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How to annotate

Annotated drawing of a textiles project
Image caption,
Use annotations like this student artwork to explain your design ideas and make links to research presented earlier in your sketchbook.
Pastel drawing of knotted striped material with annotation added on a sticky note
Figure caption,
Writing annotations on sticky notes means you can try them out in different positions before making a final choice, as this student has chosen to do

Think carefully about how your annotation looks. It should add to your work and not distract from it.

Make sure handwritten annotation is easy to read. If your handwriting is messy you might be better printing your notes.

If you want to print notes you should use a font that complements your images.

Don't feel you have to write in full sentences. Noting key words or phrases can be just as effective.

Annotations can be added to artwork using a variety of formats:

  • Writing them next to work produced in a sketchbook
  • Writing on the back of the work – take care not to spoil the work by doing this
  • Writing them on seperate presentation sheets
  • Creating a blog - taking photographs of the work at different stages and tagging the images with comments
  • Posting work on social media and adding comments
Annotation - notes next to work, on back of work, on separate sheets, in a blog