1. Demonstrate knowledge & understanding of the underlying concepts and principles of preparatory methods of production which underpin traditional and contemporary comic production practices

2. Show evidence of a range of skills and techniques employed by the art industries and assimilate them into your practice in order to meet a set of specific technical and Creative goals

3. Creatively apply knowledge and skills gained through research and experimentation with a variety of media to the production of an appropriate solution, supported by clear development and preparation work.

4. Propose and evaluate a potential solution within set parameters of a design & comic brief which explores factors relating to the industry and production of a final piece of work

5. Make appropriate creative decisions whilst working through the various stages of the design process and in the identification and development of specific visual communication skills

6. Convey information and meaning effectively to a pre-defined audience by using a range of creative techniques and approaches

Summative assessment takes place throughout the module via presentations and progress checks.
Learner will record their career research and progression via digital means to allow for regular progress tutorials.
Designated tutorials will be set up to enable students to discuss their work individually with key members of delivery staff.

Portfolio of work - 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

This module is concerned with the exploration of comics as a visual medium and how it can be applied as a visual communicator. You will be encouraged to experiment with a range of media approaches in order to discover the ways in which different media can convey different meanings and to express information in visually exciting and varied forms.

This module is designed to build on traditional and new media knowledge and skills gained in other modules by encouraging you to review, extend, develop and apply the use of creative visual thinking, visual language skills and a variety of communication methods to create fresh and innovative solutions.
You will work on visual narrative problems in order to, (i) identify a problem, (ii) gather appropriate information, (iii) experiment with media in order to generate ideas and (iv) propose and evaluate potential solutions, refined to highly finished pieces and appropriately prepared for presentation.
You will also concentrate on the practical exploration of composition, communicating through images, visual metaphors, and cultural aspects of image making.
The importance of effective mark-making is emphasised and encouraged also through traditional drawing skills in a controlled studio environment. Practical projects and exercises address specific aspects of the image making experience. Diverse mark making methods and techniques are explored, and you will be encouraged to adopt an experimental and investigative approach to the use of media
This module requires studied application of both conventional and unconventional media and visual problem solving, which promotes invention and media exploration.

From cave paintings to McCloud’s infinite digital canvas, visual storytelling can be told via many forms. This module encourages the student to look at how we read visual stories, and the role media and materials have with our engagement of them.

Technical instruction and workshop demonstrations on how to handle equipment, processes and materials safely and effectively.
Health & Safety.
Lectures to the whole group where you will be reminded of the preparation, planning and structure of the print production process.
Small group sessions (seminars, crits, tutorials) where you will contribute to the discussions, engage in debate about issues raised, present the results of your research and your work in progress and receive constructive feedback from your peers when appropriate and from your tutor.
Independent Study in support of your project work. You will need to undertake a number of activities when not involved in taught or participation sessions. These will include researching and documenting your practical project; pre and post production work for your project; the execution of your production and the preparation of your work for assessment.

Publications:
Berger, J (2008) Ways of Seeing. Penguin Classics
Davis, R., Phoenix, W. and Grist, P. (2011). Nelson. London: Blank Slate.
Gravett, P. and Tate Publishing (Londyn (2013). Comics Art. London: Tate Publishing.
Gravett, P. and John Harris Dunning (2014). Comics Unmasked. London: The British Library.
McCloud, S (2001) Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art. WmMorrowPB
McCloud, S. (2000) Reinventing Comics: How Imagination And Technology Are Revolutionizing An Art Form. HarperCollins
Newman, N. (2013). Private Eye. Aurum Press Limited.
Walasek, H. (2017). The Best of Punch Cartoons : 2,000 classic illustrations. London Prion.
Walker, B. (n.d.). The Comics. New York Abrams Comicarts

Websites:
https://www.cartoonmuseum.org
https://downthetubes.net
https://www.graphicmedicine.org
http://www.karriefransman.com
https://kathrynebriggs.com

The Blackboard virtual learning environment will be available (where relevant) to support this module. Details will be supplied in the module handbook.