Graphic Design

Know about materials, techniques and processes used in graphic design.

Materials, techniques and processes used in graphic design:

• Visual language (formal elements, line, tone, texture, colour, pattern, symmetry)
• Wet Media (e.g. paint, printing techniques)
• Dry Media (e.g. pencil, pen)
• Digital Media (e.g. Image editing software packages)
• Thumbnail Sketches
• Colourways

Assessment Criteria

• 1.1

  Explore the different materials, techniques and processes used in graphic design.

Be able to generate ideas for and plan a graphic design.

Research sources:

• Primary sources (e.g. observation drawings, photographs, visits)
• Secondary sources (e.g. practitioner research, books, websites, blogs)
• Existing products (e.g. magazine covers, CD/DVD covers, adverts, web, illustration, games)

How to generate ideas:

• Style of product
• Purpose
• Target audience
• Visual communication
• Key messages
• Design brief
• Client needs
• Identity
• Branding
• Mind maps
• Sketches
• Layout designs

Planning a graphic design:

• Mind maps
• Design layouts
• Technical requirements
• Resources
• Prototypes
• Selecting final ideas
• Meeting the design brief
• Resources
• Time management
• Budget

Assessment Criteria

• 2.1

  Use different sources to generate ideas for a graphic design.

• 2.2

  Plan the production of a graphic design.

Be able to produce a graphic design.

Production of a graphic design:

• Creating content
• Importing resources
• Editing assets
• Developing alternative ideas
• Project management
• Saving files appropriately
• Publishing
• Keeping a production log
• Copyright legislation

Presentation formats:

• PowerPoint presentation
• Group presentation
• Group critique
• Using visual aids
• Effective communication
• Client needs
• Meeting the design brief

Safe working practices:

• Importance of health and safety
• Working safely with equipment
• Working safely with computers
• Maintaining a safe working environment

Assessment Criteria

• 3.1

  Use different tools and techniques to create a graphic design.

• 3.2

  Present the graphic design in an appropriate format.

Be able to review graphic design work.

Review graphic design product.

Include reflections on:

• how well you worked to produce the graphic strengths and areas for development in your way of working
• the effectiveness of the graphic design (how well it met its purpose/the brief)

Draw on:

• User feedback
• Own self-assessment
• Feedback from those who worked with you

Suggest improvements to own work:

• More efficient or effective ways of working
• Ways to improve the graphic design

Assessment Criteria

• 4.1

  Outline strengths and areas for development of graphic design work produced.

• 4.2

  Suggest improvements to own work.