하다 ([Culture Walk Column] Design Also Requires Critical Thinking).” Isum, 27 Nov. 2018, www.iusm.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=826452.

Photo References:

Roth, Michael. “Beyond Critical Thinking.” Chronicle.com, 2020, www.chronicle.com/article/beyond-critical-thinking/.

Nancy, Near Philadelphia. “Blogging, Near Philadelphia.” Nancynearphiladelphia.blogspot, 29 Jan. 2014, nancynearphiladelphia.blogspot.com, 2014, www.nancynearphiladelphia.blogspot.com/.

Schultz, Abby. "Collaboration Between Andy Warhol and Jean-Michel Basquiat Could Set a Record." Barron's, 28 Mar. 2024, www.barrons.com/articles/collaboration-between-andy-warhol-and-jean-michel-basquiat-could-set-a-record-93088c42.

[pisces05jaie]

𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗔_𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟭𝟬: 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝘂𝗹𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗤𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝟭

I believe that critical thinking is something unnatural. However, as we face challenges, we strengthen our problem-solving skills by carefully analyzing different factors and tackling them head-on in tough situations. This is something we naturally pick up over time. For me, the last semester was a suitable opportunity to practice critical thinking while interacting with a diverse group of people in various scenarios. It was enjoyable to share similar aspirations and learn new things with my classmates as we worked towards common goals. I could say that our past activities in class are alike an ant colony. We began as a group, but we created our unique areas based on our styles, all while moving forward together without losing our identities. There are numerous chambers, yet the ant colony is one cohesive unit.

This class felt like a team effort, and while I was used to working in teams, collaborating with peers with similar interests was a fresh experience. The most memorable part of the CTS-A was when we created a monument, as it was the first time we went through the process of teamwork. I had to express my ideas confidently while gradually finding common ground with my teammates' differing opinions. It was fascinating to see how we could harmonize our thoughts through compromise and understanding. Looking at the final result, I felt that my identity shone through, along with unique traits that I didn’t possess. Instead of working solo, I appreciated the chance to broaden my style by learning from others and filling in each other's gaps. I’ve grown a lot from those experiences.

Personally, the practical advice and tips Shawn shared as a senior designer were utilizable. I could say that the class was open-minded and genuine. It would have been more fascinating to have additional chances to apply these methods as a team in various settings. Out of all my first-semester classes, CTS-A offered me the biggest sense of accomplishment as I experienced significant personal growth.

(330 words)

Photo Reference:

Cho, Hye-sun. "거대 개미굴 발견 '사람을 치면 만리장성급 규모'." Dong-A Ilbo, 8 Feb. 2012, www.donga.com/news/Inter/article/all/20120208/43872659/3.

Bozovic, Nadja (Webadmin). “Famous Art Collaborations - AGI Fine Art - Advice Blog.” AGI Fine Art, 27 Apr. 2017, agifineart.com/advice/famous-art-collaborations/.

[pisces05jaie]

𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗔_𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟯: 𝗘𝗺𝗼𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲

I tend to focus on finding solutions and planning my next steps rather than feeling what others feel. Sometimes, I overlook the importance of considering others' emotions. However, as I engaged more with my surroundings, I realized that empathy is crucial for effective communication. After several practice, I've made it a habit to connect with others' thoughts and feelings. While some might see this as a deliberate choice, I believe that responding with empathy is a vital quality in all aspects of life.

In the third week, we engaged in an activity where we acted out everyday events. This helped us explore our roles in the stories we created, manage ourselves, and gain self-awareness about our feelings. We also discussed how to improve teamwork and manage relationships effectively.

As I mentioned, I'm still working on my empathy skills since I'm not used to it. I often find myself interpreting situations from my own perspective instead of trying to understand others first. Nevertheless, I believe that empathy will eventually become one of my greatest strengths as I acknowledge my weaknesses and strive to value the connections I make with others.

I want to share my thoughts on Rembrandt's painting, "The Return of the Prodigal Son" (1669). The story from Luke 15 tells of a son who squanders his inheritance, ends up in straits, and returns home to seek forgiveness from his father. Forgiving son's mistakes is undoubtedly challenging. Yet, the father must have shown courage and patience to understand his son's suffering. I hope this work encourages us to reflect on the strength of empathy and how we can use this ability in right manner.

