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Design & Technology

Graphic media

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Both drawing equipment and computers are used in graphic desgn. A wide range of graphic media and equipment can be used to achieve different qualities. Graphics editing software is used to edit bitmap and vector images. Desktop publishing software is used to layout pages.

Graphic media

The materials used to draw an image are called graphic media. Different media and techniques can be used to produce different qualities.

Graphic media and qualities

Media	Qualities
Graphite pencils	- available from 9H (very hard) to 9B (very soft) - softer pencils used to add darker tones to drawings - harder pencils good for technical drawings
Coloured pencils	- good for flat areas of colour - available in many colours - water soluble pencils used to blend colours
Markers	- water-based - non permanent, do not bleed, can give streaky finish - spirit-based - permanent, need bleedproof paper, waterproof - different nib shapes eg round, brush, square
Watercolour paint	- comes as paste in tubes, or solid blocks - thinned with water for different shades - good for applying colourwashes [colourwash: Applying colour to a large area of a drawing, normally using watered-down paint, eg watercolour. ]
Gouache paint	- comes as paste in tubes - thick, opaque finish - thinned with water for different shades and colourwashes
Acrylic paint	- opaque - dries quickly, water resistant when dry - work on most materials eg plastic - thinned with water for colourwashes
Spray paint	- good for painting 3D models - good ventilation needed
Chalks and pastels	- good for large areas of colour - good for tones and shades - not suitable for detail