Syntactical Guidelines

The dress pictured is an example of good design because the top portion of the dress has a bold pattern that is both leveled and sharpened. The even, continuous pattern creates leveling as well as a positive and negative effect due to its even dispersal of the colors black and white. Though the top is leveled, it is also sharpened because of the strength of the contrasting colors and rigidity of the lines. The piece contains only solid colors, without fading or gradients. Though this piece has a lot of action in the upper section, it  balances out nicely with the dull, neutral gray, voluminous lower piece, which counteracts the busy top portion with its simple display of stress in the line of buttons.

The couch pictured above is an example of bad design because the color pixels placed on the couch are very scattered and irregular, creating no pattern, balance, or harmony visible to the eye. The stress is very disorganized, causing tension. This is a poor example of leveling due to the distracting nature of the piece. There is no stability in the piece. As a whole, the wide spectrum of colors is presented in a sloppy, disorganized manner that is unappealing and unsettling.

Visual Language Syntax

Initial Responses:

Representational:
-job searching
-job vacancies in newspaper
-classified advertising

Symbolism:
-unoccupied
-hope
-opportunity
-epidemic
-depression

The photograph above displays an individual seeking for employment. The photo shows a person looking through the classifieds section of the newspaper with a red marker. Furthermore, the photo strongly concentrates on  the movement of the red marker, as the individual circles the job openings that they are interested in. Since the photo is entirely zoomed in on the newspaper, the result of unemployment show that the individual has already circled three job listings that they are interested in pursuing.

MEANING 2

Representational

The photo above displays an advertisement created by the Coca-Cola Company. Along with its unique design, is a representation of a bottled carbonated soft drink. Because the soda bottle is easily recognizable, its main role in the photo is to persuade individuals to drink Coca-Cola. The Coca-Cola bottle and the summertime aspect of the photo affect its viewers because it allows them to envision a good time under the sun accompanied by Coca-Cola. This advertisement leaves room for the abstract and symbolic levels due to its elements and its deeper meaning behind the Company's persuasion.  

Abstraction

The elements of the advertisement interact with one another. The background of the image focuses on a bright luminous sun, creating a stronger hold to its audience. The color combinations provide warmth, affection, and jollity. The abstraction relates to the representational level because of its elements, such as the fancy curves. The fancy and decorative curves denote the significance of Coca-Cola.  As the sun symbolizes life, the abstraction of the sun relates to the symbolic level. 

Symbolism

The content of the advertisement carries a significant amount of symbolism. The role of the glowing sun denotes life and happiness. The summertime aspect plays a huge role in the setting of the advertisement, because it symbolizes radiance, pleasure, and relaxation. The symbolism within this ad is powerful because it entices people into experiencing a joyful time. The symbolic level connects with the representational level because it coincides with the theme of the ad. What is mainly represented and recognizable in the ad is the Coca-Cola beverage, and with the deeper meaning of the symbols, they enable the bottle to stand out on its own. The symbolic level also correlates to the abstract level because the symbolism provided in this ad convey the joys of life, and the elements of the ad also communicates a positive feeling. 

MEANING 1

Representation

As you look at the image above, you can easily observe the striking waves moving in sync. This is definitely a representational photo because it allows viewers to clearly recognize and identify what they are actually looking at without question. It carries a great amount of detail by simply being surrounded by the different shades of blue. Although the image is embodied by water, viewers are able to pinpoint that the image portrays an ocean. And because of the fact that there is a large expanse of water presented in the photo, it would be rare for viewers to misinterpret the ocean to a river or a lake. Most importantly, this photo is real specific, leaving it easier for viewers to diagnose. 

Abstraction

In the photo above, is a beautifully painted image of an abstract ocean. This is a great example of abstraction because it is not an accurate representation of an ocean form, but the use of colors and shapes help define what the image is trying to portray. Also, while you glance at the photo, there is a direct connection to our visual perception. This shows that the abstraction derives from a representational form. The structure and the design of the image enables viewers to grasp the main subject of the photo. Most importantly, the flow of the elements, such as the direction and curves of the lines guide the viewer through the image.

Symbolism

The graphic picture above shows people that they are not able to swim in any designated area where the symbol is shown. This is a perfect example of symbolism because it demonstrates "symbolic thinking" and requires people to communicate through coded forms. An individual would be able to decipher the meaning of this symbol because there is a huge red cross over a person who is swimming, denoting that swimming is prohibited. Furthermore, the boldness of the red signals danger, making it easier to catch people's attention. Most importantly, the intention of this symbol expresses meaning. This symbol is symbolic because just like many other symbols, it invites people of all races to understand and convey the same message.