AS/A2 Level

Graphic Communication is defined as the process of creating primarily visual material to convey information, ideas and emotions through the use of graphic elements such as symbols, diagrams, drawings, photographs, maps and typography. 

These provide an indication of what might be covered within the subject of 'Graphics'.

• Computer Aided Design; 

• Web Design, 

• Apps and Games; 

• Letterforms; 

• Typography; 

• Drawing; 

• Technical and Book Illustration; 

• Design for Print; 

• TV idents, 

• Film title sequences, 

• Photography

• Package Design.

Outcomes may be two or three dimensional or time-based, taking the form of posters, brochures, flyers, T-shirts, CD/DVD sleeves, book covers, magazine spreads, calendars, stamps, packaging, publicity materials, vehicle livery, billboards, advertising, logos, branding, corporate identity, audio-visual (e.g. time-based and animated graphics), three-dimensional point-of-sale and exhibition design.

Designers often combine images and letterform/type to communicate a client’s message to an audience and explore the creative possibilities presented by combining words and images. It is the task of the designer not only to find or create appropriate letterforms and images but also to establish the best balance between them.

RESEARCH & CRITICAL ANALYSIS

In order to achieve success in AO1 your work should demonstrate that you have achieved the following criteria:

• use my chosen contextual and other references to develop new thoughts and ideas; 

•  carry out investigations which are sustained and focused on information relevant to my study;  

• evaluate the methods, approaches, purposes and intentions of artists / craftworkers / designers and understand how the different contexts in which their work has been produced influence interpretation and meaning;  

• apply contextual understanding in ways which inform my own approach;  analyse my sources by finding relationships between different aspects and comparing and contrasting these;  

• ask pertinent questions and search for relevant answers, distinguish between different kinds of information and present my own, considered points of view. 

POSSIBLE AO1 ACTIVITIES

• Annotated/illustrated brainstorming of your theme.

• Investigate your  real-world theme in depth - a Topic Study

• Writing a clear 'Design Statement' with creative potential.

• Written analysis of the work of other designers/artists.

• Creative responses (NOT a copy) in the style of other designers/artists using appropriate techniques

• Evaluate success and how you may use these techniques.

• Producing initial ideas in the style of artist (sketching)

• Evaluate success of ideas with reference to artist/intentions.

• Gathering primary research including objects and photographs.

• Sketching/producing initial ideas from primary research.

• Analysing topic specific materials based on possible end-products.

• Sketching end-product ideas (often layouts) based on research.

• Evaluating which elements you are going to develop further.

CREATIVE EXPERIMENTATION

In order to achieve success in AO2 your work should demonstrate that you have achieved the following criteria:

• convey a sense of purpose in exploring resources, processes and the visual elements;  

• carefully select media and techniques and use them appropriately so that they complement my intentions; 

• research stimulating sources for innovative possibilities and proficiently draft my initial ideas;  

• document coherent evidence of each stage of the creative process with clear relationships established between working methods and outcomes;  

• review my work regularly to improve and refine it where necessary;  

• skilfully handle materials, techniques and processes to produce quality outcomes 

POSSIBLE AO2 ACTIVITIES

• Break down your ideas into sections (click here for advice).

• Develop some of your best 'sketches' by experimenting with as many different media as you can which are relevant to your artists/designers and your intended end products.

• Be  sure to produce samples for all relevant areas including

  • Format

  • Layout

  • Line

  • Shape & Form

  • Light

  • Colour

  • Pattern

  • Space

  • Text

• Written review of the success of techniques/output at each stage.

REFLECTIVE RECORDING

In order to achieve success in AO3 your work should demonstrate that you have achieved the following criteria:

• apply myself thoroughly to productive methods of research and enquiry;  

• efficiently gather, select, organise and convey the findings of my research;  

• effectively record ideas, observations and insights in line with my intentions;  

• utilise a suitable range of recording methods and competent recording skills;  

• thoughtfully review my work and progress to deepen my understanding;  

• transfer ideas and skills to new situations and look for meaning and purpose in my studies. 

POSSIBLE AO3 ACTIVITIES

There are many ways of recording observations, however it is vital that every page passes the 'So what?' test - so make sure that you:

• have written commentary about what you were trying to achieve and how successful you were on most pages.

• written links to your influences (AO1): artists/products/photos etc.

• Screenshots of ICT based development (annotated reflectively)

• Photographs of progression of artwork.

• Don't forget to produce a summative reflection as artwork/products are completed.

PRESENTATION & FINAL PRODUCTS

In order to achieve success in AO4 your work should demonstrate that you have achieved the following criteria:

• present ideas and outcomes which are my own and not plagiarised;  

• produce work which is well informed and has meaning for myself and others;  

• plainly convey and successfully realise my intentions;  

• demonstrate critical understanding in the development of my outcome(s);  

• present my submission in logical order making clear connections between the various parts where appropriate;  

• devise an appropriate form of presentation which suits the purpose of my work and engages an audience. 

DEFINITE AO4 ACTIVITIES

• Ensure your sketchbook is creative and well presented - this is an ART & DESIGN A Level so this is essential.

• Produce realistic final products with associated display materials including original artworks, mock-ups etc.

• Be sure to 'max out' your final outcomes in different medias where relevant - variety and quality will help achieve higher marks. 

Click here to view some examples of final products and some associated display materials. They represent a cross section of creative output across a wide ability range of people who have studied Graphic Communication at AS & A Level.