Task 1 - Choosing your title and carrying out initial research
1. Read the statement of intent and look at her initial ideas mind maps. Describe what she includes.
2. How analytical is her artist research? what does she talk about in her writing about them? what kind of language does she use? 3. How many edits does she do per artist? Are they copies? What does she include in her annotations? 4. How does she develop her own ideas after working in the style of different artists? |
Which title will you choose as a result of the title workshops? Produce a visual mindmap of inspiring photographs and notes to communicate clearly at the start of the project what your initial ideas are. Presentation is important - this will be one of the first things the examiner will see! For a link to your class mindmaps, click here. |
Example of a visual mindmap
Create a new powerpoint - all work will be saved onto this document.
Task 2: Statement of intent.
Write a first draft of your intentions for this project. This will probably evolve as your project develops and this is fine, but you need to be clear from the start about what message you are trying to deliver through your work.
AQA Marking Criteria (AO4) 21-24 marks 'An exceptional ability to present a personal and meaningful response. Demonstrates an exceptional ability to successfully realise intentions and, where appropriate, makes connections between visual, written and other elements. Exceptionally clear, coherent and accurate use of language.' |
A statement of intent is your opportunity to tell the reader what your project is about, what inspired you and what you hope to achieve through your investigation. The examiner will look to see that you have realised these intentions successfully. Read these examples - identify the strengths and weaker points within them.
Example 1
For this project that I have chosen; “Issues”, I want to delve into the social issues that some people deal with. To begin with, I want to explore a variety of social issues, like addiction and abuse to ensure that I know which one I am more interested in looking into with more depth. However, I do want to focus on the issue of Drug addiction. Rather than looking at the action of doing drugs and the impact it has on an individual’s life from an outside perspective. I want to look more at the individuals themselves; the physical and psychological effects more. My intention is to shed light of the true problem of drugs in today’s society. According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre, around 2.7 million people had taken an illicit drug between 2015 and 2016 in the UK. Therefore, this topic needs attention. Nowadays, there is a lot of glamorization of drugs in pop culture, which is influencing young adolescents to think that it is normal and okay to try drugs. Therefore, the purpose of my project is to counteract that and show the negative effects of using and abusing drugs. I want to create shock value to deter people from trying and becoming addicted to drugs.
Example 2
The purpose of a portrait is to portray a person, who they are, what mood they are in and what makes them, them. This, as a representation, doesn't have to be straightforward, it just has to depict who the person in the photograph is; beyond the physical. Within illustrations of these portraits will show a lot between the photographer/editor (in this case, myself), as well as the subjects of the photos.
For example, my first artist you will see is Emma Regolini. She illustrates the photographs she uses depending on how she is feeling at that time. If the illustrations are simple then it suggests she was feeling tired at that time and maybe couldn't be bothered to do a complicated illustration. Whereas, if one of her illustrations are quite busy, then maybe she was in a mood to complete her work to the best of her ability; and from this I will depict my own moods whilst still having some sort of copy from hers.
On the other hand, my second artist that you will see - May Xiong - she bases her illustrations from how her models are feeling instead of herself. She does this based upon the colour of face paint she uses, showing the type of mood her models were in, and the geometric map being their thought processes.
For this project that I have chosen; “Issues”, I want to delve into the social issues that some people deal with. To begin with, I want to explore a variety of social issues, like addiction and abuse to ensure that I know which one I am more interested in looking into with more depth. However, I do want to focus on the issue of Drug addiction. Rather than looking at the action of doing drugs and the impact it has on an individual’s life from an outside perspective. I want to look more at the individuals themselves; the physical and psychological effects more. My intention is to shed light of the true problem of drugs in today’s society. According to the Health and Social Care Information Centre, around 2.7 million people had taken an illicit drug between 2015 and 2016 in the UK. Therefore, this topic needs attention. Nowadays, there is a lot of glamorization of drugs in pop culture, which is influencing young adolescents to think that it is normal and okay to try drugs. Therefore, the purpose of my project is to counteract that and show the negative effects of using and abusing drugs. I want to create shock value to deter people from trying and becoming addicted to drugs.
