Journal #15

Product Design

I chose my hair straightener as my favorite product design because it saved my life. I have curly hair and have always hated it. It just never does what I want it to. My life changed forever with the purchase of my first hair straightener. Finally I could wear my hair down without looking like a lion! I really enjoy this straightener because it is thin, making it easy to hold and maneuver, but still works very well. It has also lasted a long time; I have used it almost every day for the past 3 or 4 years and it is still going strong. Before this one I used to go through straighteners like crazy because they would get burnt out after using them every day. I finally decided to buy a name brand one and it has worked great. If I was stuck on a deserted island (with electricity) I would definitely bring my hair straightener with me. 

Journal #14

Papyrus


Before this assignment, I didn't realize that Papyrus was used so often. In fact, I only saw a couple business that used it. I did however, search the internet and found that numerous people not only don't like the font but HATE it. I even found websites dedicated to hating Papyrus and exposing it's over-usage. Take for instance www.papyruswatch.com, a blog dedicated to making fun of those who use Papyrus font.

Honestly, I don't think that using Papyrus is a bad thing. If someone decided to make a big deal about the over-usage of Georgia or Arial there would probably be others who followed along. I think if it fits with the design it's fine, however, knowing the amount of hatred their is out there, if you are going for originality perhaps Papyrus isn't the way to go.

One business I found which uses Papyrus is Dolce Salon here in phoenix. I was unable to get a picture of the salon, but found their logo on their website.

I have seen this logo many times and never though that the font choice was unoriginal. I suppose now being in the design world I will take notice to things that others don't. 

Journal #13

Computer Generated

Journal #12

Handwritten

This ad for Kashi cereal features simple handwritten text. Kashi sells natural foods, so a natural text is very suiting. Handwritten text is definitely effective in this ad as consumers will associate the characteristics of the text to the cereal. The type is informal and expressive, just like their products. It also works to illustrate the simplicity (all natural) of Kashi products.

Journal #11

Myth

This ad features a myth because it is built around the signs of success. It works to illustrate the status associated with someone who purchases Tiffany products. If you want to be classy, buy Tiffany. 

Denotative value: This ad for Tiffany Sunglasses features an attractive woman wearing Tiffany sunglasses, jewelry, and nice clothing riding in the back seat of a nice car. 

Connotative value: When we see that the woman is riding in the back of the car, we know that she is being chauffeured - a sign of success. The fact that she is gazing out the window implies that she is in a beautiful and possibly exotic place. Being able to travel to beautiful and exotic locations is also a sign of success. 

Journal #10

Metaphor

This is a very effective use of a metaphor in an ad for The Roy Castle Lung Foundation. By modifying the cigarettes to make them resemble a gun we associate the characteristics of a gun to cigarettes. This clearly conveys the message that cigarettes can be just as deadly as guns. 

Journal #9

Logos & Color Meaning


Pepsi

Pepsi's use of red, white and blue creates color harmony as the colors elicit feelings of patriotism. In my research I found that Pepsi switched to red, white and blue after WWII to show support for the war. These colors are similar to the triadic color harmony, only Pepsi incorporates white into the logo as opposed to yellow. 

BP

I find BP's choice of color very interesting. According to their website the colors used suggest "heat, light and nature."With BP's lack of environmental conservation, choosing colors that represent nature seems like an attempt to improve their image. This logo uses an analogous color harmony as yellow, yellow-green and green are spaced equally from each other on the color wheel.

IBM

According to Wikipedia, Big Blue is a nickname for IBM. One theory explaining the origin of the nickname is that it refers to the mainframes IBM installed in the 1960s and early 1970s. This was an interesting fact that I was unaware of. The color blue is a big part of IBMs culture. The blue logo creates color harmony as the color blue is soothing to the eye. 

Journal #8

Emotions


Angry

1. I chose this image because the "smiley face" is clearly expressing the emotion of anger. Facial expressions are often the easiest way to find out how someone is feeling. 

2. At first glance you might think that I chose this image because the man is angry, but I chose it for a much different reason. I work for an organization called Childhelp. It is a nonprofit organization focusing on the treatment and prevention of child abuse. This image is one we use often. A lot of emotions overcome me when I hear stories of child abuse, but anger is the most prominent. 

3. I chose this image of a child being bullied because my son has experienced bad kids, as he calls them, at school who are just plain mean. It has not escalated to physical violence, but just the idea of a child being mean to another child, especially mine, makes me angry. 

4. I chose this image because to me it represents cursing which is usually what I do when I'm angry. Sometimes I just think about obscenities, but sometimes they do make they way out. 

5. I chose this image because it is also expressing anger. This is probably what I look like when I get angry. 

Sad

1. I chose this image because the thought of an animal, especially a dog, being hurt makes me sad. 

2. I chose this image of a sad child because they are clearly sad. They are expressing the emotion. It is also sad to see a child sad. 

