The Visual Design elective course builds upon the knowledge and skills developed in Year 7 & 8 Visual Arts and looks at the art forms that are used in the commercial world of design. The course is designed to utilise technology to produce professional and innovative designs using a range of media. In the Visual Design unit, students will explore foundational concepts of Photography and Digital Media, which will include hands-on experience with Digital SLR Cameras. Students also study a range of designers and designs from a range of time periods and styles. 

TOPICS STUDIED MAY INCLUDE:

• Typography/ Graphic Design

• Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator

• Poster and Magazine Covers

• Promotional Materials

• Illustration and painting techniques

• Sculptural techniques - ceramics 

• Design Packaging

• Theoretical studies of designers and designs.

• Use of Digital SLR cameras

• Special Effects

• Stop-motion Animation

• Still life

DO STUDENTS DO THEORY?

Visual Design has both theory and practical lessons. Students are assessed through a combination of practical and written tasks.

HOW WILL IT HELP ME IN THE FUTURE?

If you are interested in designing objects that have a use and like to express yourself in creative ways and are considering a career as a Graphic Designer or in other fields of Design then you should consider Visual Design. Some career paths that extend from Visual Design include advertising, architectural design, game design, film, television, digital media, marketing, fashion design, graphic design, illustration, photography and product design.

The study of visual design enables young people to develop an interest in and enjoyment of investigating the evolving practices, technologies and ideas of this art form. Through critical reflection and acquiring understanding, knowledge and skills, students respond to the designed images, objects and ideas of others, by creatively developing their own ideas, designs and artworks.

The Visual Design course will assist students in developing skills critical and creative thinking.  Critical and creative thinking involves students thinking broadly and deeply using skills, behaviours and dispositions such as reason, logic, resourcefulness, imagination and innovation in all learning areas at school and in their lives beyond school.

In our image-laden society, Visual Design have become an integral parts of the world around us. However, development in the arts also helps to create well-rounded students with and understanding of varied cultures, strong analytical abilities, and a range of communication and interpersonal skills. These skills are can be integrated across learning areas and beyond the school setting.

Studying a creative subject such as Visual Design allows for students to learn resilience and determination. Creativity in making such as Visual Designs allows students to take risks, try new things and teaches them that is it okay to fail. It builds resilience, courage and strength to try again and progress their skills further.

The Visual Design course presents students with an opportunity to explore their creative ideas in a range of mediums. Students will work individually and collaboratively. This course gives students a sense of accomplishment with the completion of practical tasks all having an end product that they have designed and produced themselves.