introdution to symbols basic meanings
TRANSCRIPT
WHAT A VISUAL SYMBOL IS?
There is usually some kind of connection between the image and the
meaning
It is an image aiming to catch the viewer´s attention
This image hides a meaning which should be found out by the viewer
A symbol always gives an open interpretation that can be changed over time
WHAT A VISUAL SIGN IS?
Signs are usually gathered into collections labeled as codes
As a concequence, the meaning is socially shared
It is an image aiming to clearly communicate something to people
These images take for granted that the viewer already knows the meaning.
A sign always gives a closed interpretation that cannot neither change nor be argued
BASIC SYMBOLS
3Number Three represents the Trinity, the three ages of human beings, the three stages of time (past, present and future) and the result of putting together the two first numbers (1: masculine and 2: feminine)
The Triangle pointing down represents femininity, water, the moon and fertility
The Triangle pointing up represents masculinity, fire, the sun and fertility too
4Number Four usually stands for the annual seasons, the cardinal points, the colours in a card deck, the prime elements (air, wind, fire and water). Olympiads, world cups and other games take place every four years.
The Square represents the earth and, in general, order, stability and rationality.
5Number Five is related to human hands, protection and salvation. It is also the quintessence, that is, which comes after the four prime elements.
The Five-pointed star represents the devil when put upside down
The Five-pointed star represents a human being
Many strongholds have a pentagonal shape. Do you know
any building in the USA related to this shape?
6Number Six represents the universe (remember the Star of David as a combination of two equilateral triangles and their meanings). It is also a symbol for hard working and reliable people because the cells of a beehive honeycomb are 6-sided.
Hexagons bring about very strong structures, for instance, the shell of a turtle.
It is a symbol of harmony and perfection
CIRCLE
It has been identified with eternity because it doesn´t have neither beginning nor end.It is related to perfection because there is always the same distance from any point of the circle to its center.Think of the domes in many churchs
CORPORATE IDENTITY
Corporate identity
It is an activity which looks for increasing the visibility of a company within the whole society
It tries to define and develop all the visual aspects of a
company (logo, brand, advertising…)
It tries to establish a set of values and behaviors
everybody in the company must adhere to
It tries to become as recognizable as possible among
customers, stakeholders and workers
LOGO DESIGN GUIDELINES
1. It must be easy to recognizse and
reproduce
2. It must be simple and easy to remember
3. Colors are very important, however, they
are usually basic ones.
Corporate identity
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