Lesson video

Hello, everyone.

How are you today? I hope you're feeling great.

My name's Ms. Afzal, and I'll be your art teacher for this lesson.

I'm feeling very excited about that because we're getting into something really interesting.

We're looking at graphic communication.

In particular, we're looking at graphic communication, the influence and application of sources.

So we are gonna be going into source materials.

Our lesson comes from the unit of work, foundation workshops and introduction to the areas of study.

So hopefully you have some interest, curiosity, enthusiasm for this subject.

And if you've got all of that, then I think we're ready to begin.

The outcome for today's lesson is I can identify and apply influences from primary and secondary sources to create original graphic communication work.

We have some keywords in our lesson.

Let's go through them.

Primary source, secondary source, visual language, and contextual research.

So, what do these words mean? Let's find out.

Primary source, these are original materials or objects used as direct references in artwork such as photographs, objects, or life studies.

And secondary source, these are indirect references that influence a work, including images from books, the internet, or artworks of other artists.

Visual language, this is the use of visual elements, for example, line, shape, colour, to communicate meaning or ideas in a design or artwork and contextual research, investigating the background, cultural or social relevance of a source to inform how it may influence design choices.

So, we can see our lesson today is rich in keywords, and they are primary source, secondary source, visual language, and contextual research.

Let's be on the lookout and listening out for these words.

They will certainly be coming up in our lesson today.

Our lesson is called graphic communications, the influence and application of sources.

And it consists of two learning cycles: analysing and documenting sources and applying sources to your own designs.

Let's begin by analysing and documenting sources.

And take a look at these practical outcomes for today and what they could look like.

Wow, these are so arresting, so visually stimulating.

I could be lost here for a while, but we need to get on with that lesson.

So we are gonna move on from here, but how exciting what we could be coming up with today.

Graphic communication is the process of conveying ideas and messages visually using design elements.

And we can see a city street displaying large advertisements here.

Such a lot to take in.

Sources of inspiration play a key role in shaping the direction of creative work as it develops.

Sources can be either primary, so original materials like sketches, photos, or objects, or secondary references like books, websites, or images created by others.

Understanding the difference is crucial in selecting and using sources.

Primary sources include things you observe firsthand, such as artworks, photographs, objects.

They are raw and unfiltered, offering the most direct influence on your design work.

Secondary sources involve works created by others, such as books, websites, or artwork.

They allow you to explore how others have interpreted a subject offering inspiration and context.

And we can see a design illustration in a book on the screen there.

Let's have a check for understanding.

What is a primary source? Is it A, a quote taken from a book? Is it B, an image found on the internet? Or is it C, an original object or photograph used for direct reference? Pause the video while you decide which of these is a primary source.

Well done if you selected answer C.

Indeed, an original object or photograph used for direct reference is a primary source.

Once you have your sources, it's important to analyse them.

You might consider what visual elements stand out? What emotions do they evoke? How can you use these elements in your own designs? And we can see a designer working with different sources laid out in front of them.

Visual language refers to the use of design elements like colour, line, shape, and texture, to communicate ideas.

Sources influence visual languages.

Working with a variety of primary and secondary sources will help to shape the tone and meaning of your design.

And we can see an artist working in their sketchbook.

Such an important tool on our creative journey.

Primary sources might be found through observing your surroundings or looking through your own sketchbooks or artworks.

Secondary sources could be discovered through visiting museums, galleries in your local area, or using the internet, books, or magazines.

Contextual research involves understanding the cultural, historical, or social relevance of a source.

This research can guide how you use that source in your design, ensuring it aligns with your intended message.

And we can see someone researching at a public library.

One of my favourite places ever to go is a public library.

It's important to keep a record of your sources in a sketchbook called digital portfolio.

Pause the video and share with someone why do you think this might be important to do, to keep a record of your sources in a sketchbook called digital portfolio.

Thanks for sharing your ideas.

I wonder if you had any similar to these.

To understand how they influence your designs, to inform and develop your own creative thinking, and to acknowledge the contributions of others.

And we can see in the image artist working with a range of sources.

When documenting and analysing your sources, write down what you see, what it means to you, and how it might influence your design process.

Here's Sofia.

Wonder what Sofia is interested in.

Looking at the image there on the screen.

I see a collection of comic books each using bold type faces and imagery filled with contrasting colours that creates movement and energy.

I love this style of vintage comic book and can use this visual language as a source of inspiration for my own designs.

I love that.

Yeah.

Let's have a check for understanding.

