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Lesson 1 of 6
Graphic design: the art of letters
I can explore and create letter designs using graphic design principles.
Lesson 1 of 6
New
New
Graphic design: the art of letters
I can explore and create letter designs using graphic design principles.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Typography involves the style and appearance of letters
- Different styles and techniques can convey various emotions and messages
- Graphic design principles can enhance the visual impact of letters
Keywords
Graphic design - the art or skill of combining text and pictures in advertisements, magazines, or books
Typography - arranging letters and text in a way that makes them readable and visually appealing
Font - the size and weight of letters
Typeface - a set of letters that share a similar shape and design
Style - letters or art with a distinctive appearance
Common misconception
Letters are only used for reading
Letters can be used to make interesting and beautiful designs
Encourage children to identify different typography examples, and ask them to consider how the design is appropriate for its purpose. It may be helpful to have different types of printed text and graphic design examples such as newspapers, books and magazines available for pupils to have a look at.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of nudity
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Which tool is commonly used for sketching?
Which tool is commonly used for sketching?
Brush
Chisel
Q2.Which of these are formal elements of art and design?
Which of these are formal elements of art and design?
Contrast, balance and emphasis
Sound, light, and texture
Q3.Where might you find examples of text?
Where might you find examples of text?
On a picture frame
On a natural form
In a landscape painting
Q4.Why are basic shapes important in design?
Why are basic shapes important in design?
They add texture to designs
They make designs colourful
Q5.How can colours impact design?
How can colours impact design?
They define the size of text
They determine the material used
Q6.What does familiarity with fonts help with?
What does familiarity with fonts help with?
Adding texture to surfaces
Increasing the size of images
Assessment exit quiz
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6 Questions
Q1.Graphic design is the art or skill of combining __________ and __________ in advertisements, magazines, or books.
Graphic design is the art or skill of combining __________ and __________ in advertisements, magazines, or books.
pencils and brushes
computers and digital tools
Q2.What does typography involve?
What does typography involve?
Constructing 3D models
Creating images with ink
Q3.Typography can help to make letters more readable, but it can also be used to make __________ and __________ designs.
Typography can help to make letters more readable, but it can also be used to make __________ and __________ designs.
random and nonsensical
flat and regular
Q4.Why is balance important in graphic design?
Why is balance important in graphic design?
It reduces cost of production
It means the most important information can be read first
Q5.__________, balance and emphasis are three graphic design principles.
__________, balance and emphasis are three graphic design principles.
Colour
Creativity
Q6.What quality does this letter design convey?
What quality does this letter design convey?
3D/Form
Sadness/Disappointment