Effective Visual Communication

One of the discussions we had in class that I found interesting was about effective visual communication and how we could include certain elements in our image to make it visually appealing and attractive. I want my image to catch the viewers attention and keep them interested without them having to search to far for the overall message. Although semiotics are a great feature for an image if the basic idea isn’t obvious people tend to disengage.

In terms of layout, I want the viewer to be naturally guided to the focal point of the image. This could be done using the suns rays and shadows. For example the layout of the bottles in the image below force us to follow the line and end up at the CocaCola logo and written message.

 

With the main image in my assignment being a forest it is important for me to consider space. the most effective images allow for breathing space to ensure the image is not cluttered. If there is too much happening in an image it can be unappealing and to hard to understand.

To ensure that my image effectively conveys my message it is important it gets straight to the point.  All images that I include should match the tone and subject matter I am illustrating, all other images are irrelevant. In limiting my images it is still important to include iconography, a few images in which are easily understood and enhance the viewers comprehension.

 

Source:http://www.columnfivemedia.com/infographic-10-tips-for-designing-effective-visual-communication

Image manipulation techniques

Image manipulation and editing is not a skill I excel at however we have been learning many different techniques in class that will hopefully make editing my final image easier. I only had a basic understanding of Photoshop and although I could get the job done we have been taught techniques that will allow me to create a better quality image. Some of these new techniques include, masking the images, this is a much more accurate way in which to cut certain sections out of one image and add them to another. This method would work well when you are cutting out intricate image or trying to decipher between useful image and the background. Being that my image is a forest it is important that I make it as realistic and believable as possible, therefor creating shadows underneath the falling tree is essential. I will need to adjust the transparency of the shadow depending on where it falls in the image. Finally, proportion is an important factor in my image, since i am adding trees to an image of a forest its important that any I add look proportionate to the others. Placement is also a factor in this as depending on where I place additional images will depend on how big or small they need to be.

Semiotics

Semiotics is the idea of finding meaning and signs in images that help imply messages. This as a simple idea that can easily be used to use to make an effective image. It also gives people the chance to create their own opinions about what the image portrays instead of telling them what to think.  For my image my idea is to add subtle signs and signals that viewers can pick up on and analyse. For example the change in colour will help imply and differentiate between the ‘dead’ and ‘alive’ world. Hopefully I will be able to include this colour editing in both the trees and sky. Another one of the ideas I had to create meaning was to use lighting. If possible it would be great if I could have light rays shining in through the trees to signify the protesters fighting for the trees well being. The light rays would be a less obvious way to show the supporters rather than needing people in my image. the below image is a great example of how light rays could be used to represent positivity.

Retrieved from http://fineartamerica.com/featured/light-beams-shining-through-trees-and-fog-keith-webber-jr.html

COMPOSITION

An important part of creating my image will be the placement of the different objects in my image. Its important that the trees are the main focus of the image while still hinting at the different parties involved. I thought my image work work well if it had a flowing rhythm, that way the forest flows across the image. This flow shows the movement through the forest and the change between the alive and dead trees. Its most likely that my image will be asymmetrical, with little to no balance. In doing this the image will show a progression therefore it is hard make it symmetrical as well.

This image flows in a way I would like to capture for my image, giving an impression that the forest continues beyond the image.

If I was to include a falling tree in my image such as this it would be important that I also include other images to balance out the overall layout.

Colour

To create my final image I believe that colour will be one of the stand out factors, more specifically how I have manipulated colour to enhance the ideas in the image. One of the ideas I have is to take a landscape image and from left to right have the trees go from being alive to dead. I want the colour used in the image to create meaning and spark emotion in people viewing the image. Bright, vibrant blue and green colors in the sky and trees represent the alive trees, healthy and worth fighting for. On the other hand there is the dull, dirty colours representing the loss of trees and the damage it is causing to the environment. The dull colours could also represent the loosing battle protesters are having in trying to save the trees.

This image shows the kind of dull colours that I could include in my image to show the damaged trees. The dark clouds and leaf less trees is something that I could use for my image.

This image shows the vibrant greens and blues that capture the life of the trees. The bright colours create a happy feeling and encourage people to support the cause.