Assessment Component 1: Portfolio 80%
This consists of:

Youwill submit a defined portfolio of visual studies and creative outcomes responding to a set of structured briefs delivered across the module.

* The portfolio will include:

A specified number of practical outcomes (e.g. 8–10 pieces), comprising:

Traditional observational studies (e.g. life drawing, form studies)
Introductory digital studies produced using taught tools and workflows

* Application of taught construction methods, such as:

Basic proportion guides
Simple geometric construction
Measured and structured sketching techniques

* Process-led development, showing progression from early studies to resolved outcomes where appropriate

All portfolio tasks are initially introduced, demonstrated and supported within timetabled teaching sessions. Independent study tasks relate directly to completing, refining, or practising these defined tasks.

Assessing Learning Outcome(s) 1, 2 and 3

Assessment Component 2: Presentation 20%
This consists of:

You will deliver a recorded 10-minute structured presentation reflecting on the development of their portfolio work.

The presentation will include:

* Reflection on creative processes and decision-making across selected portfolio pieces
* Discussion of personal skill development in relation to taught techniques and visual design principles
* Reference specific examples from the portfolio

The presentation format will follow the provided guidance and templates, focusing on clarity and communication of reflection.

Assessing Learning Outcome(s) 4

You will be introduced to and supported in the following areas:

* Fundamental art and design principles applied to visual development

* Observational drawing techniques, including:

Life drawing
Proportion, volume and form

* Introduction to construction methods for drawing:

Measured drawing
Basic geometric construction

* Use of light and shadow to describe form
* Guided literature research into the historical development of visual art and design practices, focused on contemporary visual art practices, digital art, media and/or games development.
* Introduction to digital drawing and painting tools and workflows through guided tasks
* Translating observational studies into simple creative responses
* Introduction to structured reflection and discussion of creative practice

1. Produce a structured portfolio demonstrating progressive development of core visual art skills through response to set tasks and briefs.

Programme Learning Outcomes: Application & problem-solving

2. Apply foundational observational and construction techniques to create traditional and digital artwork informed by taught art and design principles.

Programme Learning Outcomes: Application & problem-solving

3. Demonstrate understanding of art and design principles informed by guided literature research into contemporary cultural visual art practices and their influence on creative work as it relates to visual media and/or games development.

Programme Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding, Research Skills

4. Reflect on personal skill development and creative decision-making using structured reflective methods appropriate to Level 4 study.

Programme Learning Outcomes: Communication, Reflection

Learning and teaching activities will be delivered through a structured blend of scheduled and independent study designed to support a coherent learning journey. Scheduled sessions will typically include traditional life drawing, workshops, and tutorials that allow you to learn and apply techniques, engage in facilitated discussions, and undertake activities focused on problem solving and peer learning. Independent study will involve research tasks, design tasks, and ongoing development of assessment work supported by the resources provided.

Life drawing sessions will be a required aspect of study as part of the module. This will include drawing the human form both clothed and unclothed.

Life Drawing Studio
Life drawing subjects
Games development workstation
Digital painting software
Graphics tablets
Digital Academy Forum
Digital Academy Upload System
Data Projection Resource

Block, B (2020). The Visual Story: Creating the Visual Structure of Film, TV and Digital Media. 3rd Ed. Focal Press.

Edwards, Betty (2013), Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, 4th Ed. Souvenir Press Ltd

Goldfinger, Eliot (1991), Human Anatomy for Artists: The Elements of Form, Oxford University Press

Gurney, J. (2010) Color and light¿: a guide for the realist painter. Kansas, Mo: Andrews McMeel. (978-0740797712)

Norling, Ernest R. (1999) Perspective Made Easy, Mineola, New York, Dover Publications

Suryavanshi., S. & Bacher, H. (2018), Vision: Color and Composition for Film, Laurence King Publishing, ISBN-13: 978-1786272201

Chavez, C. (2025) Adobe Photoshop Classroom in a Book, Adobe Press

3DTotal (2023) Artists' Master Series: Composition & Narrative: 2, 3DTotal Publishing

This module helps you learn how to see like an artist and translate observation into confident visual work for games and digital media. Through guided life drawing, observational studies and creative exercises, you will develop core drawing and visual analysis skills using both traditional and introductory digital methods.

You will explore proportion, form, volume, light and structure, learning how artists construct believable images from observation rather than guesswork. Alongside practical studio work, you will be supported in developing the ability to reflect on your own creative process, evaluate your progress and understand how your skills develop over time.

By the end of the module, you will have built a focused portfolio that demonstrates growing confidence in visual fundamentals, providing a strong foundation for future study in games art, concept art and related creative disciplines.