Examples of assignments written for undergraduate design students.

1. Assignment 2: P1
Shared Reading: The process of
becoming independent
Introduction
Early reading is often a shared experience between child and parent or teacher. Pictures can
play a very important role in helping children understand the essence of a text’s meaning.
The role of the illustrator is to assist understanding but also making the experience of
reading more enjoyable by providing a direct and immediate visual stimulus to the story
while the child is going through what is, for them, a complex comprehension process.
Aim
To visually enhance and support young childrens’ experience and comprehension of
shared reading
Learning outcomes
At the end of this assignment you will be able to:
Analysis
Identify and describe how early reading precedent publications assist the shared reading
experience of young children
Synthesis
Apply understanding of what is required in early reading illustration through the development
of own concepts based on author’s text
Execution
Explore multiple compositional options and determine an effective aesthetic
Use effective mock image approach (roughs, layouts) to communicate with others
Production
Complete a series of images which show continuity of characterisation
Complete a series of images which conceptually enhance the text
Complete a series of images which demonstrate technical proficiency with media
Evaluation
Present and describe work articulately in a well organised format, focusing on how
you believe you have addressed the assignment aim.
Assessment criteria
What will be looked for to determine to what extent you achieved the learning
outcomes
Developmental (50%)
analytical research of precedents and principles underlying early reading illustration
how you have developed your visual narrative (options, possibilities, not singular direction)
demonstrating an engaging relationship with the author’s text
Compositional variation and refinement towards final design
Chosen solution (50%)
Consistency of characterisation, conceptual relationship to text, drama,
visual engagement
compositional variety
technical expertise.

2. Assignment 2: P2
Shared Reading: The process of
becoming independent
Key words: fun, cool characters, rhythm, pace, clarity
Assignment brief
You are invited to create a sequential series of full colour images which visually complement
one of the text’s supplied by author Kathleen Ferrier. If chosen, your work will be
commissioned by the author and may be used in a publication. If so, you will receive a fee
for this work. The text’s all relate to young, early readers for books which come under the
category of ‘shared reading’.
http://www.hubbardscupboard.org/shared_reading.html
Specifics
Analysis
Read the texts. Determine their flow, rhythm, locations, themes. Choose one for further
development. Determine the field by doing an analysis of existing early reading literature.
Prepare and present this in a report format. It should be insightful and scholarly, using,
if necesary, APA referencing.This will prepare you for major project.
http://owll.massey.ac.nz/referencing/apa-style.php
Synthesis
Use what you have learned from your precedents by developing your character and
compositions. Remember, a story has to have a pace to it with crops and pan views and a
variety of angles. The most important thing is to enhance the text for young readers. This
means that the images must be interesting, not vague or confusing or open to multiple
interpretations
Execution
Be open and flexible in your thinking, develop a variety of possible composition and character
options. Designers are FLEXIBLE! Poor students are INFLEXIBLE! So explore options. Think of
each scene like a film director. What angle would get the best out of each scene?
IMPORTANT: By week four, Tuesday session you must have all images mocked up to show to
the client. Marks will be deducted in your final assessment if there is a lack of clarity as to the
content of each image.
Production
If you leave final art too late, you will probably end up with a ‘rough’. Final art should not
be thrown together. Final art must demonstrate control and mastery of the mediums
and techniques you use. So, please don’t throw this together at the end. Final art must be
printed within the template structure with text in place and presented to the client as an
accurate mock up. If your work is finished digitally, it must be done at 300dpi.
Also hand in an ‘analytical report’ (800 words), plus an extensive workbook demonstrating
your ability to analyse, synthesise, execute and produce. Also include a reflective evaluation of
your process, highighting how you believe you have identified and addressed all the brief
requirements. Use the design process model to chart your progress through the assignment.
Problem Analysis Synthesis Execution Production Evaluation
Research Creative Communication