Example 2
The purpose of a portrait is to portray a person, who they are, what mood they are in and what makes them, them. This, as a representation, doesn't have to be straightforward, it just has to depict who the person in the photograph is; beyond the physical. Within illustrations of these portraits will show a lot between the photographer/editor (in this case, myself), as well as the subjects of the photos.
For example, my first artist you will see is Emma Regolini. She illustrates the photographs she uses depending on how she is feeling at that time. If the illustrations are simple then it suggests she was feeling tired at that time and maybe couldn't be bothered to do a complicated illustration. Whereas, if one of her illustrations are quite busy, then maybe she was in a mood to complete her work to the best of her ability; and from this I will depict my own moods whilst still having some sort of copy from hers.
On the other hand, my second artist that you will see - May Xiong - she bases her illustrations from how her models are feeling instead of herself. She does this based upon the colour of face paint she uses, showing the type of mood her models were in, and the geometric map being their thought processes.
Print your statement and put it in your book. Swap books and give each other feedback.
- look for spelling, punctuation and grammar errors
- write a sentence on how clear you think their ideas come across
- write a target - something to add or improve.
Make your improvements then upload it to your website at the top of your page above your mindmap.
Task 3: Artist Research
You have 3 lessons to complete the following task.
You may choose between writing a 200 word paragraph OR notes on a 'Super Grid' per photographer. Aim to complete one per lesson! Either way, use the resources below to support you.
You may choose between writing a 200 word paragraph OR notes on a 'Super Grid' per photographer. Aim to complete one per lesson! Either way, use the resources below to support you.
Aiming for the top grades? On top of the main task, select one image for each artist to analyse in depth like this example:
Task 4. Photoshoots linking to each artist.
Task 4: Editing in the style of your photographers
Upload each photo as you go along, and write a brief explanation of how it was inspired by the photographer. Also include ideas for alternative ways of developing your ideas through experiments linked to them, in their style, technique etc.
Answer the following:
WHY did you choose each photographer and HOW have they inspired your early ideas and edits?
WHY did you choose each photographer and HOW have they inspired your early ideas and edits?
Task 5: Planning to combine your artists
Combine your each set of artists.
For two artists at a time, you need to start to combine their ideas, techniques, content, style etc. creatively. Please work through the following:
1. Create a planning slide which includes:
- A compare and contrast between the two artists, with photos of their work.
- A clear plan of how you could combine their styles (in photoshoot and editing)
- An explanation of how this approach will communicate your concept effectively
2. Do a new photoshoot with a focus on high quality images. Minimum 20 photos.
3. Complete 3 edits for this combination of artists. Ideally each edit bringing something slightly different eg. different techniques, editing style, different way to combine etc.
1. Create a planning slide which includes:
- A compare and contrast between the two artists, with photos of their work.
- A clear plan of how you could combine their styles (in photoshoot and editing)
- An explanation of how this approach will communicate your concept effectively
2. Do a new photoshoot with a focus on high quality images. Minimum 20 photos.
3. Complete 3 edits for this combination of artists. Ideally each edit bringing something slightly different eg. different techniques, editing style, different way to combine etc.
Peer Assessment
Give a 2 minute presentation about your combined edits.
Which artists have you combined and how?
What do you plan to do next?
Once each student is finished, complete a sheet about their work to give them some feedback and ideas.
Which artists have you combined and how?
What do you plan to do next?
Once each student is finished, complete a sheet about their work to give them some feedback and ideas.
Finally, collect up all of your feedback sheets, read them and reflect on the comments.
Write a statement in your blue book to review your feedback and the things you might do next as a result of it.
Write a statement in your blue book to review your feedback and the things you might do next as a result of it.
Task 6: Working towards a set of outcomes
By Easter, you should have completed:
- Each set of work for a combination of 2 artists (x3) - planning, photoshoots, edits, review.
