Message: communication arts research

Ded­ic­ated to the devel­op­ment and dis­cus­sion of con­tem­por­ary visual com­mu­nic­a­tion messages through research
Message: communication arts research

Message, a communication arts research cluster, is dedicated to the development and discussion of contemporary visual communication messages through research, particularly, but not exclusively, within graphic design, typography, illustration, fine art and publishing.

The intention of the group is to support the development of creative practitioner and theorists’ research, enabling the exploration and expansion of critical activities and debates around visual language and the theme of the message.

Members undertake a varied range of practice-led and theoretical research methods and disseminate findings through the Message journal, stand-alone publications, papers, exhibitions, conferences, residencies, collaborative projects and through enterprise-based activity.

Message includes both established and emerging researchers.  Core members include: designers, illustrators, writers, artists.

MESSAGE

Our aims:

  • Contribute to and lead dialogue, critical debate and knowledge of visual communication theory and practice.
  • Evaluate the shifting boundaries of visual communication.
  • Raise the academic and professional profiles of both individuals and the cluster nationally and internationally through the Message journal, exhibitions, publications, symposia and joint collaborations.
  • Develop visual communication postgraduate and research opportunities within Plymouth University.

Our research interests include:

  • The development and use of traditional and contemporary technologies in relation to visual communication.
  • Social ethical and sustainable values within visual communication practice.
  • The nature of drawing.
  • Illustration contexts.
  • Visual communication pedagogy.