Symbols, Image and Words (Exercise 5)

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Week 5 (Topic: Symbol, Image and Words) - Any design software for SYMBOL, and Collage work (magazine cut-out, found objects, etc.) for IMAGE and WORDS. 

Symbol

Symbols are representations of concepts or ideas. For example, a circle and arrow are associated with maleness, while a circle and cross represent femaleness. A four-leaf clover is often understood as a symbol of good luck. A dove usually represents peace. An airplane is a common symbol for an airport, or a martini glass for a bar. There are thousands and thousands of symbols.

Symbols also have a meaning on their own. But unlike icons, symbols have a specific meaning within each culture that can change from place to place or evolve over time.

Here are some different types of symbol:

Pictorial symbols

Image related and simplified pictures

Abstract Symbol

an be in the form of simple symbols or icons that are creative, impressive, conveys a unique message and triggers a person's curiosity.

They also can look like the objects they represent but have fewer details.

Arbitrary Symbol

Have no resemblance at all to the objects or the ideas they represent. They are invented and constructed. Many are based on geometric shapes and colors.

For the symbol exercise, we are required to create an arbitrary symbol. I found the picture below and thought it would be a good idea to create something out of it.

Here is the first sketch that I did.

Feedback

When I first showed the first sketch to Miss Maria, she said it's a very interesting idea and she liked it. The only thing that needed to be fixed is to simplify it and create something more like a silhouette because arbitrary symbol doesn't have to have so many details in it.

Then, I fixed it and here is the final outcome.

Rationale

Sun and moon are known to represent a merging of opposites, unity and cooperation instead of conflict, and rebirth. Just seeing them together as an art is a pleasure. It resembles Yin and Yang and separates from each other yet close together. The circular shape alone is a symbol of the never-ending circle of life. Placing a half moon and half sun inside the circle supplies even more meaning. The sun is often recognized as a symbol of rebirth, strength and power. The moon is associated with the female in many cultures often in the form of a goddess. It's almost a modern western version of the Yin Yang. This relates nicely to the sun and moon because they hold the same qualities and meanings. For instance, the moon does not strictly represent female goddesses. The blue moon for instance can symbolize contrariness in a male.

Imagery & Typography

Imagery is a vital part of the design, be it print or digital. Users and viewers are able to relate to a concept or a brand if the right images are used in a work of design. It's therefore important to use suitable and relevant images when designing.

Typography is the art of arranging letters and text in a way that makes the copy legible, clear, and visually appealing to the reader. Typography involves font style, appearance, and structure, which aims to elicit certain emotions and convey specific messages. In short, typography is what brings the text to life.

For the next exercise, we are required to create a design that has a combination of imagery and typography. For the artwork, I decided to use my own picture that was taken in Spain.

At first, I wanted to use the picture below but I couldn't find any messages that I could deliver out of it.

Feedback

When I showed the first picture, Miss Maria said it's a nice photography and I just had to think of a message that I could deliver from it. Apart from that, there's nothing else that had to be fixed.

After a few minutes of staring at the photo, I thought I could represent something about traveling since the picture was taken somewhere outside of my country. So, I changed my mind and ended up choosing anoher picture that I thought could represent something about it better.

So here is the final result after I added a quote in it.