- Plan and experiment with combining all 3 artists
- Produce a series of 3 or more edits as outcomes for this point of the project.
- Each set of work for a combination of 2 artists (x3) - planning, photoshoots, edits, review.
- Plan and experiment with combining all 3 artists
- Produce a series of 3 or more edits as outcomes for this point of the project.
Prepare for group feedback
Next lesson you will present the work you have done so far and the artists you have looked at to the group, with the intention of getting other ideas for ways you could combine your work.
You have 10 minutes to present the following on an A4 document:
A sentence at the top of the page to explain your concept in simple terms to the rest of the group. What are you trying to communicate through your project?
A photo of each of your chosen artist's work under their name.
Please print a copy for each person in the group!
You have 10 minutes to present the following on an A4 document:
A sentence at the top of the page to explain your concept in simple terms to the rest of the group. What are you trying to communicate through your project?
A photo of each of your chosen artist's work under their name.
Please print a copy for each person in the group!
Continue to work on your independent experiments.
Task 7: Further experiments
To Do list
Using your new photographs, complete the following edits:
1. Combine the styles of 2 photographers
2. Combine the styles of a different combination of 2 photographers
3. Combine the styles of all 3 photographers
4. Create an 'outcome' or series of outcomes for this point of the project, bringing together the best of your work so far.
1. Combine the styles of 2 photographers
2. Combine the styles of a different combination of 2 photographers
3. Combine the styles of all 3 photographers
4. Create an 'outcome' or series of outcomes for this point of the project, bringing together the best of your work so far.
Refine and develop your ideas by making changes and improvements, building on previous experiments.
Explore different tutorials that may help you develop your skills as well as offer alternative ideas!
https://speckyboy.com/photoshop-photo-effect-tutorials/
Explore different tutorials that may help you develop your skills as well as offer alternative ideas!
https://speckyboy.com/photoshop-photo-effect-tutorials/
Task 8: Introducing new inspiration
Where else could you get inspiration for your project, other than developing ideas taken from artist research?
Why might it be a good thing to vary your sources? What else might other sources have to offer?
Why might it be a good thing to vary your sources? What else might other sources have to offer?
What to analyseFirstly, check you have made a good choice of inspiration. Is it meaningful to your project? Does it give you ideas for inspiration visually? Does it back up your concept creatively? Can you imagine making connections to it from your previous work for this project? Analyse each source just like you would an artist research page, but picking it apart in an appropriate way to the type of source. Presentation might include: - screen shots that have been annotated - lyrics or quotes from books that have been annotated - highlighted articles with annotations around them Explain clearly why you chose to use each source in your project, give your opinion and link to your ideas. How might you use them? What are you more informed about or inspired by? etc. |
Examples from some previous student's projects
Click them to enlarge.
Find three alternative sources of inspiration for your project. Analyse them in depth.
Choose three meaningful sources, which may include one or more of the following:
- Films
- Music including lyrics
- Books, including fiction or non fiction
- Case studies from journals
- Newspaper or magazine articles
- Interviews
See above for details on how to analyse these sources.
- Films
- Music including lyrics
- Books, including fiction or non fiction
- Case studies from journals
- Newspaper or magazine articles
- Interviews
See above for details on how to analyse these sources.
Task 9: Responding to your sources
In your feedback book, reflect on what you will do with your new research and come up with a plan of action!
1. What will you do with each piece of research? What planning/photoshoots/editing?
2. How will you combine elements of the different research sources together?
3. How will you combine this new research with your previous artists?
1. What will you do with each piece of research? What planning/photoshoots/editing?
2. How will you combine elements of the different research sources together?
3. How will you combine this new research with your previous artists?
Produce a series of photoshoots and experiments inspired by your alternative research.Begin with appropriate planning, then do your photoshoots and edits. Be experimental, and aim to show a wide range of skills within both your photoshoots and editing skills. Be creative with your approach - it's ok if things dont work as long as you reflect on why and improve on them!
You have 3 weeks to do this task- produce as much quality work as you can! |
Task 10: Primary research
What might the benefits of primary research be vs secondary research?
