January 31, 2011

As I was reading chapters 8 and 11 and reviewing the elements of design and what makes a good visual image the conversation about the advertisements placed in the magazine next to the twin tower photos came to mind. I remember looking at the images of the ads next to the photos that will stick in one’s mind forever and thinking how inappropriate.  But as I was reading this chapter and thinking about the message that the advertisers were sending I came to the realization that the magazine had very little control over the ads that were placed in that particular issue.  Most ad space is sold weeks or even months in advance of the publication deadlines. The advertisements are produced not really knowing what articles they will be placed next to, but are created to appeal to a specific audience.  In the case of 9-11 the audience changed after the fact. When those ad spaces were sold the content of the magazine most likely was completely different in its mock-up stages.  Where a publisher can change the content to fit the situation the advertisers really didn't have that option and the magazine was obligated to print the ads that were purchased.  In hindsight we can look at this and say that was a horrible and unthoughtful thing to do to put those pictures next to those ads. But in business reality was there a choice? I am not sure that there was. If the magazine was able set aside money issues and run that issue without advertising at all I am sure they would have taken that option. It would have enhanced the visual impact of the entire story and photo essay, but I am sure that was not a financial option. Unfortunately money comes before esthetics.

Awesome Video

As I was searching for ideas on how to update the chapters on symbols I was randomly looking at videos that caught my eye. This one was so beautiful I thought I would share. The music and movement and the images that she chose to work with go together so well that I was compelled to watch even though it had nothing to do with what I was looking for at the time. The colors, images and music were very soothing and it was a nice brain refresher to just watch something that was beautiful.

I have watched other TED talks and love the variety of subjects that are covered. Some of them are way out there and others are very informative.  The two that we watched on Monday in class were new to me, but I enjoyed them emensly. The images that were created with string and chocolate and other odd materials just amazed me. So awesome and creative.
I really connected with the video telling you what the rules of design are and then how he broke them all. Some of my favorite graphic designers are the ones that go beyond the rules and make images that really draw you in and make you want to see more. The videos reminded me of all the things I learned when working on my graphic design degree and why I enjoyed those courses so much.  The challenge of getting your message across to the intended audience in a manner that looks effortless.  Making the design rules work for you and knowing when you get to throw the rules to the wind. I am looking forward to learning more and hearing from all in class about their ideas and thoughts about visual literacy.

"I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" Video

"I'd Like to Teach the World to Sing" Video

Visual Symbols in My Life - 1-24-2011

Visual  Symbols in My Life

This visual symbol is a big part of my life right now. I have worked with the Janesville high school at risk students for the past three years. This particular letter head shows the techno cat emblem that is used on almost all of the sports uniforms and t-shirts worn by students and staff. The photo included on the letter head is the new library addition that was completed right before I was hired. With the library endorsement part of my masters program I found this to be an important addition to the visual images in my life. A school’s logo and mascot image is so important the community it represents. We take ownership and feel pride when our school does well in both academics and sporting events. This is true of both high school and college logos and those of the professional sports teams that we may follow.

I have been using visuals to help reading students to understand the setting in the story Fudge-A-Mania, by Judy Blume. This story takes place in Maine.  Some of these students have never been out of Iowa so I had them view virtual tours of the tourist attractions that are most famous in the area that the story takes place. I did this by going to http://www.maine.gov/sos/kids/

This gave them the opportunity to actually see the place where this story was taking place and to learn a little about the state. There were also more photos on the tourism page that we took time to look at as well.

Other symbols in my life would be the Coco Cola logo. I have collected Coco Cola items for a number of years. My dining room is decorated with these items. I also drink Diet Coke each and every day, I have been accused of being addicted. If I can get it to work I will add a link to my all time favorite Coca Cola Commercial. If you watch it closely you can see the Coco Cola logo in many different languages besides all the people dressed in their native costumes. The original commercial is from the 70’s but the message and images still hold true today.

A movie that I would recommend for the class would be “Breaking Away”. I felt a connection to this movie when I saw it in high school. The movie was made in the 1980’s and has some great images and the story is about the preconceived perceptions people make about others and how those perceptions guide the characters perception of themselves.

I came into this course not really knowing what we would be looking at in terms of visual literature. Coming from a background of graphic design I am very aware of how visual symbols play a role in our everyday lives but had not really fully applied that knowledge to my classroom. The definintions and explanations in the first three required chapters have really helped me not get a better grip on what we will be doing here.

I did find it a little ironic that a text book teaching about visual literacy is so poorly designed.  The type is so small and line spacing so condensed that I actually had to use a note card to help keep my place on the page. The typeface itself is one that is no easily read in that small of print.

Poor design set aside I have a much better idea of what we will be learning.  I find myself looking at the commercials on television now instead of recording and skipping them. When I watch a movie I am looking for the visual cues that help with the story. I am looking forward to class and hearing what others have gained from the first chapters.

Just the beginning!

This will be a whole new experience, usually I get told to stop talking, now I have a place where I am encouraged to speak my mind.  This could be dangerous.