Gwybodaeth Modiwlau

Module Identifier
AR32330
Module Title
Book Illustration 3
Academic Year
2025/2026
Co-ordinator
Semester
Semester 1
Exclusive (Any Acad Year)
Reading List
Other Staff

Course Delivery

 

Assessment

Assessment Type Assessment length / details Proportion
Semester Assessment Portfolio  Sketchbook and related research material  100%
Supplementary Assessment Portfolio  Portfolio of Illustrations  100%

Learning Outcomes

On completion of this module, students should be able to.
a) Engage with a chosen text and produce a portfolio of illustrations that clearly demonstrates experimentation and proficiency in the processes of illustration as appropriate to personal research
b) Produce a self-directed body of research that includes sketchbook, draft designs, drawings, written and visual material that clearly demonstrates a line of enquiry that gives expression to personal concerns and ideas
c) Demonstrate independence, sustained working and a coherent resolution of ideas to prescribed deadlines
d) Employ techniques and materials, working professionally and imaginatively in a selective and critical manner with regard to process, texts and subject
e) Identify their art practice within the context of contemporary and historical traditions of book illustration and to communicate those ideas through tutorials and seminars
f) Be mindful of the limitations and creative potential of their chosen media and its appropriateness for reproduction

Brief description

This module which runs concurrently with AR32440 Illustration 4 aims to promote self-directed study and emphasises the need for a sustained and focussed approach to book illustration. Tutorial support is given on a one-to-one and group basis and demonstrations in advanced techniques can be offered as required. A professional approach to Book Illustration is expected and considerable commitment outside of timetabled sessions is required if a full programme of research is to be engaged upon. For the module students are expected to research and develop a strong conceptual or thematic basis for their work using texts and images that are meaningful and important to them. Subject matter may be derived from work carried out at Level 2 or from newly formed ideas and aspirations. Definition of appropriate texts and a subject matter is determined by discussion with the student's tutor and a programme of research and development is then suggested and agreed. For Single Honours students, this programme of research is closely allied to work that is completed for AR30620 Research and Process in Practice and it is important to realise that one module will inform the other. Students are expected to produce a portfolio of illustrations and associated sketchbook of drawings, written and visual material, demonstrating both thematic and technical research and experimentation in technique, format and media. Completed illustrations should be executed with high regard to presentation in a professional manner.

Aims

This module promotes self-directed study and focuses upon the conceptual and practical aspects of book illustration, the ideas and subject, processes, systems, frameworks and precedents governing the processes of illustrating books. Specifically in this module, students concentrate upon developing an experimental approach to the production of illustrated books, researching, testing out ideas, formats and methods and refining their practice in preparation for work on the final exhibition in Semester 2.

Book Illustration 3 provides the opportunity for students to build upon experience gained from AR21820 and AR21930 studied during Level 2. The module provides one pathway in Fine Art and is specifically intended (in conjunction with AR30620 Research and Process in Practice) as preparation for AR30130 Degree Exhibition 1 or AR32540

Content

Research and Book Illustration
  • Group Seminar: Researching Lines of Enquiry in Theme and Technique
  • Importance of sketchbooks, research into appropriate modes of working
  • Illustrated books from the University Collection
  • Mid-term Review and Critique of Student Work
  • Portfolio Submission and Examination Guidelines
  • Studio Demonstrations (as required)
The emphasis of the module is upon experimentation in a variety of graphic media and techniques, many of which will have been experienced during modules studied at Level 2 and which will enable students to develop a personalised mode of working. Opportunity to learn new or more advanced skills can be arranged as required and from the following:

  • Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator and other digital applications
  • Binding Materials and Techniques
  • Advanced Typography and Layout

Module Skills

Skills Type Skills details
Communication development and encouragement of communication skills occurs during tutorials and group seminars
Improving own Learning and Performance development of a self-critical approach to creative working and professional conduct in the production of a portfolio of illustrations
Information Technology development of graphic IT skills through use of digital imaging programmes
Personal Development and Career planning career awareness considered through discussion of the requirements and expectations of the profession
Problem solving development of practical skills in book illustration and problem solving in aspects of story board development and research
Research skills development of a programme of research and self directed work that provides evidence of experimental approach to illustration and gives expression to the development of a personal statement through the use of appropriate texts
Subject Specific Skills developing skills of illustration, story boarding and presentation self-management and time management for completion of self-directed project work
Team work development and encouragement of team work and student interaction occurs studio time, tutorials and group seminars

Notes

This module is at CQFW Level 6