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[sydneyporada]

In this piece of data visualization showcasing “legislative responses for policing in 2020,” design strategy is used to evoke emotional response when viewing the image. Rather than translating this information in a bar chart or graph, the choice to use windows as a representation system generates a personal reaction from viewers. The data is personified as windows can represent the people inside. Using a graph would eliminate this connection. The visual of an actual protest also presents viewers with a reason for the data being presented. The agenda of this piece of data visualization is to send a message beyond the data and highlight the people and situation involved. 

This Moroccanoil shampoo and conditioner are part of a larger identity system of Moroccanoil products. Each product whether it is lotion, shampoo, or heat protectant, contain the same design elements relating to color typography and positioning on each package. Each label possesses the brand’s iconic “M” logo as well as a vertical “MOROCCANOIL” text of the left of each label. The brand’s title and contents are always presented in all caps, often in white or light blue. The brand achieves consistency through its brand colors and established typeface.

[sydneyporada]

The denotative meaning, or the literal meaning, of this “Kings of Strings” poster is that it is an image of the four king playing cards, each holding an aspect of an instrument. The kings of hearts are holding microphones, the kings of clubs are holding guitars, the kings of spades are holding basses, and the kings of diamonds are holding drum sticks. Surrounding these images are the words “The Kings of Strings.”

The connotation of this design leads me to ask myself the question: “How does this make me feel?” Well, looking at this design, I can observe that the connotative meaning of playing cards being fun or games. I think using the playing cards is very clever for this bands, as there are four members and four kings in a deck. The playing cards mixed with musical instruments make me feel like this band is the type of band I could go see with my friends and I have a fun time, as I would any night also relating to music and games.

In this packaging design for the game, “That’s What She Said,” icons are used to express the game’s function and theme. The two icons I would like to point out are lips and speech bubble. The use of a speech bubble in the lips is used as a visual representation of the game. That’s what “She,” indicated by the red lips, “Said,” indicated by a speech bubble. The signifier and signified, in this case, are related through resemblance. 

This eyeshadow palette, by Tarte, is titled “toasted.” The indexical function of the fire background is to indicate a campfire. This further plays into the palette’s theme of s’mores, coziness, and summer nights, which can be observed in the eyeshadow color names. The signifier is existentially related to the signified, in this case, as fire creates campfires, s’mores, and coziness.

In this image of a “Coastal Orange Beach” sticker, I thought it was very clever to highlight the letters “AL” in a different color. While the “coastal” coincidently contains these letters at the end of the word, “AL” can also symbolize the state abbreviation of Alabama. This is symbolic as it’s primary message lies within “Coastal,” but we can signify the resemblance of “AL” as Alabama. The signifier and signified, in this case, are related through a cultural agreement that “AL” symbolizes Alabama. 

In this design for Kodiak waffle mix, texture comes through to make the ad appear old or worn out. This is achieved as this design, rather than using photographic images, utilizes drawn images including a bear, mountains, and pancakes. The connotative meaning of this is that is brings a cozy, outdoorsy feeling to viewers, almost as if they can imagine themselves baking in an old cabin in the woods. 

[sydneyporada]

In the book, “In Vogue,” there is a clear patterned used throughout the pages. Observing white spaces in relationship to text a images, I can infer that a grid was used to establish cohesion. 

On this poster, hierarchy is used to distinguish important aspects of the poster’s advertising. This is achieved through size and boldness of the typography. 

In the word “birkin” both letters “b” and “k” possess an ascender, as they are lowercase letters that ascend past the mean line.

In the word, “jane” the letter “j” possesses a descender as it is a lower case letter that drops below the baseline.

The letter “R” possesses a counter as it has an enclosed space inside of it.

The letter “A” has a crossbar, as there is a horizontal line moving across it.

This font used in my “grand haven” sticker possesses a large x-height in comparison to its small ascenders.

This font used in the word “Only” possesses a small x-height in comparison to its large ascenders. 

A piece of design that appears to be “Modernist” is this page that includes the words “vintage junkies” This font is stretched and not typically the most traditional one used. Its bubble letters and proportional flare give the font a modern and trendy look.

This font used in the word “rock” works to connote something more than just the text typed in that font. It gives the word an edgy feel, alluding to a band’s signature or graffiti. 

[sydneyporada]

Image 1 - Talley's Shirt: This shirt uses complementary colors, blue and orange, as a way to create contrast and emphasize the importance of the typography on the shirt.

