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Lesson 2 of 6
  • Year 10

Objects in graphic communication

I can observe and draw everyday objects to explore composition and layout in graphic design.

Lesson 2 of 6
New
New
  • Year 10

Objects in graphic communication

I can observe and draw everyday objects to explore composition and layout 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. Everyday objects can be used to convey meaning, messages, emotions and ideas in graphic communication.
  2. Designers use composition and layout techniques to guide the viewer’s attention.
  3. 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.


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

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.
Teacher tip

Equipment

A variety of everyday objects (cups, bottles, tools, etc.). Pencils, rubbers, sharpeners. Fine liners.

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

Download quiz pdf

6 Questions

Q1.
What is an artwork that represents a person’s likeness, often focusing on the face and expression called?

Correct Answer: portraiture, portrait

Q2.
What are the qualities, beliefs, personality, or expressions often communicated through art called?

stylisation
Correct answer: identity
deconstruction
imagery

Q3.
What may graphic designers use to communicate their ideas more clearly and powerfully than realism?

Correct Answer: stylisation

Q4.
languages are developed and established by designers through their design choices to include or exclude elements.

external
Correct answer: visual
internal
verbal

Q5.
What does deconstructing a design help to achieve?

a precise reproduction of the elements
an interpretation of the meaning of the elements
Correct answer: an understanding of how the elements work

Q6.
Which artist creates art that considers how identity changes and evolves over time?

Keith Haring
Correct answer: Kaya Joan
Aliza Nisenbaum

Additional material

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