Choosing a Theme

Every project, no matter how big or small, always starts with a theme. However it is important to remember that a theme is just the starting point, not the final idea. A good theme should be something that inspires you, makes you curious or just genuinely interests you.

Why do I need to pick a theme?

A theme is not meant to limit your ideas. Instead it is meant to guide your thinking and encourage you to experiment. It also sets the tone of your coursework and you will return to it throughout the year.

Ideally you want to choose something which will give you options later on. For example, 'Butterflies' sounds like quite a nice theme, but it is very literal. You will probably end up only drawing butterflies - and after a few months that might get boring. Instead consider a theme like 'Transformation'. This theme would allow you to explore Butterflies, but also growth, decay, identity, movement, architecture and even Typography.

Think about what imagery you would like to draw?

Avoid Picking the Ending First

A common trap is deciding on your final idea first and then choosing a theme to match it. It can feel easier and more organised, but it nearly always leads to really predicable or basic projects.

Strong projects are normally exploratory. They change and adapt as they explore possible ideas rather than trying to justify an existing idea. At this stage uncertainty is a good thing - it means your project has room to develop.

Testing Your Theme

Once you have narrowed down your options to a few possible themes, it is a good idea to briefly test them out. An easy way to do this is to jot down a few possibible ideas or to make a mini mindmap. If you are struggling to think of ideas or none of them seem interesting then maybe consider a different theme.

Ask yourself:

Can this theme be explored in multiple ways?
Does it interest me now (and will it interest me in the future)?
Will I be able to find images to work from? or better yet can I take my own images for this theme?

If you are not sure, ask your teacher or other students. One of them might have a different or unique view about your theme that you hadn't considered.

Some possible themes to consider:

Identity
Memory
Family
Ancestry
Encounters & Experiences
Human Body
Emotions
Characters
People & Portraits
Traditions
Belonging
Here & Now
Digital Dreams
Technology vs Nature
The Future
Communication
Surveillance
Hope vs Despair
Narratives

Society Today
Inequality
Rich & Poor
Refuge / Displacement
Power & Authority
Stereotypes
Gender
Bullying
Rights & Equality
LGBTQ+
Politics
War & Conflict
Media & Misinformation
In the News
Heroes
Crime
__________’s Rights
Folding Structures
Architecture
Animation

The Environment
Environmentalism
Changed Landscapes
Urban vs Rural
Sea / Coast
Underwater
Gardens & Growth
Decay
Regeneration
Cycle of Life
Trash / Treasure
Animals
Insects
Nature
Fossils
World Within a World
Zodiac
Close-Up
Looking Through
Shadows & Reflections

Hobbies & Interests
Sport
Dance
Music
Gaming
Celebration
Food
Travel
Faith
Domestic Life
Journeys
Culture & Customs
Heritage
Fear & Nightmares
Dreams & Surrealism
Fantasy
Supernatural
Disguise
Fragility
Isolation

Opposites
Contrast
Harmony & Discord
Transformation
Metamorphosis
Power
Force
Movement
Time
Change
Inside vs Outside
Light & Dark
Floating
Covert & Obscured
Secrets
Symbolism
Equality
Light
Texture
Facades

Collections
Packaging
Branding
Typography
Illustration
Icons
Memorabilia
Design Classics
Tools & Machines
Medical
Myths & Legends
Folklore
Stories & Storytelling
Fantasy
Supernatural
Horror
A Story Told Visually
Comics
Graphic Novels

Completely Stuck?

No idea where to begin? Think of what you like to draw or what are you interested in? If you are interested in Science - perhaps a theme of 'Nature' would allow you to explore plants in greater depth. If you are enjoy scary movies perhaps 'Horror' would allow you to create your own creepy character for a Movie or Game.

If you’re still stuck, consider what you’d like to make. Storytelling, for example, could naturally lead to book covers, character designs, or even game concepts. Your theme doesn’t have to define your final piece; it just gives you something to respond to.

Google Sites