What are the differences between them?
Why might it be useful to incorporate primary research into your own work?
What are the differences between them?
Why might it be useful to incorporate primary research into your own work?
Create a questionnaireCome up with a list of purposeful and meaningful questions that you will ask a range of people to help you generate other ideas for your project.
Questions should: - be mostly open rather than closed - encourage personal opinions - have the option to remain anonymous - be purposeful to your project - encourage answers that will be converted to visuals - link to previous artists/research - have the potential to move your ideas forwards - encourage answers that could be quoted within your work you may create your questionnaire in any format you wish, as long as you can easily collate the data. I would suggest a maximum of 8 questions so people don't get fed up answering! Think about who you want answers from, and send your questionnaire to as many people as possible. |
Task 11: New artists/photographers
Reflect on your data from your questionnaire. We will use it later, but share your results with the person next to you. Which answers inspire you and why? How will you use this information?
Find two new artists to inspire the development of your ideas.
choose two artists that will move your ideas and skills further forwards. Ensure that whoever you choose will combine effectively with your previous artist choices.
For each artist, complete the following:
1. Artist research (refer to guide/examples below)
2. In depth image analysis
3. Photoshoot plan and photoshoot
4. 3 edits, presented and annotated.
When you have completed this for each artist, start to combine their work with any of the artists you have looked at so far for this project. You might combine 2/3/4 artists! Plan it out then experiment independently.
For each artist, complete the following:
1. Artist research (refer to guide/examples below)
2. In depth image analysis
3. Photoshoot plan and photoshoot
4. 3 edits, presented and annotated.
When you have completed this for each artist, start to combine their work with any of the artists you have looked at so far for this project. You might combine 2/3/4 artists! Plan it out then experiment independently.
Task 12: Working towards a set of outcomes before the summer
Brainstorm how you will combine your ideas so far.
How will you combine the styles of your new artists?
How will you incorporate elements of your alternative research?
What will you bring forward from your earlier work and initial 3 artists? What wont you bring forward and why?
What will you experiment with and how, in order to produce a set of outcomes in the mock exam at the end of this term?
How will you incorporate elements of your alternative research?
What will you bring forward from your earlier work and initial 3 artists? What wont you bring forward and why?
What will you experiment with and how, in order to produce a set of outcomes in the mock exam at the end of this term?
Plan your new photoshoots and independent combined experiments...
Include an element of drawing in your planning. Can you plan for compositions, locations, technical requirements, specific details about models etc?
Link clearly to your artists and research. |
Detail how you will edit and what you aim to achieve with each experiment.
How will they represent your concept? How might they be interpreted by the viewer? |
Teacher led group tutorial. Gain feedback and ideas from others in a peer/self assessment task. make notes in your feedback book.
Mock Exam
In the mock exam you should:
Aim to produce a set of edited photographs that work as a series, bringing together your most recent experiments and research.
Evaluate your work with a 300 word evaluation, reflecting on what led you to this point in the project, how successful you feel your pieces have been and why, and where you see your project going next.
Use any remaining time to finish off other experiments and/or get your powerpoint up to date with annotations etc.
Evaluate your work with a 300 word evaluation, reflecting on what led you to this point in the project, how successful you feel your pieces have been and why, and where you see your project going next.
Use any remaining time to finish off other experiments and/or get your powerpoint up to date with annotations etc.
Following the mock, you will receive teacher feedback in your feedback books against the marking criteria to give you an indication of where you are working at.
In your tutorial, you should consider how you will re-direct your project as you go into year 13.
You have 5 months left on this project - do you have enough ideas to continue down this route?
Could you narrow down and change direction a little?
Do you need to expand your ideas to bring in other relevant aspects of your concept?
What will you do over summer? Photoshoots will be the main priority in different locations. Where might they be etc?
Could you narrow down and change direction a little?
Do you need to expand your ideas to bring in other relevant aspects of your concept?
What will you do over summer? Photoshoots will be the main priority in different locations. Where might they be etc?