Drawing and Communication — University of the Arts London Occupational Qualification Art and Design Revision

    Drawing and communication explores the use of signs and symbols as a means of visual communication. This topic covers the contexts and uses of signs and sy

    Topic Synopsis

    Drawing and communication explores the use of signs and symbols as a means of visual communication. This topic covers the contexts and uses of signs and symbols, and the ability to create them for a specified purpose.

    Key Concepts & Core Principles

    Exam Tips & Revision Strategies

    Common Misconceptions & Mistakes to Avoid

    Examiner Marking Points

    Drawing and Communication

    UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS LONDON
    vocational

    Drawing and communication explores the use of signs and symbols as a means of visual communication. This topic covers the contexts and uses of signs and symbols, and the ability to create them for a specified purpose.

    4
    Learning Outcomes
    11
    Assessment Guidance
    11
    Key Skills
    4
    Key Terms
    15
    Assessment Criteria

    Assessment criteria

    UAL Level 2 Certificate in Drawing
    UAL Level 2 Award in Drawing
    UAL Level 3 Certificate in Drawing
    UAL Level 3 Award in Drawing

    Topic Overview

    The UAL Level 2 Certificate in Drawing is a foundational qualification designed to develop your observational, technical, and expressive drawing skills. It covers a range of drawing approaches, from quick gestural sketches to detailed tonal studies, using various media such as pencil, charcoal, ink, and pastel. This certificate is ideal for students who want to build a strong portfolio for further study in art and design, as drawing is the core skill underpinning all visual disciplines.

    Throughout the course, you will explore line, tone, form, texture, and composition through practical projects. You will learn to draw from direct observation (still life, figure, landscape) and from imagination, developing your ability to record and communicate ideas visually. The qualification emphasises experimentation and personal expression, encouraging you to take creative risks while refining your technical control.

    Drawing is not just about replicating what you see; it is a way of thinking and seeing. This certificate will help you understand how artists use drawing to plan, explore, and resolve ideas. By the end, you will have a portfolio of work demonstrating your ability to use drawing as a tool for investigation and communication, which is essential for progression to Level 3 qualifications or apprenticeships in creative industries.

    Key Concepts

    Core ideas you must understand for this topic

    • →Line quality: varying pressure, speed, and direction to create expressive or precise outlines and contours.
    • →Tone and shading: using hatching, cross-hatching, stippling, and blending to depict light, shadow, and volume.
    • →Proportion and scale: measuring relationships between parts of an object or figure to achieve accurate representation.
    • →Composition: arranging elements within the picture plane to create balance, focal points, and visual interest.
    • →Mark-making: exploring different tools and techniques to create texture, rhythm, and energy in your drawings.

    Learning Objectives

    What you need to know and understand

    • Know contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record and create signs and symbols for a specified purpose.
    • Know contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record and create signs and symbols for a specified purpose.
    • Understand contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record signs and symbols., Understand how to solve complex communication problems through drawing conventions., Understand contextual perspectives and approaches for drawing as communication.
    • Understand contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record signs and symbols., Understand how to solve complex communication problems through drawing conventions., Understand contextual perspectives and approaches for drawing as communication.

    Assessment Criteria

    Key criteria assessors look for in your portfolio

    • Identify different contexts where signs and symbols are used.
    • Explain how signs and symbols communicate meaning effectively.
    • Create original signs and symbols for a given purpose.
    • Evaluate the effectiveness of created signs and symbols.
    • Identify contexts where signs and symbols are used.
    • Create original signs and symbols for a given purpose.
    • Use drawing techniques to record and communicate ideas.
    • Understand contexts and uses of signs and symbols in communication.
    • Use drawing to record signs and symbols accurately.
    • Apply drawing conventions to solve communication problems.
    • Evaluate contextual perspectives and approaches for drawing as communication.
    • Demonstrates understanding of how signs and symbols convey meaning.
    • Effectively uses drawing to record a range of signs and symbols.
    • Applies drawing conventions to solve a complex communication problem.
    • Analyses contextual perspectives on drawing as communication.

    Assessment Guidance

    Guidance for achieving higher grades

    • 💡Research existing sign systems for inspiration.
    • 💡Test your symbols with others to check clarity.
    • 💡Consider colour, shape, and simplicity in design.
    • 💡Research existing signage for inspiration.
    • 💡Test your symbols on others to ensure clarity.
    • 💡Study a range of symbol systems and their contexts.
    • 💡Practice clear and consistent drawing techniques.
    • 💡Consider audience when choosing symbols.
    • 💡Use annotated sketches to explain your thought process.
    • 💡Refer to specific examples of signs and symbols in your analysis.
    • 💡Practice drawing from observation to improve accuracy.
    • 💡Show your working process: include preliminary sketches, annotations, and experiments in your sketchbook. Examiners want to see how you develop ideas, not just the final piece. This demonstrates critical thinking and reflection.
    • 💡Vary your media and scale: don't stick to one pencil or A4 paper. Try charcoal on A2, ink washes, or coloured pastels. Working large forces you to use your whole arm and be more gestural, which can improve confidence and mark-making.
    • 💡Focus on the assessment objectives: the course assesses four areas: develop ideas, experiment with media, record observations, and present a personal response. Make sure your portfolio explicitly addresses each one. Label your work or write brief notes to show how you've met these criteria.

    Common Mistakes

    Common errors to avoid in your coursework

    • Creating symbols that are too complex or ambiguous.
    • Ignoring cultural differences in symbol interpretation.
    • Failing to consider the target audience.
    • Creating symbols that are too complex to be easily understood.
    • Ignoring cultural differences in symbol interpretation.
    • Misinterpreting the meaning of symbols or signs.
    • Ignoring cultural or contextual differences in symbol usage.
    • Poor technical execution of drawing conventions.
    • Confusing signs with symbols or vice versa.
    • Overlooking the cultural context of symbols.
    • Failing to justify choices in drawing conventions.
    • Misconception: Drawing is only about making things look realistic. Correction: While accuracy is important, drawing also includes expressive, abstract, and conceptual approaches. The course values personal interpretation and experimentation.
    • Misconception: You must use a rubber to erase mistakes. Correction: Erasing can disrupt the paper surface. Instead, learn to work over mistakes, use them as part of the drawing, or start again on a fresh sheet. Many artists keep 'mistakes' as they add character.
    • Misconception: Drawing from photographs is easier and just as good as drawing from life. Correction: Drawing from life trains your eye to see three-dimensional form, light, and space in real time. Photographs flatten and distort these elements, so observational drawing from life is essential for developing true skill.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions students ask about this topic

    Before You Start

    Prior knowledge that will help with this topic

    • •Basic understanding of drawing materials (pencil, eraser, paper) and willingness to experiment.
    • •No formal qualifications required, but an interest in visual art and a commitment to regular practice will help you succeed.
    • •Familiarity with simple geometric shapes and basic measuring techniques (e.g., using a pencil to check proportions) is beneficial.

    Key Terminology

    Essential terms to know

    • Know contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record and create signs and symbols for a specified purpose.
    • Know contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record and create signs and symbols for a specified purpose.
    • Understand contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record signs and symbols., Understand how to solve complex communication problems through drawing conventions., Understand contextual perspectives and approaches for drawing as communication.
    • Understand contexts and uses of signs and symbols as a means of communication., Be able to use drawing to record signs and symbols., Understand how to solve complex communication problems through drawing conventions., Understand contextual perspectives and approaches for drawing as communication.

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