Excelia Digital Studio Labo

Visual Communication: a question of observation, concentration, and drawing

23/09/2024 - By Excelia Group

Observation… a vital aspect of visual communication

When it comes to design and visual communication professions, observation is an essential skill. Students in Year 2 of the Bachelor of Arts in Digital Design recently explored this aspect in greater detail during a Visual Culture lesson led by Pascal Sémur. This session helped them to understand that in order to come up with relevant and effective solutions in the field of visual communication, you really need to master the art of observation.
 

Observation... understanding of the world

Closely observing the world around us is central to the visual communication creative process. It enables designers to establish links between visual elements and their underlying historical or cultural significance. Understanding visual references, symbols, cultural signs, and current social trends enables designers to create work that will strike a chord with their target audience. These elements are essential for developing visual solutions that not only capture people’s attention, but also communicate a strong message appropriate to a specific context.
 

Observational drawing... an essential tool for designers

When it comes to visual communication, observational drawing is invaluable for any professional. It’s not just about accurately representing what you see, but also about developing key skills such as concentration, patience, and attention to detail. These skills are fundamental to the visual creation process, whether it’s designing logos, graphic identities, advertising support material or for any other element of a visual communication project.

By carefully observing and transposing what they see onto paper, designers hone their ability to analyse shapes, lines, and patterns, resulting in more detailed and impactful design work.
 

Observation and creativity... a winning combination in visual communication 

Developing observation skills right from the earliest stages of a designer’s training is crucial to their success in the professional world. A sharp eye and detailed analysis of visual material means being able to devise unique graphic solutions perfectly suited to the needs of a project. Whether creating a visual identity, an advertising campaign or designing a website, the ability to observe and interpret trends and user expectations is essential.
 
By including observation in the creative process, designers can anticipate social and cultural trends and imagine solutions that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but solutions that are practical and will stand the test of time.
 

Conclusion: Observation... the key to success in visual communication

In summary, observation and concentration are essential skills in the field of visual communication, and observational drawing helps to cultivate these skills, thereby boosting a designer’s creativity. By mastering these techniques from the outset of their training, students are assured of a solid foundation for developing distinctive, innovative, relevant visual solutions in a constantly evolving professional landscape.

These skills are the key to success for any professional seeking to differentiate themselves in the field of visual communication and looking to develop unique design solutions firmly in step with current trends and market expectations.