3. Assignment 1:P.1
Embodying a brand through a persona:
An exploration of how a brand’s image can be encapsulated
within a character.
222:322, Digital Illustration 1. Semester 1, 2013
Lecturer. James Watson
Introduction
The design of a character is a powerful tool for communicating prescribed values to
an audience. Whether the character appears in illustrated stories, movies or advertising,
the physical attributes and semiotic associations are used to convey abstract concepts
and also elicit emotional responses from viewers. So we will be focusing on this idea of
embodiment. In Illustration 1 you became familiar with the use of ‘signifiers’ to
represent ‘signifieds’. In brand design characters act as signifiers for what is signified
within the brand you choose. Colours, type and location act as secondary signifiers to
ensure the audience make the right connections.
Aim
To embody the identity/image of a product through vector based character design
Learning outcomes
At the end of this assignment you will:
Demonstrate critical understanding of brand identity and how illustration can embody
a product’s values
apply understanding of brand identity illustration through the creation of an
appropriate character and secondary imagery (colour, type, background imagery)
Demonstrate expertise with vector based software in combinaton with photoshop
Assessment criteria
developmental
analysis of collected examples, describing how brand values are communicated.
(Do this in a written format. This should display evidence of your critical thinking
skills).
development of your brand identity, exploration of options (different characters,
personalities, colours, background scenes etc)). Has analysis and critique informed
your design strategy and approach? Show the connection.
consideration for how image can be used for promotion.
Final design work
(A. Conceptual thinking) Essentially how you have encapsulated the essence of the
brand through character design, type, colour, layout, background scenery
(B. Technical skill) Use of the digital interface to complete an image with a high
level of technical finish.
Also, presentation of image, mounting of artwork, verbal
rationale (is it articulate or a ramble? This all relates back to your critical thinking skills
as well as your design skills.)

4. Assignment 1:P2
Embodying a brand through a persona:
An exploration of how a brand’s image can be encapsulated
within a character.
222:495, DigitalIllustration 2. Semester 1, 2013
Lecturer. Matt Katz
Assignment brief
Your design challenge is to redesign the graphics of an existing product whose identified
values, properties can be signified through illustrative imagery, namely through character
embodiment. A blue octopus would not be a good signifier for spaghetti, just because it
has lots of tentacles! (There would be too many associations with seafood). Make sure you
write down what the brand’s values, characteristics are. Don’t do this as a ‘top of the head’
assumption, do the research!!! The graphics are to be created using Adobe Illustrator and,
possibly combined with Photoshop.
Think about how your character would move, speak etc if he/she/it were to be animated.
What mannerisms might your character have, how would they add to encapsulating the
brand’s identity. Your character is the persona of the product. So, remember the signified/
signifier relationship. What is signified, how is your charcater signifying those properties?
Specifics
This will be added week by week in STREAM. But start off with good, indepth research!!!
Look with a critical eye at what currently exists.

5. Assignment 2:P.1
The Gloaming: A dark, magical place
The creation of a character who truly belongs
Introduction
All fiction is based in reality and that is no less true for fantasy than it is for real life
drama. Good fiction works because the characters and environments are believable.
Within the genre of science fantasy we are confronted with strange technology,
weird environments, bizarre creatures and characters. And yet, if done well we buy
in to such ‘worlds’ and immerse ourselves within the stories. No character, event or
environment can work well unless there is some reference to what we are familiar with,
that which we see in nature and in our day to day lives. Therefore great fantasy draws
its inspiration from the natural world. Make nature and your observation of human
behaviour your most effective resource and inspiration for this exciting new project.
The Gloaming is a world created by New Zealander Johnny Fraser Allen. It is a gloomy,
primitive land, filled with dark magic and an odd assortment of characters. You are invited
to create a digitally rendered character who would be quite at home in The Gloaming.
Aim
To create through the use of ZBrush a finished bust of a character or creature who ‘lives’ in
The Gloaming. (We will follow as closely as possible the WETA approach)
Learning outcomes
At the end of this assignment you will:
Apply understanding of industry approach to character creation
Demonstrate ‘through design’ how characters are part of complex, but believable
ecosystems (creation of own, believable character)
Demonstrate expertise with ZBrush (technical craft)
Assessment criteria
developmental
Investigative approach, observation of real world creatures, anatomy (analytical research)
How investigative approach has informed creative process of character creation (synthesis,
idea generation)
Final design work
(A. Conceptual thinking) Your character’s believability based on what is known of Allen’s world
(The level by which you have convinced the assessors that your character could truly exist in
this world).
(B. Technical skill) Use of Zbrush to render character. Tone, modelling, detail, lighting
(C Reflection and evaluation) A written report in two parts. Part one should describe your
understanding and explain your character and his/hers/its suitability to exist in this environment.
Part two should describe your analytical and creative approach.

