Ideas Generation and Development in Art and Design

Aim

Creative thinking and the ability to generate free flowing ideas are vital skills for all artists and designers. This unit aims to develop skills in generating and communicating ideas visually.

Unit content

1 Be able to exploit idea-generating techniques

Ideas generation: techniques eg word, visual association, mind maps, visual mind-maps, mark-making, interpretation, drawing to music, illustrating words, emotions, drawing with alternative materials, making maquettes, using materials

Development of ideas: eg pairing, changing meaning, scale, interpretation, use of media, visual clues, use of colour

2 Be able to implement complex ideas visually

Communication: eg signs, symbols, pictograms, alphabetic signs, images

Purposes: eg to inform, persuade, convey subliminal meaning, enhance recognition, establish identity

Objectives: eg information design, advertising, packaging, corporate identity, narrative, storytelling

3 Be able to express ideas using visual techniques

Tools and media: 2D media eg, pencils, crayons, markers, ink, graphite sticks, felt tips, charcoal; digital media eg photographs, painting and drawing software

Presentation: eg thumbnails, roughs, idea sheets, concept drawings, concept boards, lettering, font, screen based, critique

4 Understand the cultural contexts in which ideas are visually transmitted

Cultural contexts: eg global, national, regional, ethnic, social, religious, age related, special interest related, fashion, trends, ecological, political, cultural, environmental, graffiti

Learning outcomes

On successful completion of this unit a learner will:

The learner can:

1. Be able to exploit idea-generating techniques

1.1 Use idea-generating techniques to originate and develop diverse solutions

2. Be able to implement complex ideas visually

2.1 Produce effective visual outcomes to meet specific objectives

2.2 Integrate complex ideas that encompass many influences to resolve a coherent portfolio

3. Be able to express ideas using visual techniques

3.1 Direct media with control and confidence, expressing visual ideas with clarity, simplicity and economy

3.2 Use appropriate professional presentation techniques effectively

4. Understand the cultural contexts in which ideas are visually transmitted

4.1 Record and analyse how specific contexts interact with ideas.