Lesson Overview
In this four-week project, students will explore the meaning and figurative nature of idioms through digital illustration. After selecting or being assigned an idiom (e.g., “raining cats and dogs,” “spill the beans,” “a piece of cake”), students will conceptualize, plan, and create a visually engaging and creative digital artwork that literally or abstractly represents the idiom’s meaning. Students will use digital tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, or Procreate) to develop their ideas and hone their digital art techniques, culminating in a final critique and reflection.
Specifications
minimum of 11x11 @ 300 dpi
Learning Objectives
Students will:
Understand and interpret idiomatic expressions.
Brainstorm and sketch creative visual concepts for figurative language.
Apply design principles and digital art techniques to illustrate an idiom.
Use digital tools to produce original, creative artwork.
Participate in critique processes to provide and receive feedback.
Reflect on their artistic choices and progress.
Big Ideas
Language and art are powerful tools for communication.
Figurative language can be a rich source of inspiration for visual storytelling.
Artists make choices to convey meaning using imagery, color, style, and symbolism.
Iteration and feedback improve artistic outcomes.
Essential Questions
How can we represent a figurative phrase literally or metaphorically through art?
What artistic choices help convey meaning in a visual composition?
In what ways can digital tools enhance creative expression?
How does critique contribute to the growth of an artist?
Vocabulary
Idiom – A phrase whose meaning is not literal, but understood culturally.
Literal vs. Figurative – Representing something exactly as it is (literal) vs. symbolically or metaphorically (figurative).
Concept Sketch – A preliminary drawing used to develop an idea.
Composition – The arrangement of elements in an artwork.
Visual Metaphor – An image that represents an idea or concept symbolically.
Layering – Using multiple image layers in digital art.
Opacity – The transparency level of an element in digital design.
Critique – Constructive evaluation and feedback on artwork.
4-Week Instructional Sequence
Week 1: Introduction & Ideation
Day 1: Introduction to idioms and figurative language in art. View and discuss artist examples.
Day 2: Brainstorming session—students choose or are assigned idioms. Begin research on idiom meaning and possible imagery.
Day 3: Sketching thumbnails and concept development.
Day 4: Peer mini-critique—students share concept sketches and receive feedback.
Day 5: Begin final digital composition layout in chosen software (set up canvas, organize layers, block in main elements).
Week 2: Digital Illustration Development
Day 6–7: Work on linework and base colors. Focus on refining composition and clarity of concept.
Day 8: Individual check-ins with instructor for formative assessment.
Day 9: Introduce digital painting/shading techniques or vector detailing (based on software used).
Day 10: Work-in-progress (WIP) critique—small group share-outs for feedback.
Week 3: Refinement & Feedback
Day 11–12: Continue refining artwork—adjust color, depth, textures, lighting, and visual emphasis.
Day 13: Add details, text (if needed), background elements. Consider symbolism and style.
Day 14: One-on-one peer critique: students give and receive feedback using guiding questions.
Day 15: Apply final revisions based on feedback.
Week 4: Finalization, Presentation & Reflection
Day 16: Final edits and digital prep for print or display. Add artist name, idiom title, and optional artist statement.
Day 17: Final group critique and gallery walk. Students provide and receive written peer feedback.
Day 18: Artist reflection writing—describe the idiom, visual interpretation, process, challenges, and successes.
Day 19–20: Final project submission and digital portfolio entry. Optional class display or public exhibition.
Georgia Department of Education Standards: Applied Design I
Creating
AD1.CR.1: Demonstrate an understanding of various traditional and digital media, tools, and processes by creating works of art.
AD1.CR.2: Apply design thinking and problem-solving skills to create original artwork.
AD1.CR.3: Engage in a creative process to generate and develop ideas for original works of art.
Presenting
AD1.PR.1: Refine and present artwork for display and digital publication.
Responding
AD1.RE.1: Reflect on and critique artwork using visual art vocabulary.
AD1.RE.2: Evaluate the impact of subject matter, symbols, and ideas in art.
Connecting
AD1.CN.1: Connect personal experiences, cultural context, and visual storytelling in artwork.
AD1.CN.2: Investigate career pathways and interdisciplinary connections in digital art and design.