Module Information

Module Identifier

AR24520

Module Title

Illustration: Worlds and Characters (1)

Academic Year

2026/2027

Co-ordinator

Mr Chris Iliff

Semester

Semester 1

Exclusive (Any Acad Year)

AR24640

Course Delivery

Assessment

Assessment Type	Assessment length / details	Proportion
Semester Assessment	Portfolio: A portfolio of equally weighted projects	100%
Supplementary Assessment	Portfolio: A portfolio of equally weighted projects	100%

Learning Outcomes

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

Construct distinctive character identities and environments by applying the principles of visual language to communicate psychological depth, backstory and atmosphere.

Apply research into art historical and contemporary practice to inform and justify your creative decisions.

Experiment with a range of media and demonstrate proficiency in select media to solve visual problems with skill and imagination.

Interpret briefs to generate original concepts through risk-taking, exploration, and iterative play, demonstrating resilience in the face of creative challenges.

Manage concurrent projects independently, adhering to professional deadlines through effective time management.

Articulate and critique visual concepts constructively in both visual and written forms, demonstrating professional vocabulary and the ability to reflect on one's own learning.

Brief description

This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to produce captivating characters and environments. Through engaging briefs that mimic real-world commissions, you will bring your worlds and characters to life, developing fundamental visual communication skills.

Illustration: Worlds and Characters (AR24520) is highly recommended for students intending to take Illustration: Binding Stories (AR24720 / AR24840). This module lays the groundwork for sequential storytelling projects that will be produced in Illustration: Binding Stories.

This module is taught simultaneously with AR24640 'Illustration: Worlds and Characters (2)'

Content

Module content is delivered through a series of lectures, workshops, group and individual tutorials, introducing students to the core techniques, principles and research processes that apply to character creation and environmental design. Lectures will introduce a diverse range of topics aligning with the module’s content. Workshops are designed to provide hands-on experience and the practical acquisition of key skills. Both group and individual tutorials offer valuable chances for peer review, discussions, and constructive feedback from tutors.

Topics covered:
• Anatomy
• Clothing and drapery
• Lighting
• Perspective
• Character design principles
• Environmental design principles
• Compositional design
• Tools and media

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.
Digital capability	Digital image production and image manipulation/editing, scanning for reproduction, printing, and online research skills.
Professional communication	Oral communication in tutorials and the exchange of ideas through peer group discussion
Real world sense	Fulfilling specific, set project briefs. Management of time to meet soft and hard deadlines.
Reflection	Developing own practice, research into methods and materials and self-critique
Subject Specific Skills	Technical and conceptual grounding in the materials and techniques employed in illustration

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 5