3. I chose this image for the same reason as #2. This child also appears to be sad. 

4. I chose this smiley face because his facial expression indicates that he is sad. 

5. This is another image of a hurt dog, only this dog is cuter so this image makes me even more sad. 

Joyous

1. I chose this image of a mother (I'm assuming) and her child because there is no greater joy than becoming a mother. Even a random baby can bring joy to many. 

2. I chose this image of a beach because the beach brings me joy. It is one of my favorite places. 

3. I chose this image because the people are clearly "jumping for joy," but also because they are on a beach which brings me joy.

4. I chose this image because family brings me joy and because they too are jumping for joy. 

5. I chose this photo of a child because her facial expression shows that she is feeling joyous. 

Uninspired

1. I chose this image because the artist seems to be uninspired. When I think of "uninspired" I think of creativity.

2. I chose this image because the color is so dull (as stated) that it leaves little to be inspired by. 

3. I chose this image because I also think of depression when I think of uninspired. I have experienced depression in the past and one of the most prominent feelings associated with it is lack of inspiration or will.

4. I chose this image because it also shows someone in a depressed state. Depression can sometimes leave you so uninspired that you can't imagine leaving the couch.

5. I chose this image of an employee taking a break at work because sometimes you just have those days where you're not inspired to do much. 

Scared

1. I chose this image of a dark night in the woods because sometimes being alone in the dark can be scary. I'm just saying.

2. This image from atop a high ladder scares me. Being on something that I can fall off of is very scary.

3. This image of someone on a tight rope also scares me.

4. I chose this image because the smiley face is clearly scared. 

5. Ever since I watched The Ghost and the Darkness as a kid, being chased by a lion has been one of my biggest fears. I imagine anyone or anything that finds themselves being chased by this guy would be scared. 

Journal #7

Everyone Has An Opinion

Journal #6

Ransom Note

Journal #5

Create new signs for:

Mens/Womens Restroom

For this set of signs I focused on the differences between men and women in an office setting. When I think of an office I immediately think of a suit, so I created these signs centered around office attire. I believe both sigs are clearly recognizable as either men or women. Both signs are symmetrical as elements are evenly distributed. I chose to use, black, gray, and blue as these are "power colors" in the corporate world.

Fire Extinguisher

I think this sign accomplishes our task to convey meaning while adding art to the space. The design is somewhat symmetrical with the red fire extinguisher and red fire balancing out the corners of the sign. The elements of this sign are also arranged according to emphasis with the fire extinguishing spray taking up the majority of the image. The fire in the bottom corner also establishes a focal point.

Janitor's Closet

I chose to use blue for this sign because it gives the impression of clarity and cleanliness. As a cleaning product, blue is also associated with Windex so the reader will automatically know that the sign indicates where the cleaning products are located.

Executive Washroom

For this assignment I immediately thought of a toilet with a tie. The sign indicates where the restroom is located while also indicating that the restroom is for executives. This sign is also symmetrical and uses blue and gray, both power colors.

Parking Garage

I chose a simple design for the parking garage as drivers need to immediately know where to go; they may not have time to depict the meaning of an artistic design. The black and white image conveys the image clearly to the reader. The image is somewhat symmetrical (apparently a common theme of mine) as each square is equally balanced. This sign is also uses the similarity principal as each item has a similar size, texture and color.

Exit

For this asymmetrical sign I chose to create a maze because the whole concept of a maze is to find the exit. I chose to use red and green as they are contrasting colors. I also chose to use green for the arrow as it signifies "go." It also provides a focal point.

Journal #4

Guided by Arrows

Although I captured well over 20 images of arrows in the past couple of days, my eye is still drawn to them. Just as Phil Patton did, “I started looking for arrows and soon I couldn’t avoid them.” Before completing this project, the arrows around me went unnoticed; however, in my quest to take 20 pictures of 20 different arrows I soon ended up with around 50.

After sifting through the many arrows I found, I finally narrowed it down to 20. While this first image is not an arrow, I believe its shape is a great indicator as to why arrows are most often used to symbolize direction. 

I found this image in a Where’s Waldo book (yes-Where’s Waldo, direct from the early ‘90s). It caught my eye as my son and I were searching for Waldo. As I stated earlier, I simply couldn’t stop finding arrows so the rocket’s resemblance to an arrow quickly caught my eye. I began thinking about the shape of the rocket and how it’s pointy tip directs air to the sides to eliminate drag. I soon realized that arrows do the same thing. The pointed tip of the arrow directs our eyes towards the end of the arrow, thus stimulating movement. As Patton stated in Setting Sights on the Arrow, “It radiates a sense of direction by its very shape.” It’s no surprise that arrows are used most commonly on our roadways.

Both of these images were captured at intersections coming off of the freeway. Can you image approaching an intersection without arrows directing us where to go? While we may know the roads we travel most often, arrows are very convenient (and necessary) on roads we are not familiar with. Patton states, “Arrows grab for the eye of the motorist and demand a maneuver of the same geometry.” It is very important for drivers to be able to quickly look at an arrow and know where to go or how to get to where they need to go.

This image signifies direction as well.

The airplane symbol along with the arrow pointing left indicates that drivers looking for the airport should turn left.

