Graphic Communication: Areas of Study Orientation
The areas of study within graphic communication, and how a portfolio responds to a brief for a chosen audience.
Justify the choices, the way you are assessed
Free interactive practice on the decisions the assessment actually asks you to justify.
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Graphic communication
Graphic communication is the design of images, text and layout to send a clear message to an audience. A designer works from a brief and chooses an area of study to focus on, from advertising to typography.
Words for the brief
Learn these four terms before you explore the areas of study.
Two areas compared
Different areas of study produce different outcomes.
Tie every choice to the brief
To reach the top grades, tie every design choice to the brief and the audience, then explain why each choice communicates the message.
Match the area to its outcome
- advertising
- typography
- illustration
- package design
- posters and campaigns that promote a product
- the design and arrangement of lettering
- drawn images that explain or decorate
- boxes, labels and wrapping for a product
Match the term to its meaning
- brief
- audience
- signage
- communication graphics
- the requirements set by a client
- the people a design is aimed at
- signs that guide or inform people
- visual information such as charts and infographics
What is an area of study?
Which description best fits an area of study in graphic communication?
- A distinct field of graphic work a designer can focus on.
- The client who pays for the design.
- A single piece of design software.
- One technique, such as screen printing.
Which are graphic areas?
Select the TWO graphic communication areas of study.
- Typography.
- Signage.
- Textile weaving.
- Stone sculpture.
Order the design process
Put the design process in order, first step first.
- Read the brief
- Research the audience
- Develop ideas
- Produce the final piece
Summarise the workflow
A designer starts from a _____ and designs for a chosen _____. Areas of study include _____ for lettering and _____ for products on a shelf. Every choice should communicate the _____.
Count the objectives
A graphic communication portfolio is marked against the assessment objectives numbered AO1 to AO4. How many assessment objectives are there?
Spot the graphic areas
Tap the TWO graphic communication areas of study.
- advertising
- oil painting
- typography
- textile weaving
- clay pottery
Which area fits the task?
Match each task to its graphic communication area of study.
- A shop needs a sign to guide customers to the exit
- A cereal box needs an attractive, informative design
- A magazine advert must persuade people to buy a drink
Respond to a brief
Explain how you would respond to a graphic communication brief for a new poster. Refer to the brief, the audience and at least one area of study.
- Explain what the brief and audience tell you
- Name at least one area of study you would use
- Explain how your choices communicate the message