Portfolio of Schema- Composition/Layout by

Portfolio of Schema- Composition/Layout by https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3 Aidan Krott en-us 2021-05-19 00:16:25 UTC 2025-10-23 01:36:23 UTC hello@padlet.com COMPOSITION & LAYOUT NOTES akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1537971919 This Schema is primarily coming from the position of being a designer, however, the core skill is applicable across both art and design, thus, can be tailored to both.]]> 2021-05-19 01:21:27 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1537971919 POTENTIAL ACTIVITIES akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538049980

Storyboard/Comic composition- How does the placement of elements within frames change the way we read a piece of art/design? In the case of comics, we can further explore this to look at the layout of the panels themselves, in addition to their contents

Sketches/Compositions using Rule of Thirds, etc.

Poster/Book Cover composition- Laying out a single image to convey narrative/tone

Photographic composition- Arranging elements in a scene/photograph to convey narrative, draw attention to focal points, etc.

Laying out text and images in a book, pamphlet, etc.

]]> 2021-05-19 02:08:40 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538049980 KEY COMPOSITIONAL KNOWLEDGES akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538333896

Rule of Thirds

Golden Ratio

Symmetry/Asymmetry

Grids

Designing/ Baseline Grids

Margins

Columns/Gutters

Focal Points

]]> 2021-05-19 05:11:19 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538333896 POSSIBLE MEDIUMS akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538349742 Photography-

Photography is an excellent means of exploring composition as students can experiment with the same content through different means. Focal objects can be centred, placed on a thirds grid, taken from different angles with different objects in the foreground and background, etc. to allow students to really experiment with composition.

Hand Drawn-

A good entry point to crafting new compositions, however, less forgiving than photography. Furthermore, many storyboards/thumbnails in the design industry are still hand-drawn, thus, the skill has some professional relevance.

Digital-

Experiment with composition digitally allows students a lot of freedom to move things around in a non-destructive manner.
Different software can be used differently-
- Photoshop can be used to mock-up posters, as well as crop images- It could be a fun exercise if students were provided all the assets they needed to form a piece, and then had to arrange them in a composition they felt appropriate.
- Illustrator/InDesign- Can be used for mocking up pamphlets, brochures, books, etc., especially useful when exploring baseline grids, etc.
- Spark can be used to very quickly throw together design objects using text, images, etc. could be fun to initially explore composition.

]]> 2021-05-19 05:20:18 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538349742 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538366011 2021-05-19 05:29:06 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1538366011 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1556629032 2021-05-25 06:52:53 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1556629032 PHOTOGRAPHY JUSTIFICATION akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1556754471 Following brainstorming, and several sketches, I came to the conclusion that to teach composition through drawing, I would also have to teach drawing- Which is, of course, doable, however, may distract from the point of this exercise, thus, I believe composition should be first, allowing students to simply draw on it when they do learn drawing, and the best way to teach composition whilst assuming no skill on behalf of the students is to use Photography, as almost every student has access to a phone, etc. that can be used to take pictures.

]]> 2021-05-25 07:42:27 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1556754471 Year 7 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1557249760

Students will be introduced to composition very early on, first through photography, learning several basic compositional principles such as the Rule of Thirds, and the use of symmetry and asymmetry

Students will further explore composition as they learn the design process for other pieces of work- They'll be encouraged to keep composition in mind as they work on other art and design briefs

]]> 2021-05-25 12:03:30 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1557249760 ARTISTS/ARTWORKS akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1557294185 A sample of some of the key artists and artworks that will be brought into the classroom to teach composition.]]> 2021-05-25 12:20:36 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1557294185 Rosemary Laing akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1557295056 Photographer, whose work is a masterclass in composition, specifically the way in which she uses the rule of thirds.
Good way to introduce and explore the rule of thirds as it's very present in her photography.
Bulletproofglass #8, 2002]]> 2021-05-25 12:20:55 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1557295056 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559629715 2021-05-26 00:11:48 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559629715 Methods, Media and Materials in Photography akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559725244 Methods

Digital Photography
- DSLRs probably a little much for younger students, though perhaps could be introduced by year 10/VCE
- Smartphone Photography seems more accessible, most students will have a phone in year 7, could do classwork in groups for those who don't.
Film Photography
Portraiture- Should be accessible, could even be done in-class
Landscape Photography- Students may struggle to find a landscape they're happy photographing- Even if told to take something simple, they may feel self-conscious about photographing their yards, houses, etc.

