Erin Donovan
Kerry Hustwit
CDM-272-A Visual Communication
April 29, 2024
Reflection Paper
This course has opened my eyes to how much one needs to consider when creating an image and the truth that a picture is worth a thousand words. Every image has a special meaning, and it is through the various visual principals that photographers, videographers, advertisers, and even common individuals can create imagery that makes viewers feel emotional, excited, inspired, nostalgic, and connected. A section that made me realize how many elements of an image tell a story was our lesson on visual analysis. During this exercise we looked at a famous image of Herbert Hoover at the time of The Great Depression. We were asked to make a list of everything we saw in the frame. We also included how the camera was angled, what Gestalt principles were used, what signs and symbols appeared, how visual cues such as depth and color created a certain mood and questioned the purpose of the photo. It was interesting to breakdown the image because in the past I would have skipped the sensing and selecting portion and immediately tried to perceive the message that the image was trying to convey. My narrowmindedness would have made me disregard a child in the tent in the background, how the trees were framed, where the shadows were cast, and the contrast of the dark suits to the light threadbare clothing of the children, which were all important elements that helped explain more of the situation.
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Moving forward in the course I realized that whenever we looked at an image or film clip, I would slow down to appreciate each element, to make a list in my mind of what was being presented and to question every detail before I jumped to conclusions about the overall message. When watching the video on Studio Ghibli, thinking of this process made me have a deeper understanding of all the steps it takes to complete their beautiful artistry. I was impressed that every detail in the frame was hand drawn as the images were extremely complex and lifelike. I noticed my eyes scanning the screen asking why certain colors were used, why a character was placed in a certain spot in the frame, and the purpose of the scene. I enjoyed when they talked about how the characters ran and moved and how those specific movements reflected their different personalities. Something as simple as movement may seem like a minuit detail, but it is extremely important as it captures the essence of a character, expresses more of their personal story and helps give their background more weight. I also found it interesting how they pointed out the one little girl puts on her shoes as a regular girl would. She slides her foot in, checks to make sure it fits, and then runs off. These little details create a bigger picture and show the connection between real life stories and art forms, which was an important component of our course.
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I have already used lessons from class to benefit me in my job, and I know having these tools will help me be more successful in the future. Another area I loved was our graphic design section. Daily in my job I create graphics to promote events. As I create graphics, I now consider font relationships and the CRAP model. I make it a point to choose fonts that are contrasting to make the design stand out. I tend to use repetition with colors using mainly cardinal, blue and white. I used to put a lot on a graphic and would tend to make it look too busy. After learning about alignment, I embrace the white space, and only place images together if they connect. I have noticed that my graphics are more clean, customized, and compelling thanks to using these principles. My homework design for Katniss and Peeta’s wedding is one of my better designs because I focused on using these principles. It is interesting to look at a graphic I created in my first year at my internship versus a recent graphic I designed because I can see the growth and notice how these visual principles make a difference.
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Our discussions on ethics also allowed me to use these principles as it helped me slow down and learn more about the history of an image before casting an opinion. The ethical questions helped broaden my horizons and I saw images through a new lens. Images that stood out in terms of questioning ethics were the Sisley fashion ad, The David Kirby Benetton ad, and The Migrant Mother photo. I found Sisley’s fashion ad disturbing as they used a metaphor that was concerning to sell their clothes. It had two young women who appeared to be snorting cocaine only it was over the Sisley product. It was trying to convey that shopping in their stores is addictive and that it gives you a rush or high. This image is problematic as young kids may find the brand cool and associate smoking with the brand image. This could lead them down a dangerous path where they seek out drugs. While the image is creative there are other ways in which they could better promote their brand.
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While David Kirby’s family gave permission for Benneton to use the photo, what I found problematic was the company said they wanted to raise awareness for HIV and to help support organizations yet under the photo there was only the number to the store and the website to purchase the clothing. It is unfortunate because it is a powerful, compelling photo that is emotional, but it was not used to its full ability. If Bennetton truly cared about the situation they would mention that a portion of the profits from the clothing would be donated to organizations that work to help those with HIV. They may have included a site that talked about the struggles individuals face and gave more insight on David’s story. Without these elements the campaign in my eyes, is not as powerful as it seems they were using it to make a profit for their clothing.
Finally, we learned the background behind The Migrant Mother photo which somewhat changed my view on the iconic portrait. What appears to be a snapshot was staged, plus there were multiple different photos taken that day yet only one was selected. Like David Kirby, The Migrant Mother gave permission for the photos to be taken and while the message is compelling and pulls at the heartstrings of the public, when you find out more of the history there are some concerns in ethics. For starters what many would say was the face of The Great Depression Era even one could argue the face of motherhood was never recognized. The woman’s name was not shared and while it is a photo showing her struggle and conveying the important message of the hardships people were facing the photographer Dorothea Lang received all the accolades. The Migrant Mother’s family never benefited from the photo when clearly, they needed help and support. Also, it was stated that Florence Thompson, who is The Migrant Mother, saw the photo as a curse as she would constantly be reminded of the poverty that her family faced and the depressing time in which they lived. While I still think the photo is important, I feel it would have held more weight if there was a statement that had her name, because I feel it would still be a universal image that people could connect with regardless of their situation. By taking more time to analyze these photos I was able to consider both sides of the equation and question the choices of the photographers/advertisers. Having the history made me wonder why certain choices were made and allowed me to be more critical of an image even if I thought the message was important.
Overall, I learned many valuable lessons in this course that I know I will take with me for years to come. I will use these principles in my work, and I will continue to take time to fully assess an image and to pay attention to every detail in a frame. I look forward to practicing more with these principles and becoming a more well-rounded individual when it comes to creating digital content.