6. Assignment 1:P2
The Gloaming: A dark, magical place
The creation of a character who truly belongs
Assignment brief
Your design challenge is to create a character based on Johnny Fraser Allen’s
description of The Gloaming. You must convince an audience that your character
could indeed exist in this environment, that it is the result of a natural evolutionary
process, in keeping with the ecology of The Gloaming. The key criteria is
believability.
Specifics
Please refer to additional information provided separately each week on STREAM.

7. Assignment 1:p 1
Wellington zoo: A celebration of the
diversity of species
222:322, Illustration 3 Semester 2, 2011
Lecturers Dr Mike McAuley, Dr Caroline Campbell
Introduction
Newtown’s Wellington zoo is home to over 100 different species from
Africa, Asia, The Americas, Australia and New Zealand. The zoo’s philosophy is
based on the belief that we must achieve sustainable co-existence between
humans and other species. The zoo’s prime function though is to create a
sense of wonder, magic, fun and respect for the majesty of our fellow species.
To recognise this, you are invited to create a poster which celebrates the
wonderful diversity of life in Wellington zoo
Aim
To visually celebrate the diversity of species at Wellington zoo.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this assignment you will be able to:
Developmental (divergent activity)
Observe and capture through drawing and other media, likenesses of various animals
people and scenery (on-site drawing and from photographs)
develop drawings as source images and combine them to develop a poster concept
Final design (convergent activity)
Compose images of animals, background scenery and text into a cohesive, celebratory image
which highlights the richness and diversity of life in Wellington Zoo.
Evaluate own design and describe how it highlights the richness and diversity of life
in Wellington zoo.
Assessment criteria
What will be looked for to determine the extent by which you achieved the learning
outcomes
Developmental (50%)
drawn studies from life and photographic sources and the extent to which you have
captured likenesses of various animals (anatomy and movement), scenery and people
Compositional variation, stylistic and aesthetic exploration,incorporation of image and text
Chosen solution (50%)
How final image reflects the key terms: Bright, colourful, celebrate, diversity, harmonious,
balanced, distinctly Wellington.
Reflection of process and description of how you have achieved assignment aims. This
should be in the form of a written rationale which outlines your particular strategy.
Technical craft. Level of resolved finishing in imagery.