Image 2 - Happy Dad Graffiti: In this mural, the colors red and purple are used. These are analogous colors as they sit next to each other on the color wheel. By using red as a background color, the design stands out in a bold manner, while the purple stands out in the typography. The relationship between red and purple translates a harmonious and pleasing visual to viewers.

Image 3 - ASMSU Poster: In this poster, cool colors are primarily utilized as purple, green, and blue are depicted. The dark shades of purple and blue create a mysterious mood and leave viewers intrigued, wanting to learn more. This influences further engagement with the poster.

Image 4 - Pitusa Building: In this example of graphic design, warm colors are being predominantly utilized. Because Pitusa is a clothing store, the warm tones may be used to symbolize comfort and welcome. Orange is often used to express ideas related to fun and goofiness, so that may also be a reason for the building design.

Image 5 - Card Game Card: Each card in this deck is designed with contrast in value. In this example, the color purple is used, however the different values purple form the design to establish the importance of the the typography with lower value. This provides a simple yet effective method of translating information to viewers. 

Image 6 - Lynwood Garage: This building design follows Gestalt principle of continuity. While the "lines" on the building are made up of various dashes, our brains make up the missing parts.

Image 7 - Building in Miami: When passing this building, I was impressed by the black and white design. I thought the funkiness of the stripes and curves created an illusion in my head.  This figure-ground relationship leaves me questioning if this is a black building with white stripes or a white building with black stripes. 

Image 8 - Arizona Can: When examining this can, the design appears to have a retro feel. Although the year is 2024, this design gives off a vintage feel, similar to the 50s, with a checkerboard pattern and muted color scheme.

[sydneyporada]

IMAGE 1: Cinnamon buns ad in restaurant - This ad creates contrast within the format of the typography. The rotation of the words "Saturday and Sunday" contrasts the other words in the ad that are written in a straight line. Weight also differs among words, as "hurry in, while they last" is thinner than "fresh baked cinnamon buns."

IMAGE 2: "Lounge" sign in Flannigan's - This sign showcases a contrast in texture. The word "lounge" is made with a 3D format and the texture is bumpy upon touch. The platform of the sign is smooth, although made from the same material.

IMAGE 3: Stuart Coffee Company logo and sign - In this image, contrast is achieved through spacing and weight. The typography of the title "Stuart Coffee Company" differs in every line. While "Stuart" is written in cursive italics, "coffee" is showcased with bold, large letters, and "company," in contrast, has an increase in kerning and is depicted in thin letters.

IMAGE 4: Stuart Florida street sign - This sign achieves contrast in its typography through weight and scale. "Stuart Florida" has a larger, thicker look while "sailfish capitol of the world" in thinner and has a smaller scale.

IMAGE 5: It Was a Dark and Stormy Night t-shirt design - Repetition is used to create contrast in this design as the left two boxes of the design contain a repeating lined background. In contrast, the upper and lower right boxes are made up of a solid background. The framework also differs from the content in the image as the frames are made up of passive lines that hold the same rugged consistency, while the drawings of each figure are more active.

[sydneyporada]

IMAGE 1: "everything I know about love" book cover. This book cover design utilizes typography as well as drawing to communicate the book's context. The choice to scribble out certain words as a design choice reveals the author's personality that will be continued in the book, as she emphasizes that makes mistakes and often loses train of thought.

IMAGE 2: An aquarian exposition in White Lake, N.Y.--3 days of peace & music promotional poster. This poster contains text and image to communicate and promote a music festival. A silhouette of a bird sitting on the neck of a guitar is showcased, symbolizing an idea of music, as the poster serves as a concert promotion. Any text that conveys important information uses a sans serif font, allowing viewers to easily understand the when, where, and who involved with the event.

IMAGE 3: "The Sound of Music" musical program. This program includes original imagery of Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music to help audience members make the connection between the show they are about to see and its original format. A sans serif font is used in other aspects for a clean look, allowing readers to obtain information such as show dates and times.

IMAGE 4: Last Exit Books and Coffeehouse. This wall design serves as a logo/sign for a coffee shop in Kent, Ohio. A man with glasses, holding a cup, is shown to symbolize the main message or vibe of the store, which is books and coffee. The decision to keep every aspect of the design detailed in black keeps the image clean and sophisticated.

IMAGE 5: Store signage in Key West, Florida. Signage is an example of graphic design as it translates locations to viewers. Each store is designed in a unique way, according to its brand identity. The organization of these signs is helpful as colors are spread out in a visual appealing way.