New
New
Light and dark in Graphic Communication
I can review the range of ways designers have been inspired by light and dark in graphic design.
Lesson 5 of 6
New
New
- Year 10
Light and dark in Graphic Communication
I can review the range of ways designers have been inspired by light and dark in graphic design.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Designers can use light and dark to create mood, atmosphere and contrast in graphic design.
- We can find symbolic meanings of light and darkness across different cultures and art movements.
- Designers can experiment with using light and shadow to define form, space and focus in their designs.
Keywords
Silhouette - a dark shape or outline of something against a lighter background, showing only the outline with no internal detail
Contrast - the difference between elements (like light and dark or rough and smooth) that makes parts of a design stand out
Common misconception
Light and dark are only used to make things look realistic, not to create mood.
This overlooks how contrast can be used to suggest emotion, tension, calm, or drama, not just realism.
Greater contextual information on the designers work can be found in the additional materials. You may wish to alter the imagery to better fit your project themes.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Access to the internet or a library of art books. Sketchbook or paper for recording ideas, pencils, pens.
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
6 Questions
Q1.Match the term with its description.
Match the term with its description.
Q2.Which of these is one reason designers might use light and dark in their work?
Which of these is one reason designers might use light and dark in their work?
to avoid using colour at all
to make everything look the same
to hide mistakes
Q3.What is the difference between a hard edge and a soft edge in design?
What is the difference between a hard edge and a soft edge in design?
Hard edges are warm colours; soft edges are cool colours.
Hard edges are always in the background; soft edges always in the foreground.
They are the same thing, just with different materials.
Q4.True or false? Everyone will always interpret the symbolism of light and dark in the same way.
True or false? Everyone will always interpret the symbolism of light and dark in the same way.
true
Q5.What is contrast used for in graphic design?
What is contrast used for in graphic design?
to make patterns always look flat
to mix unusual pigments together
to draw only with outlines
Q6.Why might a designer use a silhouette in their work?
Why might a designer use a silhouette in their work?
to add lots of fine details and textures