Why is it important to document the sources you use in art and design? Is it A, to copy them exactly in your work? B, to understand how they influence your designs? C, to make your work look like other artists'? Pause here while you decide why it's important to document the sources you use in art and design.

Well done if you selected answer B, to understand how they influence your designs.

And now it's time for your first task.

I would like you to find one primary source and one secondary source, and experiment with ideas for how they could be brought together through graphic design.

Using books, magazines, or the internet, contextually research its cultural, historical, or social relevance.

Upload or stick into your sketchbook.

Label and justify how the visual language of your sources could influence your own designs.

So, pause here while you have a go at this task, finding a primary and a secondary source and experimenting with ideas for how they can be brought together through graphic design.

I'll see you when you're finished.

Great to be back with you.

I wonder how you got on with your task.

You might have said something like this.

Here's Sofia.

"My primary source is this fossil I found on a rocky beach.

Fossils have been used by archaeologists to better understand the history of our world.

I like the rough texture and spiral shape of it.

It really is a pretty impressive fossil.

My secondary source is this collection of comics I found in the school library.

I love the use of bright colours, bold typefaces, and the emphasis on dynamic imagery to fill the layout.

By bringing these sources together, I can imagine a comic book style graphic design about an archaeologist." I love that combination.

"Using a similar visual language to the comic books, I can experiment with different layouts, compositions, and typography styles that compliments ancient history.

Oh, wow.

I love how you're bringing these two things together.

This is going to be very interesting and I hope you enjoyed exploring bringing your source primary and secondary sources together.

And now, we're onto our next learning cycle, applying sources to your own designs.

When you integrate a source into your design, you're not simply copying it.

Applying the influence involves using elements from the source, transforming them and blending them with your own creativity.

This enables the creation of something new and unique.

Pause the video and share with someone the journey from the photograph on the of the mask on the left to the creation of the mask on the right.

Thanks for sharing.

It's wonderful to see how the mask on the left has influenced the creation on the right and how elements have been taken and transformed and then blended creatively into creating something new.

It's common for designs to yield unexpected results when developing ideas from sources.

Remember that this is part of the process, and you should continue experimenting with your source material and ideas until you discover something you feel pleased with.

So, we can see a range of graphic images using black lines and yellow colour.

Pause here and share with someone which of these designs are you most interested in and most drawn to and why.

Thanks for sharing what you were drawn to.

I'm really enjoying the, is it a dog or some kind of creature towards the left, in the middle, and also to the pineapple at the bottom.

There are many ways you might experiment with the visual language and the elements from your source.

Try altering the colour scheme, change in the composition, or stylistic influences to create different outcomes.

So we can see a journey here taken from this image.

Then we have some sketches and then a whole new creation based on an influence by that original image.

And this helps create more personal and innovative design.

Pause the video and share with someone what do you think of this journey that the burger has been on from the photograph of the burger to the neon creation on the right.

Thanks for sharing your reflections.

I think this is very successful.

We've still got that total essence of burger, but it's also become something very exciting and visually attractive with the simplification of lines and the use of neon.

Contextual research can add to and inspire the visual language you may enjoy working with.

Consider the cultural, historical, or social influence of your source to communicate new ideas with a connection to a certain time, place, or culture.

And here, we can see the architectural features of a mosque.

So very beautiful, all of those patterns and colours and details.

Here's Aisha.

"I used the architectural features of a mosque as inspiration for an intricate design." So there we have on the left, the architectural features of a mosque and an Islamic illumination design.

Here's Jun.

"In China, dragons are culturally significant and are an auspicious symbol.

I used dragons as the basis for a digital design." So here we can see that journey from Chinese architecture, these amazing dragons on roofs to a digital dragon design.

The influence of visual languages and contextually researched ideas can be seen in the works of many artists and designers.

Chris Ro uses motifs and imagery that blend traditional and contemporary ideas inspired by his Southeast Asian heritage in his designs.

Damian Le Bas creates rich visual languages filled with signs, symbols, and collages, aimed at challenging stereotypes of Roma people.

And Christine Sun Kim explores themes of silence, language and translation, drawing from their experiences as a deaf graphic designer.

We can see an image of some sculptural design being created.

Let's have a check for understanding.

Why is visual language important in graphic design? Is it A, it helps communicate meaning and ideas through design elements? B, it's only about making things look pretty? Or C, it makes your work look more colourful? Pause the video while you decide why visual language is important in graphic design.

Well done if you selected answer A.

Indeed it's important because it helps communicate meaning and ideas through design elements.

Designers are often influenced by their experiences of culture, identity, and history.

Shannon Finnegan incorporates accessible design to communicate themes of inclusivity and activism in her designs.

