Inspiring Writing in Art and Design: Taking a Line for a Write

by Pat Francis

When art and design students are asked for statements to accompany their work, reflective journals, or critiques, reviews and essays, they often freeze up because they have to put their thoughts in writing. Although these students are comfortable expressing themselves visually, they lack confidence working with words. Inspiring Writing in Art and Design is a practical aid for those students who are disheartened or overwhelmed by having to write. Pat Francis provides short writing exercises and creative writing techniques for tutors to use and which will help art and design students develop their ability to verbally articulate the concepts and aesthetics behind their art. Using Francis’s examples, students will build confidence and skills that can help them succeed in presenting their work and themselves in, and beyond, the studio world.

Genres: Art, Writing

256 pages, Paperback

First published June 15, 2009

Reviews

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Opened a firmly shut door for me. Now I write !

[David Kellogg · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a strange book. It has one of the best visual illustrations of the writing process I have seen, and this diagram -- "the process visual" -- is worth any writing teacher contemplating at length. Much of its advice is rather scattershot, however. The exercises the author suggests seem to be of variable quality, and while I will certainly try many out in the classroom, there's little beyond a commitment to process pedagogy that holds it together. It may be more satisfying, however, for writing in the disciplines teachers who focus specifically on students in the visual arts.

[Anne]

Brilliant exercises, challenges and helps to introduce traditionally non words artists to writing in a creative and inspiring way. As a dyslexic this was fantastic tool to get me through my degree.