Design and Illustration 2

Module Identifier
AR29930
Module Title
Design and Illustration 2
Academic Year
2026/2027
Semester
Semester 1
Co-ordinator
Mr Chris Iliff
Reading List
View on Aspire
Other Staff

Assessment

Assessment Type

Assessment details

Assessment length

Proportion
Semester Assessment Portfolio: 100%
Supplementary Assessment Resit Portfolio: 100%

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this module students should be able to:

  1. Display the ability to visually communicate an intended message through a range of materials and techniques best suited to the brief and intended audience.
  2. Work to a specific brief, paying close attention to its guidelines, restrictions and opportunities for creative fulfilment
  3. Exhibit a practical understanding of the techniques and processes of digital tools such as Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator
  4. Record and present the process of problem-solving, experimentation, research and reflection clearly and systematically in a portfolio of work
  5. Demonstrate studentship skills related to the professional world such as time management, independent working methodology, self-critique and response to feedback
  6. Evaluate contemporary and historical design and illustration in relation to their own art practice

Brief description

This module in design and illustration introduces the concepts of working to a set brief and how to communicate visually with impact and clarity. Through engaging and real-world commissioned briefs, students will learn how to creatively develop and refine their ideas into finished products.

Students will acquire essential skills in the industry-standard software Adobe Photoshop and Adobe InDesign and how to synthesise traditional and digital media.

'Design and Illustration' is highly recommended for those intending to take Book Illustration 1 or 2 as it will give them a grounding in many of the key skills needed for these modules.

This module is taught simultaneously with AR29930 ‘Design and Illustration 2’

Content

This module comprises lectures, workshops, group tutorials and individual tutorials to introduce students to various design and illustration applications, processes and techniques. Lectures will be held to introduce and expound on course topics. Workshops are intended for the practical acquisition of key skills. Both group and individual tutorials will give opportunities for peer review, discussion and consultation with tutors.

Topics covered:

• Adobe Photoshop
• Adobe InDesign
• Typography
• Page design
• Designing for print
• The sketchbook tool
• Colour theory
• Project management
• Image reproduction

Module skills

Skills type

Skills details
Creative Problem Solving Creative thinking. Devising imaginative solutions to prescribed briefs. Finding creative solutions for defined problems with the materials and tools.
Critical and analytical thinking Developing own practice, research into methods and materials and self-critique
Digital capability Digital image production and image manipulation/editing, scanning for reproduction, printing, and online research skills.
Professional communication Oral communication in tutorials and exchange of ideas through peer group discussion or presentation.
Real world sense Specific project briefs, management of time and transferable skills
Subject Specific Skills Technical and conceptual grounding in the materials used and techniques employed in design and illustration

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5