Course Title: Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2025
Course Code: VART6499C
Course Title: Refine drawing and other visual representation tools
School: 515T Creative Industries
Campus: Brunswick Campus
Program: C5409 - Diploma of Graphic Design
Course Contact: Ruth Wellington
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 9417
Course Contact Email: ruth.wellington@rmit.edu.au
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Gustavo Morales
gustavo.morales@rmit.edu.au
Nominal Hours: 80
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
None
Course Description
This course describes the skills and knowledge required to use drawing and other visual representation tools to develop, refine and communicate ideas for creative work. It involves evaluating the role of drawing in communicating ideas, experimenting with drawing and visual representations and developing an individual approach to the use of drawing. The unit focus is on manual drawing development and refinement, and visual representation as cognitive tools in a professional practice, rather than a particular level of drawing technique.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title: |
CUAACD531 Refine drawing and other visual representation tools |
Element: |
1. Evaluate the role of drawing in professional practice |
Performance Criteria: |
1.1 Investigate drawing and different visual communication devices, idea generation methods and problem-solving tools for professional practice 1.2 Evaluate how practitioners use different tools and make links to own work 1.3 Identify and challenge own barriers to drawing 1.4 Determine ways in which drawing and other visual representation tools could be used to support own practice |
Element: |
2. Support and develop practice through experimentation with drawing and visual representation |
Performance Criteria: |
2.1 Generate and develop ideas using different materials and techniques 2.2 Create variety in compositions and spatial fields using visual elements 2.3 Experiment with techniques and mixed media to produce drawings |
Element: |
3. Assess individual approach to the use of drawing |
Performance Criteria: |
3.1 Evaluate the success of completed drawings in communicating ideas 3.2 Evaluate the process of drawing and visual representation as a professional practice tool 3.3 Determine the value and place of drawing and visual representation in own practice based on experimentation |
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this course you will have developed and applied the skills and knowledge required to demonstrate competency in the above elements.
Details of Learning Activities
Learning activities will take place in a studio and computer laboratory using industry standard tools and resources. You will complete exercises and industry style projects. You will also be required to undertake independent study. In-class activities will include:
- class exercises
- tutorials
- practical demonstrations
- workshops
- group discussion
- review and revision
- peer learning
- peer teaching and class presentations
- teacher directed group activities/projects
- workshop for all student projects including peer/lecturer feedback
Out of class activities may include:
- independent research
- independent project based work
- studio practice
- online tutorials and activities
- review and revision
Teaching Schedule
Week |
Topics & Activities | Assessment |
| 1 | Assignment 1. Set of 10 technical tasks. |
|
| 2 | 1.3-1.6 Observational drawings. Draw set of given objects in different ways. Scan. |
|
| 3 | 1.7-9 Digital composition |
|
| 4 | Finalise composite illustration in response to feedback Finalise all 10 tasks, lay out in given template and submit as PDF to Canvas. Complete Part B of OH&S worksheet. |
AT1 due, including OH&S worksheet |
| 5 | Introduction to Assignment 2. Melbourne Sketchbook. |
Analysis of brief to be done verbally in class |
| 6 | Melbourne sketchbook research. Discuss strategies and techniques in relevant exemplars. Present concepts and reference material. |
|
| 7 | Melbourne sketchbook drawings. Produce drawings from photographic reference *optional in-situ drawing |
|
| 8 | Continue to produce drawings from photographic reference. Compose sketchbook pages. Respond to feedback. |
|
| 9 | Compose and refine illustrations and sketchbook pages. |
AT 2 due |
| 10 |
Intro to Assignment 3, Vintage Poster. Sketchbook printing 8pp zine. |
|
| 11 | Assignment 3. Vintage poster: Research relevant techniques and illustration strategies. Assemble reference photos. Begin filling out submission template for research. |
|
| 12 | Assignment 3. Vintage poster: Render illustration from templates as demonstrated in class. |
Research due |
| 13 | Assignment 3. Vintage poster: Render illustration from templates as demonstrated in class. | |
| 14 | Render illustration from templates. | |
| 15 | Finalise and submit Assignment 3. | AT 3 due |
| 16 | Work on gaps in evidence required for Competency (Consider extending your project by putting it into a mockup). |
While all course content will be delivered, the order and mode of delivery may change depending on the availability of specialist facilities and equipment.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
References
Other Resources
Students will need to refer to CANVAS as teaching resources may vary according to teaching schedule and task requirements.
