Scholarship – 2009
Design (93307)
Examples of Candidate Work
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Outstanding Scholarship
This submission, The Big Bad Wolf uses drawing with consummate skill to generate characters
for illustrations for an original graphic novel. All of the characters are invented with intelligence
and insight using a range of drawing processes. A large variety of environments (landscapes,
buildings – interior/exterior, spaces) have been explored as potential settings for the characters.
The candidate has investigated the relationship between the characters and the narrative by using
a wide range of viewpoints, zooming techniques and contextual studies. The characters interact
convincingly due to the understanding of layout, composition and the emotive facial and body
expressions developed through drawing.
A key strength on the portfolio is the understanding of design processes appropriate to the genre
of the graphic novel, narrative and characterisation. There is ongoing evidence of complex
compositions for each page layout, including plotting of landscapes. The story shows an
effective use of pace and contrasts between intense emotion and action and a cinematic
approach.
Typography has been treated thoughtfully and shows a strong understanding of the conventions
of hand drawn graphic novels. The workbook presents the entire graphic novel with complete
storyline; an impressive body of work with explanation of the critical and evaluative processes
involved. The candidate has critically edited a selection of work that best explains the story to
display on the portfolio; this selection leaves the viewer wanting more.
The workbook contains appropriate established practice research of which the candidate has
learnt from and strengthened their understanding of illustration. From this research the candidate
moves beyond the workbook research to create their own visual language, which pays particular
attention to detail and individual drawing style.
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Scholarship
This The proposal for this submission is for an Arts Magazine, Armada, which sets about
designing a promotional voucher, magazine cover including packaging, an article centred on a
short story and a billboard. This candidate has engaged in a thorough and comprehensive
investigation resulting in a significant body of work.
The strength of the initial ideas and subsequent exploration is based on the candidate’s own
photo shoot and well-observed drawings. Both demonstrate an inventive and wide-ranging
approach to generating and establishing source imagery. A range of approaches to drawing are
evident in the portfolio and workbook; the linear stylistic botanical images, photographic
drawing, detailed representational work and painterly portraits. These provide a rich visual
vocabulary and at the same time generate a pool of opportunities and options. The cover and
promotional voucher on board one synthesise and effectively integrate these differing graphic
attitudes and sensibilities, providing a strong basis for the briefs thereafter.
A range of typographic treatments have been explored and employed to develop a masthead that
sensitively compliments the text and image relationship. The masthead has been developed
simultaneously with the cover, which leads to the successful integration of form and aesthetic.
The candidate has designed their own wrapping paper pattern, which has also been employed in
the packaging brief and which contrasts the more contemporary pattern-making system, evident
in the original Victoriana-style drawings.
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