← Graphic Communication syllabus

ScotlandGraphic Communication

Area: graphic design and layout

5 dot points across 5 inquiry questions. Click any dot point for a focused answer with worked past exam questions where available.

How does colour theory guide the choice of colours in a graphic, and how do RGB and CMYK differ?

Colour theory: the colour wheel (primary, secondary and tertiary colours), harmonies (complementary, analogous, monochromatic), warm and cool colours and the psychology/associations of colour, and the RGB versus CMYK colour models.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on colour theory, covering the colour wheel (primary, secondary, tertiary), colour harmonies, warm and cool colours, colour psychology, and the difference between the RGB and CMYK colour models.
12 min answer →

What are the design elements, and how does each contribute to a graphic layout?

The design elements: line, shape, form, texture, colour, value (tone) and space, and how each is used as a building block of a graphic layout.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on the design elements, covering line, shape, form, texture, colour, value (tone) and space, and how each is used as a building block of a graphic layout.
11 min answer →

How do the design principles arrange the design elements into an effective layout?

The design principles: alignment, balance (symmetrical and asymmetrical), contrast, proximity, emphasis (focal point), rhythm/repetition, proportion and unity, and how each organises a layout.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on the design principles, covering alignment, balance, contrast, proximity, emphasis, rhythm and repetition, proportion and unity, and how each organises the design elements into an effective layout.
12 min answer →

Which DTP features build a multi-page promotional layout, and what does each contribute?

Desktop publishing (DTP) features: grids and guides, columns and gutters, margins and bleed, text features (alignment, leading, kerning, drop capitals, reverse text, flow text/text wrap) and image features (crop, rotate, layers, transparency), used to build a multi-page layout.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on desktop publishing features, covering grids and guides, columns, margins and bleed, the text features (leading, kerning, drop capitals, reverse text, text wrap) and image features (crop, layers, transparency) used to build a multi-page layout.
12 min answer →

What are the three graphic contexts, and how does the design process turn a brief into finished promotional graphics?

The three graphic contexts (preliminary, production and promotional) and the design process: responding to a brief and specification, generating and developing preliminary ideas, and evaluating a design against the brief and target audience.
An SQA Higher Graphic Communication answer on the three graphic contexts (preliminary, production and promotional) and the design process, covering responding to a brief, generating and developing preliminary ideas, and evaluating a design against the brief and audience.
11 min answer →