Visual Language Syntax

In this picture we see an older man in full military formalwear standing and saluting while looking to his left. He is in the forefront of the picture but located in the bottom right corner. He is shot from the chest up and cast in shadow so you cannot clearly make out his face but his medals and the details of his uniform are still mostly recognizable. The shadows make the soldier unidentifiable and ambiguous, injecting a somewhat somber tone. Behind and above his is an american flag waving from a flag pole in in the background. The sun is shining from behind it making it appear somewhat translucent against the bright blue sky framing the picture. The flag appears to be waving in the wind.

Responses: Military, Patriotism, American, Proud, Somber, War, Freedom, Respect, Elders, Bravery, Remembrance, Formality, Ritual, Fallen Soldiers, Casualties, Memories, Battles, Inspiring, Nationalism, Duty, Honor, Dedication, Brotherhood

Symbols:
American Flag- Symbolizes the country as a whole, specifically the 50 stars are a symbol for each state and the 13 stripes representing the original colonies to declare independence from England. This symbolizes the unity of the country and the history of where it has come from to where it is now. The U.S. flag is also a symbol of patriotism and nationalism as well as pride.
Uniform- The uniform is a symbol for authority and respect, as well as bravery and obedience. People in positions in power most often wear uniforms denoting their elevated status. Those in uniforms are also bound by duty and they imply loyalty and honor.
Medals- Medals on uniforms are earned for bravery in the line of duty and represent; combat, valor, bravery, and honor.
Clear blue sky- Symbol for hope and a bright future, implies warmth and clarity.

Composition:
Although the focus or positive icon in this image are the soldier and the American flag, the soldier is located in the bottom right his image is given the positive, dominant position by being located in front of the flag. The flag, however is somewhat imposing because it is so large in the picture that it extends beyond the upper and right boundaries of the image. The soldier appears to be looking left, or backwards, as if to salute the past. if the image was mirrored he would appear to be looking into the future perhaps.

Meaning 2: Interactions

“The Accurate” Watch by Mr. Jones Watches

Representational

The “hands” of the watch that read “remember” and “you will die” represent actual time on the watch. As the hands turn on the dial they point to one of twelve small black lines on the outside of the face of the watch. These marks represent the twelve hour and and 5 minute increments of time. These hands and marks make the watch still function as a timepiece but their meaning designates the abstract significance of the watch. These hands of the watch and twelve markings are also symbols for time. The mirrored dial and rim reflect and represent the wearer of the watch. As the person using the watch looks at the dial to read the time they can see their reflection in the watch.

Abstract

The Abstract meaning of this watch is the most important aspect of this watch. The watch was designed purely to remind the owner of their own mortality. More specifically the watch was “designed to remind us that life is brief and that we should seize the moment while we are here”. By using a watch to convey this message the person who owns the watch will always be reminded of this when they wear the watch or think of the time. The watch tries not only to remind us that we should savor the present but also that we should be motivated and seize our opportunities as they happen. As the red second hand ticks around the face of the watch the user is reminded that the future is fast becoming the past.

Symbolic

The short hand of the watch is a symbol of the hours that and the long hand represents the minutes that pass. The longest hand is a red arrow that specifically points to the exact second as it turns. The dial of the watch is a symbol of the wearer, as they look into the watch they will see themselves. Mirrors are most often symbols of introspection and “reflection” and this is a clear example of that.

Design Meaning- Exercise 1

1. These electronic cigarettes or "e-cigs" are made to look like real cigarettes. By Making them look like real cigarettes smokers are able to use these in place of smoking to deliver nicotine by inhaling through them. By making them look like traditional cigarettes users are able to use them to visually and habitually replace real cigarettes with these safer alternatives and can use them as a method to quit smoking.

2. Although these e-cigarettes have the same shape as a tobacco cigarette they differ in the fact that these e-cigs light up only when inhaled by the user. The tip of the "cigarette" lights up blue to both remind the user of a cigarette but differentiate it from a tradition tobacco cigarette which would light up red.Sometimes the band around where the filter area would be will also light up.

3. Symbol for an e-cigarette. Using the traditional symbol for a cigarette except for making the cigarette. By replacing the standard symbol for smoking with a battery this lets the viewer associate the old cigarette sign as well as the symbol for batteries. The combination of these two commonly used symbols implies that electronic cigarettes would be permitted in this area.