Section One: What is a Visual Essay? (2 mins)

It's a group of static images that work together to develop and communicate complex ideas.

It uses all the conventions, such as focal points, rule of thirds, size and layout, that you have learnt previously.

Section Two: Why would we make a visual essay? (2 mins)

Visual language is all around us. We are so immersed in it that we sometimes don't even recognise the effect that it has on us.

It is used to sell us things, entertain us, teach us, convince us, and challenge us.

Section Four: How would we make a visual text? (3-4 lessons)

Select a text (could be a game, film, short story, novel, article etc) to develop a visual essay which shows your viewer the journey / transformation of at least ONE character across the text. 

It is best to select a character who undergoes some change so that you are able to develop a cohesive visual journey. You should include thematic ideas, quotes  and props / objects from your text that help to communicate to your viewer the journey / transformation that your character undergoes. 

You must also use appropriate visual language conventions such as clear focal points, colour symbolism, sizing, and layout features. Any images that you use from the internet should be manipulated to help you develop your ideas.

Developing your visual essay ideas

Step One

- Select your text Your text must be at Level Eight of the New Zealand English Curriculum so talk with your teacher about your options

Step Two

- Identify your theme What is the text trying to teach you? What message is there? What journeys are the characters going on (both literally and metaphorically) as this will help you identify the themes.

Step Three

- Choose TEN quotes These don't need to be full quotes, they can be short parts of longer passages of text

Step Four

- Look for objects / props that are often seen in your text These objects are often symbolic / representative of greater ideas so are important things to use in your visual essay

Step Five

- Develop a rough storyboard This is a rough plan of what you are going to do; it helps you to think how you will use visual language features to help tell your story. For example, if your character gets stronger and braver, they could grow in size over the course of your visual essay. If their life gets happier, you could change up the colour of the background to show happier times are on their way.

Step Six

Choose a platform to create your visual essay on. You could choose to:

• EITHER: complete your visual essay using a digital platform such as PowerPoint or Google Slides

• OR: complete your visual essay using paper as a graphic novel page or two

How to use PowerPoint

The first video on the left is a beginner's guide and the video on the right  will be about how to use transitions and put music etc on your PowerPoint. Here is a link to a trouble shooting guide to help you.