Neville Brody challenges traditional design through innovative typography and striking visuals.

And Nneka Njoku incorporate traditional and modern perspectives of African Diaspora traditions through their works.

So we can see there are a number of designers influenced by their experiences of culture, identity, and history.

And we can see a very beautiful intricate design inspired by nature on the screen there.

Making drawings or sketches inspired by your sources are a great way to experiment with and develop your ideas.

You can focus on experimentation and contextual research to develop a visual language that informs your own designs.

So we can see there's the photograph of the fossil, a detailed drawing in the centre, and the one there has been simplified on the right.

Discuss with a partner ways in which you could use contextual research from a variety of sources to inform your own designs.

Pause here while you do this.

Thanks for having that discussion.

And we can see a person observing a collection of bones in a museum.

Here's Jun.

"I recently visited a museum and was drawn towards the classical ornate frames around some of the paintings.

I sketched some of the textures and detailed motifs, which made me think of border designs for event invitations." Love that.

And Sofia.

"I enjoyed gathering old and new sources.

Rocks, shells, fossils, and bone artefacts from a museum could be reimagined through contemporary graphic design work and might be used for typography, poster designs, or a comic book style artwork." When making a graphic design.

First, consider the message, purpose, and audience.

Here's Izzy, "I want to make a zine which will showcase new and emerging musicians, tunes and playlists." Love that.

"It will be aimed at teenagers and music lovers of all ages." And Sofia, "I'll make a comic book cover design that presents an immersive and rich narrative.

It's aimed at people who love stories and graphic novels." Next, I'd like you to consider possible layouts, compositions, text, and images that might help to communicate your design effectively.

You might also think about what materials you have available.

Here's Izzy.

"Using bold typography, clear headings, and a visual hierarchy will help my design stand out.

I will use traditional materials, drawing by hand, and collaging my secondary sources, which are magazines." I always love that you're bringing in those secondary sources.

Let's have a check for understanding.

Categorise each of the following into primary and secondary sources.

So A, drawing a portrait of a model in front of you.

B, using a photo from a book to inspire a design.

C, observing the landscape outside the classroom.

D, creating a sculpture from a real object.

And E, using an artist's work to inspire your own design.

So pause here while you categorise each of these into either primary or secondary sources.

Well done if you categorise them in this way.

So the primary sources were drawing a portrait of a model in front of you, observing the landscape outside the classroom, and creating a sculpture from a real object.

And the secondary sources were using a photo from a book and using an artist's work to inspire you.

And now, it's time for your next task.

I would like you to create a graphic design, for example, a poster, book cover, or advertisement, that applies inspiration from the sources you gathered during the previous task.

So A, incorporate an experiment with the visual language and influence of your chosen sources into your design.

For example, composition, text and image balance, visual hierarchy, colour palette.

And B, reflect and evaluate your design's ability to convey an idea through the visual language of elements used.

So pause here while you have a go at this task and creating your own graphic design.

Great to be back with you.

There are many possibilities, but you might have created something wonderful like this.

Here's Izzy.

"I created a zine cover for a fictional music zine called "Kicks." I wanted to create a grunge textured effect to the design, and so used a variety of magazines and printouts to cut and tear a collage for the background, which was drawn and stamped on top with letters and graphics." And you might have said, "There's a mixture of hand-drawn typefaces suggests a range of influences and ideas.

Largest text for the heading establishes a visual hierarchy and flow for viewer.

And a collaged background and rough graphic elements gives a raw, gritty and rebellious aesthetic." And here's Sofia.

Oh, wow.

Look at this outcome.

"I digitally created this comic book cover design using fossils and rocks as my primary source and comic books as my secondary source.

I scanned my fossil drawings in and overlaid them on this digital illustration, imitating the layout and style of comic book typography." You really brought those primary and secondary sources together very successfully.

"I selected colours that match the digital illustration to the text and graphics to create balance in the design.

Using block typefaces and a bold font for the comic title was used to catch the viewer's attention and build their interest into reading more of it.

Job done, Sofia.

In our lesson, graphic communications, the influence and application of sources, we've covered the following.

Using a range of primary and secondary sources allows graphic designers to create more dynamic, relevant, and compelling designs.

Exploring a range of sources through contextual research introduces designers to a broader visual language, including various styles, concepts, and cultural influences.

Well done everyone for joining in with this lesson.

It was great to see those outcomes, see you bringing together your primary and secondary sources and being so creative with them.

I hope you've enjoyed this lesson.

I certainly have enjoyed teaching you, and I look forward to seeing you at another art lesson soon.

Until then, stay creative.