Credit Points: 22.5
Study Time: 225 Hours

The unit encourages students to explore new contexts for Illustration and promotes research and analysis of the market sector. An awareness of the commercial constraints of Illustration is complemented by an experimental approach to interpreting texts. The unit introduces you to a wide range of applications and uses for Illustration and may include projects with external clients and entry into competitions. Based on an informed understanding and knowledge of the sectors, you will develop an action plan for personal and career development to be implemented pre and post graduation.

Outline Syllabus
An indicative guide to the content covered by this unit. 

• Visual language
• The juxtaposition of image and text
• The client/illustrator relationship and the commissioning process
• Illustration and context
• Textual analysis
• The integration of drawing within idea generation to encourage visual thinking
• Visual research for idea generation
• Awareness of appropriate audiences
• Preparing artwork for publication in print-based and screen-based media to a professional standard
• Action plan for personal and career development and Post Graduate study options

Method of Delivery
Workshops, demonstrations, group critiques, live briefs, project work, professional and educational visits, tutorials and, where applicable, professional experience.

Aims

A1 To consider the new and evolving contexts for Illustration
A2 To promote your awareness of the market for Illustration and career possibilities within the related fields of publishing and the creative industries in general
A3 To develop your knowledge of the printed/digital media to enable you to relate your Illustrations to visual and textual references

Learning Outcomes
On completion of this unit you will be able to:

LO1 Relate your developing area of study to the range of contexts for Illustration in publishing and the creative industries
LO2 Understand the commercial contexts for Illustration to inform the possibilities in future career planning and/or post graduate study in Illustration
LO3 Apply your knowledge of textual and visual analysis to develop a strategy for your Illustration practice

Reference Material

Key
Brereton, R. (2009). Sketchbooks: the hidden art of designers, illustrators and creatives. London: Laurence King.
Hellige, H. and Klanten, R. (eds.) (2007). Illusive: contemporary Illustration and its context. Berlin: Die Gestalten Verlag.
Noble, I. (2003). Picture perfect: fusions of Illustration and design. Crans-Pres-Celigny: Rotovision.
Stern, S. (2008). The illustrators guide to law and business practice. London: AOI.

Recommended
Crow, D. (2003). Visible signs: an introduction to semiotics. Lausanne: AVA.
Crow, D. (2006). Left to right: the cultural shift from words to pictures. Lausanne: AVA.
Klanten, R. (ed.) (2008). The upset: young contemporary art. Berlin: Die Gestalten Verlag.
Lupton, E. and Phillips, J. C. (2008). Graphic design: the new basics. New York: Princeton Architectural Press.
Male, A. (2007). Illustration: a theoretical and contextual perspective. Lausanne: AVA.
Noble, I. and Bestley, R. (2004). Visual research: an introduction to research methodologies in graphic design. Lausanne: AVA.
Rees, D. (2008). How to be an illustrator. London: Laurence King.
Zappaterra, Y. (2007). Editorial design. London: Laurence King.
Zeegen, L. (2005). The fundamentals of Illustration. Lausanne: AVA.