Transforming Nursery Rhymes with Shapes and Gestalt!
By Kayla Gajewski
Unveiling Gestalt
In the world of graphic design, we meet Gestalt! A fascinating concept where elements come together to create a meaningful whole. This project was a journey through the lens of Gestalt, taking the classic nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down” and transforming it into a series of abstract visuals using only primitive shapes. Join me as I break down the design process, the application of Gestalt principles, and the creative challenges faced along the way.
I chose the timeless nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” The challenge was to dissect the rhyme into six distinct parts, one for each frame, and represent them using nothing but basic shapes: polygons, ovals, triangles, lines, and more. The objective was to encapsulate the narrative of the rhyme in an abstract manner, encouraging viewers to think beyond the obvious. Below are each of my frames created using Figma, along with some principles found in each.
London Bridge is Falling Down (Principle: Proximity)
The first frame uses proximity to convey the theme. The contrast between the closely grouped shapes on the right compared to the spaced-apart ones on the left tells the story of the bridge’s collapse.
Build It Up with Iron Bars (Principles: Similarity, Closure)
Here, similarity and closure come into play. The vertically aligned shapes, similar in nature, form a tower, emphasizing the idea of constructing it with iron bars.
Frame 3: Iron Bars Bend and Break (Principle: Continuation)
Continuation guides the eye through this image, following the curve representing the bending and breaking of the iron bars.
Build It Up with Silver and Gold (Principle: Proximity)
A lone star in the upper right corner becomes the focal point, representing the silver and gold used to rebuild the bridge.
Gold and Silver We’ve Not Got (Principles: Repetition, Shared Fate)
Repetition and shared fate play a significant role here. The stars seem to diminish and fade, symbolizing the dwindling gold and silver.
London Bridge is Falling Down My Fair Lady (Principles: Figure Ground, Similarity)
Figure-ground relationships and similarity come into play as a face emerges between the two halves of the bridge, seamlessly tying together the entire narrative.
The Creative Process
My project began with sketches for each panel. Visualizing how to represent each part of the rhyme using only basic shapes. While working with black and white may seem limiting, it pushed me to find innovative solutions for conveying each stanza.
Before diving into the abstract world of “London Bridge is Falling Down,” I set my ideas into motion through sketches. These simple drawings and notes served as my roadmap forward, guiding me as I translated concepts into shapes and designs.
Simplicity was the cornerstone of this work. I adhered to the strict use of black and white, ensuring that contrast was achieved through shape, scale, position, and value. I often times went through multiple versions of one frame, testing out to see what worked and what quite didn’t.
Overall this project was a canvas for creativity, a challenge to convey a well-known rhyme through the language of shapes. It pushed boundaries and tested the limits of design, showing that even with constraints, innovation thrives.
It serves as a reminder that art and design are ever-evolving, a continuous process of growth and refinement. Each shape was a step forward, and while perfection may be elusive, progress is certain.
Reflecting on the Journey
In hindsight, this project provided valuable insights into the world of graphic design. Here are some reflections on the process:
What did I learn?
This project allowed me to create images from the basics everyone knows and loves: shapes! As a graphic designer, it furthered my understanding of Gestalt design concepts in action. The simplicity of the designs allowed me to focus on the properties more than the actual work.
What was easy?
Having a starting concept for any given panel was the easy part. The familiarity of the nursery rhyme provided a solid foundation for creativity. My early sketches definitly changed and evolved as I progressed into the final result, but I hit the ground running from the start.
What was challenging?
Finding and utilizing Gestalt principles throughout each frame was the real challenge. It required thoughtful consideration of how shapes and their arrangements could convey the intended narrative. In my first frame I take a very literal approach to the London Bridge collapsing. As the frames go on, I had to begin thinking outside of the box to not only potray a story, but Gestalt in action!
How could my submission be improved?
Some more fine tuning and tweaking of each frame could enhance the project. As any graphic designer knows, there’s always room for improvement in the pursuit of perfection. Looking back I’d take the opportunity to make my frames more abstract. Allowing for more creative flexability with the principles we were tasked with portraying.
How could the professor improve the assignment for the next class?
In the spirit of creativity, opening the room to songs or poems as potential source material could enrich the assignment. It would invite a wider range of submissions and offer students the chance to explore diverse artistic opportunities.
How might I apply this knowledge in future assignments or work scenarios?
Gestalt principles can be applied to everything in art and design. This exercise has equipped me with a valuable tool that I can use in future assignments or even in day-to-day creative endeavors. Not only that, but it has helped to shape a new perception of finding Gestalt principles in everyday design. From notable brand name logos, to an advertisment for home appliances, and many more.
Did a specific reading or video inspire or help me?
This website listing each principle and how they can be applied was helpful at the start! It served as a valuable reference point, along with the slides provided in class. Aiding in making inital sketches to kick off the beginning stages of my project.