Assignment 2: Visual Communication Design

Being a graphic designer, an event flyer is an appropriate example of the type of work I will be dealing with. The flyer manipulates the 3 levels of design by using representation, abstraction, and symbolism.

There are several representational forms on the left side that derive from regular objects. Most images included are related to music which symbolizes to the viewer that the advertisement is for a concert. There is a cassette tape, record, robots, a hat, bird, and a tree. Each thing has the basic features that indicate what they are but they are abstracted with unrealistic faces and human like characteristics. This communicates to the viewer that each of the objects have their own happy personalities, which could be translated to be the vibe of the concert. Some of the representational images communicate the flyer is for a hip hop concert. There is purposely a cassette tape and record because it symbolizes a more old school style, as oppose to using a cd and mp3 that may be perceived as a more mainstream category of music. Also, the cassette is wearing a baseball cap which also indicates the style of music since it is associated in the viewers' minds with hip hop or rap. The flyer manipulates all 3 levels of design to communicate to the viewers that the Sound Set show of 2012 is going to be a fun hip-hop show.

Symbolic Design

The illustration is an example of symbolic design. Although there are no actual symbols present, there are other cues that indicate what the artist was expressing. The person's face is looking down which denotes their feeling of sadness. There is another face coming out of the back that has exhausted eyes and is gasping miserably. Metal pieces are also connected to the person which could symbolize the mechanics of themselves, maybe signifying feeling like a robot. Viewers are able to understand the message of concealing misery and being drained by it because of the body language displayed. Body language is a universal sign that people interpret similarly. 

Abstraction Design

The treehouse is an example of an abstract design. It derives from the function of a treehouse by being placed in the trees for people to go inside, like a typical treehouse. It is an abstraction because although it posses these features, it is a defined glass box instead of a small house made out of wood. It communicates to the viewer that the object is a treehouse due to its placement and the walkway which indicates people are meant to go inside. Although the actual treehouse resembles nothing of a typical one, it is clear to the viewer what its function is and what it derives from. 

Representational Design

The ring is an example of a representational design that signifies a flower. Characteristics on a real flower are included in the representational version of the ring. There are petals arranged around the center stigma piece. The band is also similar to the stem of a flower. These features translate to the viewer that the ring is a flower. Even though details like the color and leaves are not included, it is still clear to the viewer that the design is of a flower.

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