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Lesson 7 of 9
  • Year 10

Digital working methods: combining images and type

I can combine images and typography using digital tools to create clear and impactful visual communication.

View unit
Lesson 7 of 9
New
New
  • Year 10

Digital working methods: combining images and type

I can combine images and typography using digital tools to create clear and impactful visual communication.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Manipulating images, or combining them with type, allows designers to create unique visuals that capture interest.
  2. Images and type may need to be resized or reformatted for various media to ensure they look good across all platforms.
  3. Image and text manipulation allows designers to experiment with different styles, colours and layouts.

Keywords

  • Typography - the style, arrangement and appearance of text used in design to convey tone and message

  • Alignment - the positioning of text or elements in relation to each other, which affects clarity and balance

  • Contrast - the difference between elements (e.g. colour, size, weight) that helps important parts stand out

  • Legibility - how easily text can be read, affected by font choice, size, spacing and background

  • Visual hierarchy - the arrangement of elements to guide the viewer’s eye and highlight the most important information

Common misconception

Any text will work as long as it’s readable.

Typography must be chosen and placed purposefully to support the tone, audience and message - readability is just the starting point.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: Digital working methods: combining images and type, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Model the thought process of placing a text out loud. Explain why you might choose a font, why it’s placed there and how it changes the meaning. This helps to teach design thinking and not just tool use.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Computers or tablets with image editing software. Access to internet for sourcing images and fonts.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
When combining images and type, what should always come first?

Choosing effects
Selecting random fonts
Correct answer: Understanding the message you want to communicate
Adding as many elements as possible

Q2.
In design, ‘contrast’ usually refers to the in colour, tone, or size between elements.

Correct Answer: difference

Q3.
What would be an effective way to ensure your text is readable over a complex background image?

Make the image brighter
Use low contrast colours
Correct answer: Add a solid or semi-transparent background behind the text
Reduce the image quality

Q4.
Effective typography should ...

Correct answer: help express tone and meaning.
confuse or distract the viewer.
overly complicate a design.
Correct answer: add emotion and personality.

Q5.
Which of the following helps create visual hierarchy in a design?

Using only one font
Randomly placing elements
Ignoring alignment or balance
Correct answer: Varying font size, weight and position

Q6.
Why is it important to combine text and images purposefully in graphic design?

To fill empty space
To create a complex layout
Correct answer: To communicate a message clearly and effectively
To make the design look busy