This, We Believe: Illustrated Poetry Collaboration Project

Introduction

Our art classes are collaborating with Ms. Cisneros’s English classes to bring poetry to life through illustration.

English students have written powerful verse poems inspired by Long Way Down. Your role as an artist is to visually interpret and elevate their words.

Project Overview

• You will be assigned a poem (shared via Google Docs).

• Read and analyze the poem carefully.

• Create an original illustration that represents the meaning, mood, and themes of the poem.

• Your artwork will be published in a collaborative book titled:

This, We Believe

Poem Assignments

Cover Artists: Albert Garcia & Ms. Holmes

Deadline

Monday, May 4th — NO LATE WORK ACCEPTED

We must submit all artwork to the publisher immediately.

If your work is not finished by the deadline, it will not be included in the book.

Essential Question

How can visual art deepen the meaning of written words?

Learning Goals

• Interpret and analyze poetic themes

• Translate written ideas into visual imagery

• Use color intentionally to enhance meaning

• Create artwork suitable for publication

  
  

Instructions

1. Read Your Poem

   • Open your assigned poem in Google Docs

   • Read it multiple times

   • Highlight key words, emotions, and imagery

2. Plan Your Artwork

   • What is the main message?

   • What symbols or imagery could represent it?

   • Sketch 2–3 thumbnail ideas in your sketchbook

3. Create Your Final Illustration

   • Use pigmented (bold, rich) colors so the image stands out when copied/printed

   • Fill the page with intention—avoid empty space

   • Focus on clarity, contrast, and visual impact

4. Final Touches

   • Clean edges and strong outlines if needed

   • Make sure your work is neat and complete

   • Turn in by the deadline for inclusion in the book

Themes & Inspiration

The poems in this collection explore a variety of themes, including:

• Identity

• Belief systems

• Culture and community

• Personal struggles and growth

• Hope, resilience, and change

Your artwork should reflect the tone and emotion of your specific poem.

Materials

• Drawing paper

• Colored pencils, markers, or paint

• Black ink (optional for outlining)

  
  

Reminder: Use strong, pigmented color so your artwork reproduces well in print.

Artist Tips

• Use symbolism instead of literal illustrations

• Think about color psychology (warm vs. cool tones)

• Consider composition—where does your viewer’s eye go first?

• Let the poem guide your creative decisions

  
  

Final Product

Your artwork will be:

• Printed alongside the poem

• Included in a published class book

• Shared as part of a collaborative interdisciplinary project

  
  

4-Point Rubric

Criteria	4 – Advanced	3 – Proficient	2 – Developing	1 – Beginning
Connection to Poem	Deep, thoughtful interpretation; enhances meaning	Clear connection to poem	Some connection, but unclear or surface-level	Little to no connection
Use of Color	Bold, intentional, highly effective	Good use of color	Limited or inconsistent use	Minimal or no color
Creativity & Originality	Highly creative and unique	Some original ideas	Basic or predictable	Lacks originality
Craftsmanship	Clean, polished, publication-ready	Mostly neat and complete	Some messy or unfinished areas	Incomplete or careless

Closing

This project is about collaboration, storytelling, and bringing voices together through art and writing. Your work will help transform words into something visual, powerful, and lasting.

Make it meaningful. Make it bold. Make it yours.