Increasing advancements in the digital communication of information has led to a greater need to understand the meaning and function of typography in visual language. In this area of study students develop knowledge and skills in manipulating type and images when communicating ideas and concepts. They consider historical and contemporary factors that have influenced the style and layout of print and screen-based presentation formats.
Students develop and apply skills in selecting and manipulating type to evoke different moods and emotions, and use a range of manual and digital methods when creating and manipulating images. Students consider the suitability of file formats of images for print and on-screen presentations and the relationship between images and type when communicating ideas and concepts. They use imagination and creative thinking to stimulate curiosity and to develop divergent options when selecting and manipulating images and type for print and screen-based presentations.
Broadly, in this area of study students focus on the design process stages of generation of ideas and development of concepts. Students fulfil legal obligations regarding ownership
On completion of this unit the student should be able to manipulate type and images to create visual communications
suitable for print and screen-based presentations, taking into account copyright.
To achieve this outcome the student will draw on key knowledge and key skills outlined in Area of Study 2.
features of key historical and contemporary typography
techniques for analysing the relationship between type and imagery in visual communications
terminology to describe family types and faces, and characteristics of the typeface
image size and file formats suitable for print and screen-based presentations
print and screen-based final presentation formats such as web pages, posters, packaging, magazines and banners for meeting different communication purposes
typographic and layout conventions that assist with readability and legibility
design thinking techniques for generating ideas and reflecting on options
materials, media, design elements, design principles, and manual and digital methods such as drawing, painting, printing, digital photography, photography, collage, and three-dimensional process for visualising different ideas and concepts
a range of digital design technologies and their capabilities such as a digital camera capturing images with a specified pixel resolution and software that tracks and adjusts kerning of type
techniques for digitally manipulating type and images to convey particular moods or emotions
copyright obligations when using typeface designs and images created by others.
describe and analyse the connections between past and contemporary typography
analyse the use of type in visual communications
generate ideas using imagery and text and reflect on suitability of conceptual options
manage files and apply techniques to manipulate type and images using digital design technologies
select and creatively use appropriate media, materials, methods, presentation formats and conventions to suit
a range of communication design purposes
apply practices that fulfil legal obligations when using existing typefaces and imagery.