What Is Graphic Design Part 2 - The ability to construct a meaning from visual images and type

It is made clear by the text in this image what it is trying to tell us. It's the clever manipulation of text and image which makes the message all the more impactful, the use of a gun, which is pretty controversial, especially when there is so much youth gun crime around, is a really strong image to use. It is aimed at kids, this is clear, a way to make them see that going to school is far more clever than using guns... almost making them feel guilty for throwing away their education.




I know this doesn't use type to explain what it means, but, it is a perfect example of an image, showing it's meaning without having to use type.
A simple line-drawing depicting someone with their head (their mind) in a cage, a caged mind if you will...





I love this image, mainly for its simplicity and impactful message. It is using symbols known world-wide to depict the message that love is more important than money. Using a heart to depict love, and a dollar sign for the money aspect. The use of a bright red adds impact where it is needed, making the eye focus on the heart rather than the dollar sign... where our focus needs to be.




This is an internet advert... a viral campaign... one of those annoying messages which pops up on screen which you promptly close. However, I found this one different, a lot more eye-catching (excuse the pun). It is an advertisement to make us think, one telling us about the fate of whales.
It's cleverly only using the eye, showing us the incredible scale of an actual whale... and saying that it is life-size (highlighted by the different use of colour in the text), again adding impact in saying that we are killing such huge creatures. It is made to make the viewer feel guilt... and hopefully change their ways.




Along with the others, I love the clear message behind this photograph. It is using imagery which is widely known and turning it into a message which makes people smile in turn. It is showing the ripple effect of happiness, hitting the 'happy' ball into balls depicting people. We all know what happens in pool or snooker when you break the triangle... the balls bounce off each other in all directions, using the yellow 'smiley' ball as a metaphor for happiness... and the multi-coloured ball as the people who will be happy as a result.
The focus is definitely on the yellow ball, the colour used to add impact, it is also in the center of the image.




This image is again, really clear in it's message. Using our knowlege of today's economic crisis, and playing with it to show that these television stations are sinking.
The symbols, the logos as we know them, are literally sinking into the sea. A clear metaphor.






By 'Lena'
By Richard 'M'