Arrows on our roadways not only signify direction, but function as well. The following arrows illustrate how lanes function.

The first image shows drivers that another lane will be added next to theirs while the second shows drivers that another lane will be merging into theirs.

This arrow signifies function as well. It was found off to the side of a turning lane indicating that drivers in that lane could only turn right.

The following arrow signifies a specific area.

While the “no parking” symbol notifies drivers that they are not allowed to park, the two-sided arrow informs drivers as to where they are not allowed to park.

Arrows can quickly instigate direction as they are so well known and understood. This street sign uses arrows as well as blinking lights to signify the need to merge into the other lane.

Arrows are used to signify direction on many different items.

I found this arrow on my husband’s air compressor. The arrow begins with a tip at the end of the arrow and gradually gets larger as it reaches the point. This draws the eye from the end of the arrow to the point indicating that the knob should be turned in the same direction. Following the instructions of the arrow will increase the pressure in the compressor.

This arrow on the top of a can of WD-40 signifies direction in a different manor. The arrow indicates the direction in which the lubricant leaves the can, just in case the user didn’t notice the long, red tube in which the product exits through. 

This arrow was found on a plastic case that houses a few of my husband’s tools. The arrow points to the right indicating that the black latch must be slid to the right to open the case.

The following arrows were found on my remote.

The numerous arrows on the remote all signify different things, but all represent either “up” or “down.” While the volume and channel buttons are labeled with a “+” and a “-,” they are in the shape of an arrow indicating either “up” or “down.” Pushing the top of the volume button will increase the volume, while pushing the bottom of the arrow will decrease the volume.

The following arrows signify location rather than direction.

This arrow was found on my dashboard. The arrow points to the left of the gas pump icon signifying that the gas tank is located on the left side. This was very helpful when I noticed that I had less than a quarter tank of gas.

The hands on this clock closely resemble arrows but rather than direction they signify location. The pointed tip of the hands point to the exact time.

The arrow on this tape measure signifies location as well showing exactly where 1 foot is located.

This arrow was found on the top of our pool pump. The tip of the arrow indicates the exact PSI.

With both sides of the following lock exactly the same, it could be easy for some people to be unsure whether it is locked or not. Luckily, this arrow clearly indicates which side the lock is on; if the arrow is pointing towards the door, it is unlocked; if the arrow is pointing towards the doorframe, it is locked.

I found this next arrow inside my refrigerator. The downward-pointing arrow signifies which level the freezer control is set to.

My final arrows revert back to the arrows most significant purpose. As Phil Patton stated in Setting Sights on the Arrow, “the arrow is about that abstract idea—direction.” The following arrows were found on my son’s pillowcase.

Construction, especially in the eyes of a little boy, is loud and fast passed; what better way to signify that than with arrows. The arrows provide movement and direction to the stationary images making it fun and fast.

Whether it be with our vehicles, our hands, or our eye, "we will always lead with and be led by the arrow." 

Journal #3

Symbols All Around You

To complete this project, I took a walk around one of my favorite places: Target. While I found plenty of symbols and icons around the store, I noticed that most meaning was conveyed through written words. According to Saussure, words are a collection of signs organized in a linear sequence known as a syntagm. While words are symbolic signs, I chose to photograph illustrated signs for this project.  

Symbols. Saussure and Pierce agreed that the relationship between the signifier and the signified are arbitrary in a symbol. While Saussure categorized symbols as Arbitrary, Pierce defines a Symbol as a sign that has no logical connection between the sign and what it means. Symbols rely exclusively on the reader having learnt the connection between the sign and its meaning.  

The first symbol I chose to photograph is the Target logo. 

While the Target logo does have a logical connection to the store itself, its meaning and connection with the store are not known until the reader has learned of the connection. We might recognize that it is itself a target, but until we have learned about its connection with Target, we do not immediately associate it with the store.

Walking around the store I found many logos symbolizing a brand or product. While the following symbols have some logical connection to their brand, we do not associate them with the brand or product until we learn their meaning.

 Apple

 Major League Baseball

 Quaker Oats

Arm & Hammer

The following symbols, on the other hand, have no logical connection to their product. We as consumers have learned to associate them with their brands.

 Fruit Loops

 Trix

The next group of symbols may be very recognizable to those with children or who remember these symbols from their own childhood. As with other symbols, we do not understand the meaning of these symbols until we have learned the connection with the sign.

 Superman

 Spiderman

 Green Lantern

 Captain America

 Barbie

Icons. Saussure and Pierce also agreed that with Icons, or Iconic symbols, there is a direct link between the sign and the object. The following icons resemble the things they represent.

I chose to photograph this icon because it reminded me of Magritte’s ‘The Betrayal of Images.’ While this may not be a moped, it certainly resembles one.

This set of icons was found on the seat of my cart. The reader does not need to learn the connection between the sign and what it means, as the icons clearly resemble the actions that they represent.

I found this icon in the parking lot as I left the store. The icon resembles a shopping cart easily letting customers know where to leave their carts when they are done shopping.