The project focused on the development of visual practice-based methods within the context of graphic design research. The system of methods is intended for students and designers examining or investigating bodies of visual material, helping to draw insights around the use of type, image, negative space, and other comparative elements. The system of methods was applied to UK Conservative Party posters, and through simple graphic techniques, such as layering and comparison, insights were generated relating to various themes and the visual characteristics of each. The completed design work includes books and posters, exploring how type and image have been used within Conservative Party posters between 1979 and 2010. This work aims to demonstrate how practice-based methods can help designers, students or researchers draw insights from visual communication. The work compares the use of visual elements across various themes and compares the use of particular visual approaches in various contexts.