Media

Lightroom- Basic Photo Editing
Photoshop- More complex Photo Editing, corrections, etc.
InDesign- Photography into other pieces, e.g. posters

Materials

Experiment with printing, and using various materials in display to further convey intent- e.g. sequential photography hanging from room vs. a single photo mounted on a wall.

]]> 2021-05-26 00:49:51 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559725244 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559757512 Eddie 2010]]> 2021-05-26 01:01:31 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559757512 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559761353 one dozen unnatural disasters in the Australian landscape #2, 2003]]> 2021-05-26 01:03:00 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559761353 Wes Anderson akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559815395 An American filmmaker, known for his use of centred, symmetrical compositions, as well as his use of colour in film. Screencaps of his work make for interesting compositional studies in earlier years, and his work in motion ties into the planned year 10 unit.
Link- Accidentally Wes Anderson:

An Instagram page dedicated to sharing images that resemble Wes Anderson's unique filmmaking style

https://www.instagram.com/accidentallywesanderson/?hl=en

]]> 2021-05-26 01:24:43 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559815395 Rule of Thirds in 32 Seconds akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559884652 Simple video explaining the Rule of Thirds quickly- Good way to introduce the principle quickly, without going into too much detail.]]> 2021-05-26 01:51:37 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559884652 ARTISTS AND RESOURCES akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559892770 2021-05-26 01:54:49 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559892770 30 MINUTE DIGITAL LESSON akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559926761 2021-05-26 02:09:31 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559926761 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559930458 Introduction to Composition Digital Lesson]]> 2021-05-26 02:11:04 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559930458 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559942185 Link: Analysis of Wes Anderson's Style
This article heavily breaks down the cinematography of Wes Anderson, drawing on examples from some of his films.]]> 2021-05-26 02:16:13 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1559942185 Design Elements: A Graphic Style Manual akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1578342830 Timothy Samara, 2007
Much like Graphic Design School, Design Elements introduces and focuses on composition quite early, beginning with form and space in general, only to later discuss compositional strategies (pp.68-74). This section also notably draws on composition in 3D space, such as architecture and installation design.]]> 2021-06-02 03:13:48 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1578342830 Graphic Design School akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1578342888 David Dabner, Sandra Steward, Eric Zembol, 2014
I've been using this Design Manual for just over 5 years now. It goes over a number of key skills and areas, including a whole chapter on composition.
Specifically drawn on are page 32-43, which cover the fundamentals of composition, and a number of key skills such as the Rule of Thirds, Figure and Ground, Symmetry and Asymmetry, and designing with grids.
The book also includes Design Assignments at the end of each chapter, which can be drawn on to create activities and brief in class.]]> 2021-06-02 03:13:49 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1578342888 Know Your Onions- Graphic Design akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1578366899 Drew de Soto, 2011
Generally, one of the most useful design handbooks, in his discussion of Layout and composition (61-71), Drew de Soto explores grids, lines, margins, columns, the rule of thirds, and type sizes as they relate to composition. Unlike the previous two books, de Soto keeps his writing brief and to the point. ]]> 2021-06-02 03:25:27 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1578366899 REFERENCE LIST akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586677711 2021-06-05 05:56:12 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586677711 MIND MAPPING akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586679236 2021-06-05 05:59:32 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586679236 DRAWING ON PRACTICE akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586686601 Through mind mapping, I determined that a good composition is one of my key values as an artist and designer.

I believe composition/layout is the single most important element of art and design- A bad composition can ruin an otherwise technically skilful artwork, and vice versa- A technically adequate artwork can be greatly enhanced by an effective comp.

