New
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Lesson 3 of 6
  • Year 10

Natural forms in graphic communication

I can review the range of ways designers have been inspired by natural forms in graphic design.

Lesson 3 of 6
New
New
  • Year 10

Natural forms in graphic communication

I can review the range of ways designers have been inspired by natural forms in graphic design.

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

Switch to our new teaching resources now - designed by teachers and leading subject experts, and tested in classrooms.

These resources were created for remote use during the pandemic and are not designed for classroom teaching.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. The inherent beauty of natural forms provides graphic designers with endless inspiration.
  2. The diversity of colours, textures, and shapes found in nature can lead to visually striking designs.
  3. Natural forms often use flowing, asymmetrical elements that contrast geometric rigidity, enabling dynamic compositions.

Keywords

  • Natural forms - shapes, patterns, and structures found in nature (e.g. leaves, shells, plants)

  • Asymmetry - a lack of symmetry; when two sides of something are not identical but still balanced visually

Common misconception

Graphic design is mostly digital, so nature isn’t really relevant.

Graphic design often draws from organic, natural inspiration - many professional designs use textures, forms, and concepts from nature to create emotional or symbolic meaning.


To help you plan your year 10 art and design lesson on: Natural forms in graphic communication, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage students to talk through their design breakdowns - verbalising their thinking helps develop their visual literacy and deepens contextual understanding.
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

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a physical form that can be seen or felt called?

the subject
the product
the item
Correct answer: the object

Q2.
Graphic communication involves making messages that consider how people will perceive them.

Correct Answer: visual

Q3.
True or false? Graphic designers only include an object in their designs when advertising a product.

Correct Answer: false, wrong, incorrect

Q4.
Which designer focuses on simplified object shapes in minimal graphic compositions to elevate their significance?

Paul Rand
Correct answer: Noma Bard
Peter Blake

Q5.
Which artist uses familiar objects and creates personal connections to how they have appeared and been experienced in their personal life through illustrated stories?

Correct answer: Sara Fanelli
Martine Syms
Barbara Walker
Jenny Holzer

Q6.
Which of the following best describes the techniques graphic designers use to develop a distinct visual language in their work?

Correct answer: the principles of design, the elements of art, and the use of text and imagery
the history of art movements and the biographies of artists
the use of digital software and the selection of commercial materials

Additional material

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