Prescribed Texts: There are no compulsory prescribed texts in this course.
You are advised to look at the Learning Hub at myRMIT site for ongoing updated information.
A range of learning resources and references are provided throughout the year.
You will require a personal storage device and tools as outlined in tool kit list.
RMIT will provide you with resources and tools for learning in this course through our online systems and access to specialised facilities and relevant software.
Study Support: Study support - RMIT University
RMIT Library - You will also have access to the library resources. Among the library’s electronic resources is the ability to access Lynda.com via LinkedIn Learning, for online tutorials and lessons. You may be given these tutorials (and other resources) to supplement your classroom learning. The University Library has extensive resources for Design students.
RMIT Library has produced the following subject guide that includes quality online and print resources for your studies: Library - RMIT University
Overview of Assessment
Assessment for this course is ongoing throughout the semester. Your knowledge and understanding of course content is assessed through participation in class exercises, oral presentations and through the application of learned skills and insights to your written tasks. Full assessment briefs will be provided and can be found on CANVAS.
Assessment Tasks
Students enrolled in Vocational Education and Training qualifications are assessed for Competency. To be assessed as Competent means you have consistently demonstrated the required knowledge and skills at a standard expected in the workplace.
To be assessed as Competent in this course, you will need to complete each assessment task to a satisfactory standard. You will receive feedback from the teacher for each assessment task.
For this course there are 3 x Assessment Tasks:
Assessment Task 1: Illustration exercises & OH&S
Due: Week 4
Assessment Task 2: Melbourne Sketchbook
Due Week 9
Assessment Task 3: Vintage Poster
Due Week 15
NB. Due dates for assessment tasks may be impacted by access to specialist facilities and equipment, and therefore may be subject to change.
You are required to demonstrate all learning outcomes to a satisfactory standard.
You will receive feedback with verbal and/or written evaluation of your progress within class time.
The submitted projects will be assessed with written feedback as well as a checklist that relates to separate components of the project and the overall outcome.
Course results/grades which apply to competency-based assessment, are as follows:
CA - Competency Achieved
NYC - Not Yet Competent
SEC - Student Engagement Ceased
Assessment Matrix
The assessment matrix demonstrates alignment of assessment tasks with the relevant unit of competency. These matrices are available through Program Administration and CANVAS for each assessment task.
Other Information
Attendance
Your learning experience will involve class-based teaching, discussion, demonstration and practical exercises It is strongly advised that you attend all timetabled sessions. This will allow you to engage in the required learning activities, ensuring you the maximum opportunity to complete this course successfully.
Feedback
You will receive verbal and written feedback by teacher on your work. This feedback also includes suggestions on how you can proceed to the next stage of developing your projects.
Assessment - RMIT University
Student Progress
Monitoring academic progress is an important enabling and proactive strategy to assist you to achieve your learning potential. Academic progress - RMIT University
Assessment
Information on assessment including Special consideration, Adjustments to assessment, (e.g. applying for an extension of time):
Assessments and results - RMIT University
On Time Submission and Impact of Late Submission
On time submission is an important factor in your assessment. Employability skills are embedded in all courses and these include Planning & Organising and Self-management. For this reason, late work impacts on your competency assessment.
Submissions that are assessed as Not Satisfactory can be re-submitted once and this is only permitted during the period that the competency is scheduled.
Academic Integrity and Plagiarism:
RMIT University has a strict policy on plagiarism and academic integrity. Please refer to the website for more information on this policy.
Academic integrity - RMIT University
Submissions
When submitting work for assessment you are required to complete a declaration of authorship. This must be done for every assessment task. This statement acknowledges that you are aware of the plagiarism implications. For non-digital submission use the printed form/cover sheet provided. For digital online submission, please use e-Submission process in the Canvas LMS.
Information about your studies:
You can access My Studies through the RMIT website for information about timetables, important dates, assessment dates, results and progress, Canvas etc.
Current students - RMIT University
Credit Transfer and Recognition of Prior Learning:
Credit transfer is the recognition of previously completed formal learning (an officially accredited qualification).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is an assessment process that allows you to demonstrate competence using the skills you have gained through experience in the workplace, voluntary work, informal or formal training or other life experiences.
Please speak to your teacher if you wish to discuss applying for Credit Transfer or RPL for the unit(s) of competency addressed in this course.
Credit for prior study or experience - RMIT University
Course Overview: Access Course Overview