VISUAL TEXTSUnderstanding the language of

TypographyColourSymbolsPerspective and Using images

THINGS TO CONSIDER ABOUT VISUAL LANGUAGE:

In the study of visual language, how the words are written is as important as what words are written.

View the following video on typography: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ki6rcXvUWP0

WHAT IS TYPOGRAPHY?

What size? Would a big word seem more important than a tiny one?

Does using uppercase (capitals) matter? What about italics or bold?

Would illustrating the words help show the message clearer?

WHAT TYPOGRAPHY TO USE…?

EXAMPLES OF ILLUSTRATIVE TYPOGRAPHY

How does the illustration reinforce the words?

1. Illustrating verbs – complete Task 9B

2. Task: Re-write the following sentences in appropriate fonts:

1. “WAIT HERE for your turn”

2. “Biohazard: only authorized personal allowed in this area”

3. Come up with your own sentence.

CHOOSING TYPOGRAPHY

The central focus or dominant image may be obvious from its positioning, often at the centre of the static image.

Movement that carries the eye from one part of the image to another also assists this design focus.

DOMINANT IMAGE

PerspectiveProportion(size of objects)

Layout

Space/

Composition

Framing

Is a compositional rule for design, photography, painting, and film.

It states that an image should be divided into nine equal parts, by two equally-spaced horizontal and vertical lines, and that important elements of the picture should be placed along these lines.

Colour is more than decoration. Colours, whether described in words or shown in images, often have a symbolic significance that contributes to meaning.

The choice of colours, and the shade of it, all affect the impact of the image and its effectiveness in communicating.

Colour can be used for symbolism or mood.

What colours are important to the text we’re studying?

COLOUR

Red

• Associated with all things intense & passionate (lust, love, danger/warning, fire, energy and excitement).

• Symbol for violence, blood, and war.

• Indicates courage

Blue• Depth and stability –

colour of sky and sea• Symbol of freedom• Associated with

tranquillity, wisdom, loyalty, cleanliness, technology and security.

• Key words: calm, loyalty, health, power, faith, healing, wisdom, air, water, heaven, trust, sky, knowledge.

Green• Associated with nature, youth, and fortune.• Also, feelings of envy and jealousy.• Darker green associated with money.• Key words: healing, stability, banking/money,

novice, hope, growth, nature, harmony, jealousy, safety, fertility, protection, emotional.

Yellow

• Colour of sunshine. Indicates energy, optimism, joy, hope and warmth.

• Symbol of spontaneity and impulsiveness.• Dull yellow associated with decay and

sickness.• Key words: warmth, sickness, decay,

cheerful, warning, happiness, energy, attention, stimulating, honour, pure, friendship.

Black

• Gothic representations – death, evil, and witches.

• Symbol of grief, power, mystery, and fear.• Positive connotations: elegance & class.• Key words: darkness, elegance, mystery,

prestigious, blacklist, formality, grief, death, evil, unknown, cold, night, negative, aggressive.

White

• Purity, simplicity, faith and perfection.

• Associated with clinical elements – hospitals.

• Key words: naïve, purity, snow, virginity, medical, heaven, innocence, angels, simplicity, goodness, faith, light, honesty, sterility, doctors, wholesome, positive.

Brown

• Associated with earth, home, and comfort.

• Key words: earthy, homely, comfortable, honest, fertile, soil, depth.

Grey

• Associated with maturity, old age, dignity.

• Symbolic of boredom and conservativeness.

• Key words: crystal, old, dignified, classical, boring, safety, security, solid, metallic, steel.

PinkSignifies romance, love and friendship. It denotes

feminine qualities and passiveness.Key words: girl, love, romance, friendship,

feminine, soft, passive, subtle.

PurpleRoyalty, nobility, wealth and extravagance.

Symbolic of wisdom, magic, arrogance and higher learning.

ORANGE

Associated with enthusiasm, attractiveness, stimulation, creativity and warmth.

Symbol of fall and harvest.

CREATING A VISUAL TEXT

POSTER

INFOGRAPHIC

VISUAL ESSAY