Visual Voice
Project Overview
In this conceptual art assignment, students will design a powerful social media–style visual that communicates a clear and meaningful message. Working in any medium (drawing, painting, digital art, collage, photography, mixed media, etc.), students must incorporate text or lettering as an essential part of the composition.
Inspired by artists such as Barbara Kruger, who combines bold text and imagery to challenge viewers, and Shepard Fairey, known for graphic imagery paired with impactful slogans, students will explore how words and visuals work together to influence an audience.
This project emphasizes concept development, typography, composition, and visual impact. Students will think critically about how art can function as a platform for awareness, advocacy, motivation, or social commentary—similar to how messages are shared on social media today.
Objective Students will:
* Develop a clear, focused message (social issue, personal belief, motivation, awareness, etc.).
* Integrate text and imagery into one cohesive composition.
* Experiment with layout, scale, contrast, and emphasis to guide the viewer’s eye.
* Use any chosen medium effectively and with strong craftsmanship.
* Consider audience and impact when designing their final piece.
Materials
Open medium (student choice), including but not limited to:
* Drawing materials (pencil, colored pencil, charcoal, markers)
* Paint (acrylic, watercolor, etc.)
* Digital art software
* Collage materials
* Photography
* Mixed media
Text/lettering must be physically or digitally incorporated into the final artwork.
Process
1. Message Development:
Brainstorm topics you care about. Choose one strong, focused message you want to communicate. Keep it clear and concise.
2. Audience Consideration:
Identify who your message is for. How will your visual choices impact that audience?
3. Thumbnail Sketches:
Plan several layout ideas. Experiment with placement of text, image balance, and focal point.
4. Typography Planning:
Decide how the lettering will function. Will it be bold and dominant? Subtle and integrated? Handwritten or graphic?
5. Creation:
Begin your final artwork, carefully integrating text and image. Ensure both elements work together rather than competing for attention.
6. Refinement:
Strengthen contrast, adjust spacing, and refine details to maximize clarity and impact.
Assessment Criteria
* Clarity and strength of message
* Effective integration of text and imagery
* Strong composition and visual hierarchy
* Creativity and originality
* Craftsmanship and effort
Essential Question
How can art and text work together to influence, inspire, or challenge an audience?
Learning Objectives / Student Targets
By the end of this project, students will be able to:
1. Observation & Representation
* Accurately observe and document real objects through drawing.
* Demonstrate proportional relationships and spatial awareness in a still life composition.
2. Material & Technical Skill
* Apply value and shading with graphite to create depth and form.
* Use ink to reinforce contour, emphasize contrast, and define edges.
* Incorporate oil pastel to build bold color, expressive texture, and layered richness.
* Use colored pencil to refine details, enhance form, and smooth transitions in color and tone.
3. Integration of Media
* Thoughtfully combine pencil, ink, oil pastel, and colored pencil into a unified visual whole.
* Make intentional decisions about where each medium contributes best to overall structure, mood, and emphasis.
4. Composition & Design
* Organize visual elements to demonstrate balance, proportion, and dynamic rhythm.
* Guide the viewer’s eye through strategic use of contrast, mark-making, and color placement.
5. Creative & Critical Thinking
* Experiment with media behaviors and problem-solve accordingly.
* Communicate personal artistic decisions through expressive mark-making and color choices.
6. Reflection & Artistic Growth
* Articulate strengths, challenges, and artistic intent in reflection or critique.
* Demonstrate increased confidence and competence with multi‑media processes.
Ohio Fine Arts Standards (Visual Arts)
VA:Cr2 – Create
* VA:Cr2.1.HSI Use multiple approaches to begin creative endeavors (e.g., observational drawing, thumbnail sketches, or exploratory studies).
* VA:Cr2.2.HSI Demonstrate quality craftsmanship through careful selection, handling, and care of art materials and tools.
VA:Cr3 – Refine & Complete
* VA:Cr3.1.HSI Evaluate and refine works of art or design through persistence, practice, and reflection.
* VA:Cr3.2.HSI Individually or collaboratively apply tools, media, and techniques with precision to enhance artistic intent.
VA:Re7 – Perceive & Analyze
* VA:Re7.1.HSI Hypothesize how art reflects observation, investigation, or cultural meaning (connecting observation of objects with artistic choices).
* VA:Re7.2.HSI Use art vocabulary to express preferences with evidence and supporting reasons.
VA:Re8 – Interpret Intent & Meaning
* VA:Re8.1.HSI Interpret art by distinguishing between relevant and non‑relevant contextual information.
* VA:Re8.2.HSI Analyze methods (e.g., value, texture, color layering) artists use to convey mood or tone.
VA:Re9 – Apply Criteria
* VA:Re9.1.HSI Establish criteria to evaluate artistic choices, craftsmanship, and design quality.
VA:Cn10 – Synthesize & Relate
* VA:Cn10.1.HSI Create works that reflect personal connections to experiences, knowledge, or observation.
* VA:Cn11.1.HSI Relate artistic ideas and works within content area/other disciplines (e.g., how material behavior affects compositional decisions).
Grading Rubric
Rubrics have become popular with teachers as a means of communicating expectations for an assignment, providing focused feedback on works in progress, and grading final products. A rubric is a document that articulates the expectations for an assignment by listing the criteria, or what counts, and describing levels of quality from excellent to poor.
Student Reflection
A student reflection is a brief, thoughtful explanation of how and why a student created their artwork, including the choices they made, challenges they faced, and what they learned during the process. In art, reflection is important because it helps students develop critical thinking, recognize growth, strengthen their creative decision-making, and take ownership of their artistic development.
Element of Art & Principle of Design
Visual Voice Artists
Techniques
Examples
“Creativity takes courage.”
Cloverleaf High School
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