The Illustration and Techniques module at the Alliance School of Design introduced students to the role of illustration in communication design, focusing on its ability to convey ideas with clarity and meaning. Over two weeks, second-year Visual Communication Design students engaged in creative exercises under the guidance of Ms. Era Namjoshi.

Learning Through Practice

Activities included exquisite corpse, accidental forms, form and expression with dots, portraits and biases, character sketch, instructional illustration, and data representation. Each task highlighted key elements of illustration and encouraged imagination, adaptability, and collaboration. From capturing classmates in simple portraits to reimagining abstract forms, students explored how visuals communicate emotion and meaning.

Final Project and Open House

The module concluded with a personal project in the form of a zine. Students combined words and images to express chosen themes, such as reflections on gender discrimination. The course ended with an Open House where participants displayed their work, sharing their creative journeys with peers and faculty.

Reflection

For students, the experience reinforced that illustration is more than drawing. It is a tool for communication, expression, and storytelling that makes complex ideas accessible. The module provided practical skills and perspectives that will support their growth as future communication designers.