The module is an introduction to archaeological illustration and photography for archival and publication purposes. A range of techniques and conventions for illustrating will be taught including: artefact illustration, field recording, photography, digital illustration techniques, using industry standard software (Adobe Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop) to prepare artwork for presentation and publication.

Students will learn how to illustrate artefacts and field structures using traditional techniques, pencil, pen and ink. Students will also photographically record the artefacts and field structures using SLR cameras to complement the traditional illustrations, adding information regarding colour, texture and condition. Students will then digitally process both the traditional illustrations and photographic records. All of these different strands of visualisation will be combined into a digital portfolio (PDF) providing students with skills in the publication and presentation of archaeological imagery. 

• Illustrate artefacts accurately in pencil and ink, using accepted conventions corresponding to material type.

• Photograph archaeological artefacts.

• Photograph archaeological features and then digitise for publication.

• Understand and apply key photographic techniques including photographic exposure.

• Evaluate the quality of a variety of images, both visually and technically, and appraise post processing techniques.

• Layout finished work in Adobe InDesign and compile illustrations and photographs as high resolution and low resolution PDF files.

• Identify artefacts, their materials and composition.

• Understand how artefacts are made and how they may have been used.

There are 10 three hour and 2 four hour sessions of supervised artefact illustration, recording and archaeological photography. However some tasks, for example, the artefact photography and artefact pencil stage of your drawings, can only be completed in the studios, as the removal of artefacts from the premises is not permitted.

• Pen and pencil control in drawing and recording a range of artefacts accurately.

• Field recording and photographic skills, which can be transferred to employed commercial work.

• The use of scale and appropriate bar scales for artefacts, maps, plans, sections and photographs.

• Artefact analysis. Knowing what is needed for high quality informative artefact illustration and accompanying photograph.

• Introductory skills in the use of digital illustration using industry standard software and the use of digital photography and image manipulation.

• Self-management, team working and problem solving.

The elements of this module aim to support you in developing a broad range of knowledge, skills and personal aptitudes that prepare you for work in commercial archaeology and further employment. This will achieved by developing experience in:

• The drawing and recording of a range of artefacts accurately for research and commercial work.

• The production of archaeological field drawings and photographs.

• IT skills relating to the use of industry standard software for digital illustration, digital photography and image manipulation.

• Self-motivation, team working and problem solving.

• Critical evaluation of complex information, identification of key issues and development of appropriate practical solutions.

• Demonstrating creativity.

• Developing lateral thinking, logical reasoning and analytical skills.

• Being resilient and persistent when faced with a challenge.

• Reviewing the results of a task.

100% portfolio, all work presented in an A3 folder digital PDF version at the end of the semester.

They will carry out precise illustration tasks which require good fine motor control and will also need good colour vision and be able to visually examine objects although not essential (please contact module leader for further information).

THE OPPORTUNITY FOR REASSESSMENT IN THIS MODULE:

The portfolio would be re-submitted in the summer to be reassessed.

The requirement that students demonstrate an ability to carry out practical illustration tasks will limit the availability of alternative forms of assessment as an adjustment for disabled students.

Bar Scales exercise: Complete the bar scale exercise using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop for display in your portfolio.

Section/plan drawing: Using your own measurements, draw in pencil at a scale of 1:10 the section/elevation. Produce a 1:10 vectored version of the section/elevation using appropriate annotation for publication, with Adobe Illustrator. Produce accompanying photo of the section/elevation with appropriate annotation using Photoshop and Illustrator.

Metal artefacts: Draw at least two metal artefacts in pencil and produce inked in versions. Photograph and post process images of the two artefacts.

Ceramic artefacts: Draw at least two pot rims in pencil, scan the images and produce vectored Adobe Illustrator versions. Photograph and post process images of two artefacts.                                

Lithic artefacts: Draw at least two lithic artefacts and produce inked in versions. Photograph and post process images of the two artefacts.

Presentation: Present all illustrative and photographic work in an digital A3 portfolio using InDesign (desk top publishing software).

Drawing Archaeological finds, A Handbook. By N. Griffiths & A. Jenner with C. Wilson. 1990, Archetype publications ltd.

Approaches to Archaeological Illustration, A Handbook, By Melanie Steiner. 2005, Council for British Archaeology.

The Illustration of Lithic Artefacts: A Guide to Drawing Stone Tools for Specialist Reports, By Hazel Martingell and Alan Saville. 1988, Joint publication by The Lithics Society and the Association of Archaeological Illustrators & Surveyors.

The Student's guide to archaeological illustrating, Brian D Dillon, Los Angeles: Institute of Archaeology, University of California, Los Angeles 2nd, rev. ed. c1985.

 Archaeology & illustrators:

 http://services.english-heritage.org.uk/ResearchReportsPdfs/033_2010WEB.pdf

Archaeological Illustration: Small Finds: http://www.bajr.org/BAJRGuides/32.%20Archaeological%20Illustration%20-%20Small%20Finds/Guide32.pdf

Adobe Photoshop CS6 Classroom in a Book. Adobe Creative Team (2012) Adobe Press Books.

Adobe Photoshop CS6 for Photographers. Evening M. (2012) London: Focal Press.

Photography in Archaeology and Conservation. Dorrell P.G. (1994) Cambridge University Press.

Camera Techniques In Archaeology. Conlon V.M. (1973) John Baker London

Langford's Basic Photography: The Guide for Serious Photographers. Langford M.J. Fox A. Sawdon Smith R. (2010) London: Focal Press.

Langford’s Advanced Photography: The guide for aspiring photographers. Langford M.J. Bilissi E. (2011) London: Focal Press.

A learning community for photographers http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/