(274 words)

Photo References:

Kappe, Eelco. "The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt." Tripimprover, 7 Dec. 2023, www.tripimprover.com/blog/the-return-of-the-prodigal-son-by-rembrandt.

Reynolds, Adrian. “How to Create Better Art by Using Emotional Intelligence.” Adrianreynolds.ie, 16 Oct. 2022, adrianreynolds.ie/emotional-intelligence-to-create-better-art/.

Willard, Joanne. “How to Develop Emotional Intelligence Training for Leaders and Managers.” Big Think, 8 Mar. 2023, bigthink.com/plus/emotional-intelligence-training-for-leaders/.

[pisces05jaie]

𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗔_𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟮: 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗼𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀

One of my standout traits is my knack for brainstorming ideas on engaging topics. I can connect various suggestions for group activities and pull together thoughts from everyone like a mind map, ultimately highlighting the best concepts. This is just part of who I am, but since everyone in the group has their own unique personality, I need to find a way to reach a consensus among all the different point of view. Personally, I found the process of navigating through many differing perspective to be a bit tricky as I still need to improve my communication skills. I suggested 'Capitalism' as the theme for our monument, and it turned out to be a great experience for us, as we were able to achieve some fascinating results by incorporating everyone's input.

When we tried to represent capitalism as a single cake, we ended up with a small model due to our limited materials and time constraints. The topic is so broad that we couldn't quite capture everything we wanted to express. If we get the chance to create the monument properly, I envision it as a large cake to symbolize how capital is divided into slices. Since this theme ties into industry, economy, and such fields, we plan to decorate the surface with features that will help viewers grasp the concept of capitalism at a glance.

I'm wrapping up by talking about Namsan Tower in Korea. This landmark also know for representing hopes of the characters in the K-drama 'Itaewon Class', showcasing the dreams of Korea from poverty. It represents Seoul's capitalist vibe, where people are chasing success, trying to build their own Namsan Tower. 

(275 words)

Photo References:

노랑꼬리. "이태원 클라쓰 촬영장소 단밤위치 육교 남산 꿀밤포차." Naverblog, 27 Feb. 2020, m.blog.naver.com/hongho6778/221827143386

Namuwiki. "남산서울타워 (Namsan Seoul Tower)." 2024, namu.wiki/w/%EB%82%A8%EC%82%B0%EC%84%9C%EC%9A%B8%ED%83%80%EC%9B%8C. Accessed 10 Nov. 2024.

[pisces05jaie]

𝗖𝗧𝗦 𝗔_𝗪𝗘𝗘𝗞 𝟭: 𝗖𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴

Describe your understanding of critical thinking that you had before the class, and reflect on what you may have learned.

Critical thinking is an essential mindset for individuals to navigate. It involves analyzing facts to fully understand a problem or subject. The critical thinking discussions in class were detailed and practical, particularly the video by Pooja Nansi, which offered a designer's perspective. I found it fascinating when she talked about The Golden Staircase; it can be viewed as a piece of art by some and an obstacle by others. Thereby, we should identify the problematic aspects and find ways to address us to move on to the next stage.

What have you learned about Mindfulness? How might you integrate this into your learning environment?

Mindfulness involves being fully present in the moment while embracing an attitude of tolerance, patience, and faith. While this may seem straightforward, we often find ourselves disconnected from reality and distracted by trivial matters. Being mindful allows us to recognize our current state, helping us to ground ourselves when we ask, “Where am I?” Instead of passively accepting information without understanding our mental state, being aware of our position and nurturing our minds will empower us. As we progress, this awareness will foster greater growth.

Describe an eventful moment you have experienced in this class.

I can confidently say that every moment was filled with excitement. Each interaction was captivating, providing both encouragement and inspiration. What resonates most is that my classmates have similar ambitions, enabling us to compete while also uplifting one another on our paths toward achieving our goals. I take great pleasure in connecting with peers in the same field and nurturing new relationships and communication among us.

(240 words)

Reference:

MB. "Critical Thinking Skills A Week 1 Film Pooja Nansi." YouTube, 15 Aug. 2021, www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAHqOIuCsUs.