Design Principles: Task #5 Symbol, Imagery and Typography

 25.09.2020 - 02.10.2020 

Seerat Tayyab Mukhtar Qureshi - 0345576 (BDCM)

Design Principles  

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Lecture #5: Symbol, Imagery and Typography 

1. Symbol

A sign or shape used to represent something else

Fig 1.1: Types of symbols

SOURCE: Lecture slides

Pictorial symbols: 

Fig 1.2: Pictorial symbols

SOURCE: Lecture slides

Abstract symbols: 

Fig 1.3: Abstract symbols 

SOURCE: Lecture slides 

Arbitrary symbols:

Fig 1.4: Arbitrary symbols

SOURCE: Lecture slides

2. Imagery:

Imagery is a very important part of design and can help the viewer relate to the design and concept if the right images are used. 

Fig 1.5: Imagery

SOURCE: Lecture slides

3. Typography 

This is the design or arrangement of text in a work to convey a message.

Fig 1.6: Typography

SOURCE: Lecture slides

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Instructions: 

Module Information Booklet 

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1. Symbol

For my symbol I wanted to design a motivational symbol as a play on the traditional signage of "No Smoking" "No Parking". I wanted to try something like "No Heartbreak", "No Crying" etc. 

I started by sketching out some ideas I had. 

Fig 1.7: Sketches

I liked the triangle shape as a way of showing importance or urgency. I liked the idea of using the triangle to create a symbol that means "remember to keep an open mind." I used the clouds idea and did a few preliminary works.

Fig 1.8: Open mind symbol progress

After showing Ms. Jinchi this composition she liked the variety of clouds but she suggested I experiment with the sizing a little bit more. 

Fig 1.9: Changing the size of the clouds, progress sketch

Both Miss Jinchi and I agreed that the resized clouds would fit the composition better so I went ahead with it. 

Fig 2.0: Symbol, Final work

Rationale: 

The meaning if this symbol is rememberer to be open minded and free. I've used the gestalt principle of closure for the triangle and as a way to represent "breaking free" from bounds and stereotypes. The clouds are metaphors for freedom and they are not consistent in shape or size which is again an emphasis on breaking norms. I used a triangular shape because such symbols are used to represent alerts or important messages hence, this symbol is a reminder to be free and open. The red outlines add a nice contrast against the yellow and its brightness attracts attention as well. 

2. Imagery & typography 

For this composition, I looked at some inspiration beforehand from one of my favourite collage artists, Adam Hale.

Fig 2.1: Inspiration, Adam Hale

SOURCE: https://ar.pinterest.com/pin/38632509292416243/

Fig 2.2: Inspiration, Adam Hale

SOURCE: https://ar.pinterest.com/pin/457396905910641124/

My idea was to create a composition that shows how different our inner selves can be in comparison to our outer appearances. I looked through some magazines and cut out some stuff to come up with a basic composition

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Fig 2.3: Progress

It looked a bit plain so I added a bit more details

Fig 2.4: Progress

I used an article and some random shapes and cutouts to try and create a little bit of chaos and instability. I also cut out letters to spell out THE INNER SELF.

Fig 2.5: Progress

I added this hand pushing away the eye because I think it emphasises the feeling of trying to cling onto your outer appearance and not let anyone see how you are from the inside. I liked how it looked so I stuck it onto white paper to give it a clean background so the collage is emphasised.

Fig 2.6: Final work

 

Reflection: I actually really enjoyed this week's exercises and I was quite satisfied with the outcome of both my exercises but I particularly enjoyed the collaging exercise because I find it fascinating how you can take existing images and alter them to completely change their meaning. The symbol exercise was also quite interesting as I have never designed anything like this before. I liked it because of the creative freedom and choice to do whatever we wanted.