During this exploration, I also drew on my own artwork throughout the years, to analyse how I personally use and draw on composition. Below are a number of my own artworks, with notes regarding compositional decisions.]]> 2021-06-05 06:11:47 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586686601 Isolation- 2020 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586691215 I quite prominently drew on the rule of thirds here, the "land" portion of the artwork takes up a little more than the bottom third, whilst the figure and campfire are placed almost perfectly in the bottom-right thirds grid intersection, using lighting I called attention to this, and deliberately left the rest of the rest of the piece quite plain, so as to great a sense of emptiness. Making the figure large, and centred would have taken away from this, and the desired effect.]]> 2021-06-05 06:21:15 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586691215 "Almac"- 2020 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586692694 By positioning the figure in this illustration on the rightmost third line, and keeping much of the bottom third quite blank, I have created a much more dynamic composition than if it were cropped to just show the character, or if the character were more centre-aligned. ]]> 2021-06-05 06:24:31 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586692694 COMPOSITION TIMELINE- YEARS 7-10 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586858650 2021-06-05 11:25:41 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586858650 Year 8 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586859696

Delving further into composition, students will undertake a unit on Sequential narratives and storytelling through art and design.

Through storyboarding, students consider how composition affects every individual shot in a narrative, and how they work as a whole to convey motion
Through comics, students will be asked to consider the composition of every individual frame, as well as the page as a whole, considering the size, shape, and placement of each panel to convey narrative, motion, and draw attention to key points.
Students will specifically draw on the compositional theory of Scott McCloud in his book, Understanding Comics: The Invisible Art.

As with year 7, students will be asked to bring their knowledge of composition to every piece of work they create.

]]> 2021-06-05 11:27:26 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586859696 Year 9 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586861643

Students will explore composition further as they begin exploring communication design. Through interpreting briefs they'll create posters, pamphlets, and design book spreads. They will be introduced to more advanced compositional theory, such as integrating baseline grids, columns, margins, and hierarchy to their art and design.

As with previous years, students will be encouraged to bring this to every piece of work they create.

]]> 2021-06-05 11:30:39 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586861643 Year 10 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586862683

Students will be introduced to motion design and composition in movement. They will undertake a brief in which they're to create an advertisement for a fictional brand or product. They'll revise earlier compositional theory by creating storyboards and style frames, and learn how composition can be affected by and used as an element in motion design. They'll also be introduced to Adobe After Effects, and encouraged to consider composition in their use of icons and type on the screen, as well as other motion graphic elements.

Students will also begin to discuss composition in motion from a theoretical perspective, considering the use of composition in advertisements, and other pieces of motion design.

]]> 2021-06-05 11:32:16 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586862683 Strip Panel Naked akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586874808 A YouTube Channel run by Hassan Otsmane-Elhaou, a comic book letterer and editor of PanelXPanel. The channel posts videos breaking down comic book practice, showcasing examples of techniques used well in various comic books. SPN has a number of videos dedicated to composition in comics, some of which have added to my YouTube Playlist (See Below)]]> 2021-06-05 11:53:49 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586874808 akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586877486 Link to Reference list]]> 2021-06-05 11:58:46 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1586877486 David Aja akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587107457 Comic artist notable for work on Hawkeye with Matt Fraction, and The Seeds with Ann Nocenti.
Aja's known for his composition work as shown below, and his ability to tell stories within a comic book form. His placement of panels and elements within the panels convey mood, narrative, and character emotion better than many other contemporary artists.]]> 2021-06-05 16:55:57 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587107457 Composition Youtube Playlist akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587137661 A curated playlist of videos relevant to composition- A number of these videos are "Top X tips" videos for composition, which make a good introduction before delving into certain skills in more detail, others explore certain techniques in more depths, and some are technical, outlining skills such as turning on a phone's Rule of Thirds grid. ]]> 2021-06-05 17:31:22 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587137661 Resources akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587587589 2021-06-06 05:58:39 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587587589 CURRICULUM LINKS akrott https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587970476 To bring Composition back around to the curriculum, whilst composition is never mentioned in the curriculum, however, it's a key feature of design, and relevant to every element and principle that is mentioned- Composition is the marriage of the Design Elements and Principles. ]]> 2021-06-06 13:48:48 UTC https://padlet.com/akrott/ay5hlgu5u6rlm0k3/wish/1587970476