DI1D05 - Visual Skills 01 Sep 2022 - 31 Aug 2026 | Version 2

Associated Module Information

Module Code: DI1D05
Module Title: Visual Skills
Faculty: Faculty of Business and Creative Industries
Faculty Group: Games and Design
Faculty Sub Group: Design
Module Leader: Liam Barrett
Module Team: Matthew Morgan, Elizabeth Norris, Emma Marshman
First Intended Intake: SEP 2020 Final Year of Intake: 2025
Date Closed:
Credit Value: 40 Credit Level: 4
Language: English
Percentage of Module Taught in Welsh: 0
Equivalent Module:
HECOS codes: 100062 - illustration
HECOS Code Weighting: 100

Document Version Information

Version 2
Valid From 01 Sep 2022
Valid To 31 Aug 2026

Module Aims

Present and apply basic levels of transferrable draughtsmanship skills as appropriate to illustration contexts.

Facilitate the student in the acquisition of a broad range of visual drawing skills across a range of materials and techniques.

Enable the student to demonstrate a variety of traditional and digital techniques as appropriate to visual communication. Providing an introduction to the Adobe Creative Suite and experimental drawing processes.

Content Summary

This module introduces students to the core skills and key knowledge of drawing in both traditional and digital formats. This fundamental core module will introduce a basic understanding of how traditional materials and techniques translate into digital imagery for use on tablets, computers, smart phones and new media through the Adobe Creative Suite.

Students will be introduced to the vocabulary of visual language, develop the skills required to ‘visualise’ creative responses, and will learn the technical skills required to produce appropriate illustrative responses. At the heart of this module is the exploration of drawing; developing skills in creative mark making, purposeful visual communication and traditional draftsmanship together with a basic understanding of the technical software within the Adobe Creative Suite.

Students will create a portfolio of images responding to various creative problems presented and will be encouraged to experiment and explore visual opportunities within Illustration contexts. This module will be portfolio based with a large proportion of time given to practical sessions, studio time and directed study.

Learning and Teaching Methods

Activity Type Hours
Practical classes and workshops 48
Supervised time in studio/workshop 48
Independent Study 160
Directed Study 143
Formative Assessment - Scheduled 1
Total Hours Selected 400

Learning Outcomes

# Learning Outcome
LO1 Create a drawing portfolio that provides evidence of a broad range of drawing skills in both traditional and digital formats.
LO2 Reflect on personal practice, development and creative choices.

Module Requisites

N/A

Assessment Criteria

Assessment Category Assessment Type Description Duration Word Count Weight (%) Best of? Pass Mark
Asynchronous Assessment Presentation (Asynchronous) 1 Visual study journal detailing various techniques, aesthetics and practices of interpreting and communicating information. This should reflect both traditional and digital means of communication. 0 N/A 20 No 40
Asynchronous Assessment Portfolio 1 Drawing portfolio demonstrating a breadth of traditional and digital techniques. This will incorporate interactive elements that should be viewed digitally through new media. 0 N/A 80 No 40

Assessment Matrix

Assessment Type Learning Outcomes
LO1 LO2
Presentation (Asynchronous) 1
Portfolio 1

Reading List

Brereton, R. (2009), Sketchbooks: The Hidden Art of Designers, Illustrators & Creatives, Laurence King.

Maslen, M. (2011), Drawing Projects: An Exploration of the Language of Drawing, Black Dog Press.

New, J. (2005), Drawing From Life: The Journal As Art, Princeton Architectural Press.

Simblet, S. (2009), The Drawing Book: An Innovative, Practical Approach To Drawing The World Around You, Dorling Kindersley.

Simblet, S. (2001), Anatomy for the Artist, Dorling Kindersley; UK ed.

Goldfinger, E. (1996), Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form, Oxford University Press.

DeMartin, J. (2016), Drawing Atelier - The Figure: How to Draw Like the Masters, North Light Books.

Embury, G. Minichiello, M. (2018) Reportage Illustration, Bloomsbury Visual Arts.