Graphic Communications: the influence and application of sources
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can identify and apply influences from primary and secondary sources to create original graphic communication work.
Key learning points
- Sources of inspiration play a key role in shaping the direction of creative work as it develops.
- Using a range of sources allows graphic designers to create more dynamic, relevant, and compelling designs.
- Exploring a range of sources introduces designers to various styles, concepts, and cultural influences.
Keywords
Primary source - original materials or objects used as direct references in artwork, such as photographs, objects, or life studies
Secondary source - indirect references that influence a work, including images from books, the internet, or artworks of other artists
Visual language - the use of visual elements (e.g. line, shape, colour) to communicate meaning or ideas in a design or artwork
Contextual research - investigating the background, cultural, or social relevance of a source to inform how it may influence design choices
Common misconception
Copying or replicating an image is an appropriate way to use a source.
Influence means taking inspiration and transforming it into something new, adding your own creative input rather than directly copying.
Teacher tip
Encourage students to look at sources critically, not just visually. Ask them what the source communicates beyond the surface level - its context, its mood, or its cultural significance. This will help them develop deeper and more personal connections to their design ideas.
Equipment
Sketchbooks, pencils, erasers, rulers, pens, markers. Access to computers with internet access for digital research and sourcing, or tablets for taking photographs.
Licence
except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of the following is most likely a primary source?
Q2.What is a secondary source?
Q3.What might be a useful reason to explore sources before starting a design?
Q4.Using images, graphics and design elements like line, shape, colour or texture to communicate is referred to as a visual ...
Q5.What does ‘influence’ mean in design work?
Q6.Why do artists often look at historical or contemporary sources?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Graphic Communications: the influence and application of sources, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Graphic Communications: the influence and application of sources, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 art and design lessons from the Graphic Communications unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.