SESSION 2 – VISUAL LANGUAGEMonday pm

Session Aims:

1. To explore visual language and how it is used in Graphic design

2. To understand the different uses of visual language as a communication tool

3. To understand the different categories of visual language.

Outcomes: You will understand the theory of visual language and how this fits into graphic design as a tool for visual communication. You will understand the different elements of visual language, and begin to think about how you will embed visual language in your assignment work.

WHAT IS VISUAL LANGUAGE?

Unit Criteria: Unit 1: Visual Language

• 1.1 Critically compare, through experimental application, the characteristics of a wide range of visual language elements

• 2.1 Apply visual language, across a range of contexts, to influence appearance and meaning in art and design.

• 2.2 Critically compare the use of visual language, across a range of contexts, to influence appearance and meaning in art and design.

What are the icons saying to you, and why do you understand them?

What are the signs saying to you hand why do you understand them?

How are these examples communicating?

What are these images communicating and how do you know that?

What are these examples communicating?

What might be the story here?

What is Visual Language?

• Visual language is a system of communication using visual elements. In other word using pictures and imagery to express thoughts, ideas, concepts, arguments etc.

• Visual language is the language of images. Shapes, colours, forms, lines, patterns, objects, and people are examples of elements in images arranged to create a particular visual effect or to communicate certain thoughts, ideas, feelings, meanings and messages.

• The saying ‘one picture is worth a thousand words’ captures the essence of visual language. Visual language is a distinct form of communication, different from oral and written language, but as powerful, descriptive, and emotive.

What is visual language?

• In graphic design Visual Language is defined as the creative combining of words and images within defined shapes and structures. It can be used to simplify difficult concepts, illustrate deeper meaning or assist in collaborative thinking.

• Visual language should be part of your research for this assignment.

• You should explore what visual language is, how it is used to communicate with the audience, and what tools, techniques and methods are used in graphic design to do this. You should include a range of annotated examples.