WOII: Week 2 - Aesthetics
This week’s topic, "Aesthetics," was interesting, and we had a fun time exploring it as a group. This week, we hit the streets, visiting nearby cafes and restaurants around our campus to find examples of aesthetics.
To me, aesthetics can be found everywhere—in design, architecture, clothing, photography, and even in the way we experience and interpret the world around us. It’s about how colors, textures, and visual elements create meaning and emotions.
As an example, when we look at a beautiful watch, a unique coffee mug, or an interesting mural, and it makes us feel something, that’s aesthetics in action right in front of our eyes.
One of the most interesting finds was a vending machine called "WHAT THE CUP." Unlike regular vending machines, this one run 24/7 and offers over 300 drink choices. What makes it truly unique is not just its variety but also its eye-catching design and the subtle coffee aroma around it. The simple yet creative illustrations make it visually appealing, turning a normal vending experience into something engaging. In this case, it’s not just about buying a drink, it’s about the experience and emotions that come with it.
There’s a strong appreciation for film and cinematic aesthetics in both photography and videography. People love the nostalgic feel of film aesthetics: grainy textures, film borders, and soft focus all work together to create a film aesthetic. I applied a film-style border frame to my images for my Illustration Club's self-introduction presentation.
To make expressive aesthetics, I paired the film look with strong orange-colored captions and bold, punk-style typography. The contrast between the retro film border and the type created a playful tension that reflects both my personality and artistic influences. It was a fun way to blend different aesthetics, loud, and modern all in one cohesive look.
In the field of design, aesthetics plays a crucial role in how we communicate ideas. It’s important to carefully choose elements that align with the message we want to convey. Whether it's a logo, an advertisement, or a product, every detail matters in creating a meaningful and visually appealing experience.
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What The Cup. What The Cup - About Us, 2024, https://www.whatthecup.sg/. Accessed 26 Feb 2025.
Liu, Yanhua, and Xiaoyan Lu. The Role of Aesthetics in Design and Everyday Life, 2023, https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1234567/full. Accessed 26 Feb 2025.
"Basquiat's Materials & Techniques." MyArtBroker, https://www.myartbroker.com/artist-jean-michel-basquiat/articles/basquiats-materials-techniques. Accessed 26 Feb. 2025.
In my submission I acknowledge the use of GenAI: Grammarly to check grammar, spelling, and improve sentence structure.