Objects in graphic communication
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can observe and draw everyday objects to explore composition and layout in graphic design.
Key learning points
- Everyday objects can be used to convey meaning, messages, emotions and ideas in graphic communication.
- Designers use composition and layout techniques to guide the viewer’s attention.
- Contrast enhances visual communication by emphasising key elements.
Keywords
Object - a physical form that can be seen or felt
Contrast - the use of opposing elements (such as light vs dark) to create visual interest
Composition - the placement or arrangement of visual elements in a design
Common misconception
Graphic design is only done on computers and doesn’t involve drawing or observational skills.
Graphic design often begins with hand-drawn ideas, including observational drawing. Understanding shape, form, and composition from real objects improves digital outcomes.
Teacher tip
Use real-life objects with distinct shapes to support pupils in observing form and negative space - this helps bridge traditional drawing skills with digital layout awareness.
Equipment
A variety of everyday objects (cups, bottles, tools, etc.). Pencils, rubbers, sharpeners. Fine liners.
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is an artwork that represents a person’s likeness, often focusing on the face and expression called?
Q2.What are the qualities, beliefs, personality, or expressions often communicated through art called?
Q3.What may graphic designers use to communicate their ideas more clearly and powerfully than realism?
Q4. languages are developed and established by designers through their design choices to include or exclude elements.
Q5.What does deconstructing a design help to achieve?
Q6.Which artist creates art that considers how identity changes and evolves over time?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Objects in graphic communication, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Objects in graphic communication, 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 Themes within Graphic Communication unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.