8. Assignment 1:P 2
Wellington Zoo: A celebration of the
diversity of species.
222:321, Illustration 3. Semester 2, 2012
Lecturers,Dr Mike McAuley, Dr Caroline Campbell
Key words: Bright, colourful, celebrate, diversity, harmonious, balanced,
distinctly Wellington, magic, fun.
Assignment brief
You are invited to create a bright, colourful image for use as a poster to celebrate and advertise
Wellington Zoo. It is important that you show the rich diversity of animals at the zoo and yet
the image must also be harmonious and balanced to create the feeling of co-existence. It is
also important that you incorporate within your image pictorial elements which clearly identify
the image as something distinctly Wellington. You should also consider how you could
incorporate children and adults in the picture.
The image must capture the attention of a wide audience, both children and adults.
Specifics
The final image is to be printed in portrait format in A2. Full colour.
Week 1.
Thursday September 13
Meet at zoo, 9.30 am. Spend minimum of four hours drawing exhibits at zoo. Also
take a wide range of photographs. Capture not just the animals, but also look closely at the
surrounding landscape. Look at the signs, maps, the people, even look through the shop to
gather data about the zoo. Also read literature on zoos in general and also that which is
available on the zoo website.
Weeks 2 and 3
Develop on location studies into more resolved images. Use photographic work to assist in
the production of resolved images. As a completed exercise, combine three animal studies into
one, cohesive colour study. This will enable you to describe your design approach and possible
direction for your final image.
Week 4
Interim crit (formative assessment)
Present layout study in class and describe your design approach and direction. This should be
as clear as possible and must at a very least show a considered layout incorporating image
and text. You must incorporate the words ‘Wellington Zoo, The best little zoo in the
world’.
Also show to class all your preliminary work.
Weeks 5 and six
Focus on final artwork
Hand in
A3 Digital print
Workbook containing all research and development work

9. Assignment 2:P1
The Gavin Bishop Award:
A perfect chirpy Christmas. Written by Kyle Mewburn
Introduction
The publisher Random House has commissioned the story ‘A perfect chirpy Christmas’ to
be illustrated as a picture book for 3-7 year olds. The story is a sweet, heart warming
Christmas story about a little bird called Flit who decides to go north to experience
Christmas in the snow.
Award winning author and illustrator Gavin Bishop will work with the successful illustrator
who wins this national competition.This is a superb opportunity for a student to have an
entire 32 page book published internationally.
Aim
To provide an entertaining visual presence which complements and brings something new
to author Kyle Mewburn’s story.
Learning outcomes
At the end of this assignment you will be able to:
Analysis
Identify key ideas contained in text
Synthesis
Interpret written text into a visual sequence
Execution
Explore multiple compositional and character options
Use effective mock image approach (roughs, layouts) to communicate with others
Production
Complete a series of storyboard images which show continuity of characterisation
Complete a series of storyboard images which conceptually enhance the text
Complete two final images which demonstrate a high level of technical proficiency
with media
Complete two final images which conceptually expand on chosen text
Evaluation
Present and describe work articulately and in a professional format, focusing on how
you believe you have achieved learning outcomes.
Assessment criteria
What will be looked for to determine to what extent you achieved the learning
outcomes
Developmental (50%)
analytical research, image gathering, sourcing
how you have developed your visual narrative (options, possibilities, not singular direction)
Compositional variation
Chosen solution (50%)
Consistency of characterisation and scene setting, conceptual relationship to text, drama,
visual engagement (have you incorporated an NZ element?)
compositional variety
technical expertise.

10. Assignment 2:P2
The Gavin Bishop Award:
A perfect chirpy Christmas. Written by Kyle Mewburn
Assignment brief
You are invited to create a full 32 page storyboard mock up and two final art images to
complement author Kyle Mewburn’s story ‘A perfect chirpy Christmas’. The full story must be
storyboarded clearly to show your ideas for the whole narrative. You must indicate exactly where
the text will go. Any two scenes can be chosen by you and taken through to final art. Medium
is open to your own preference. We would suggest that your two illustrations are double
page spreads rather than single page illustrations. Please note that there are some basic
art direction notes accompanying the text. You should make sure you take full note of them.
Also please take note that, while the story alludes to a north hemisphere location, there
should, if possible, be some New Zealand references. No specific location has been mentioned
so think about how you can add subtle New Zealand references to your narrative (Think
Lord of the Rings).
Target audience: 3-7 year old children
Specifics
The client has supplied a list of specific instructions.
Week 1
Go over the text, highlighting key ideas and themes
Week 2
Initial layout roughs establishing pace and rhythm
Weeks 3-4
Resolution of visual narrative
Weeks 5-6
Focus on final art work
Hand in
See client instructions.-
To fulfil Massey assessment requirements hand in workbook, template mock up, final art. If
analogue also hand in originals. If digital, include his resolution prints.