4. Visual Metaphor

This advertisement for the popular television series "Nip/Tuck" is an example of a visual metaphor. If this metaphor were to be in writing, it would read something like this: 'They are such skilled plastic surgeons that they could successfully remove an angel's wings.' What makes this a metaphor is the fact that there are no real people among us with real wings attached to their backs. This image is meant to glorify their abilities as doctors; placing them at a skill level above all others.


I chose to use this advertisement as an example because not only am I a fan of "Nip/Tuck," but I am very drawn to the ad's design. The color scheme is extremely appealing, and the surrealistic imagery is very eye-catching. It sends a message to its viewers in a concise manner which does not require the use of text. To me, this absence of text is what makes the image so intriguing.

7. Propaganda

The woman on this WWII propaganda poster came to be known as Rosie the Riveter. The purpose of the message "We can do it!" was to encourage women to take on jobs in war factories while the male workers were serving in the military. This was the primary way in which women could help the American war effort. Once the men returned, women were expected to resume their roles as homemakers.

I chose to post this image because I have always greatly enjoyed it. In a time when women were primarily seen as housewives, this image empowered them; it proved that they, too, could serve their country and be just as vital to the nation as the soldiers overseas. This propaganda poster has obviously made a significant impact since it it still shown, discussed, and used as a feminist icon today.

I also came across this video. It consists of a song about the "Rosies" of the time and includes actual footage of women working in the factories and on the assembly lines.

5. Bruce Mau:
Incomplete Manifesto for Growth

Strategy #8- Drift

Allow yourself to wander aimlessly. Explore adjacencies.
Lack judgment. Postpone criticism.

wander aimlessly
be free; forget about all constraints

explore adjacencies
consider everything; make connections

lack judgment
be open-minded; don't over-analyze

postpone criticism

don't worry what others think; do whatever

This point would be very useful to me because I tend to over think things sometimes. I need to learn to just let loose and let inspiration come naturally. I worry a lot about what others are doing when I should be focusing primarily on what I am doing. I have a feeling that taking the time to drift will do both me and my artwork a great deal of good. In the future, I definitely plan to utilize this advice; especially when I feel my creativity is lacking. I also think this suggestion will be useful outside of design projects. I predict that wandering, exploring, lacking judgment, and postponing criticism on a regular basis will be a good way to relieve stress and gain a clearer perspective on things. Following Bruce Mau's advice will only bring about positive changes to my normal routines.

1. Define: Design, Culture, and Language

design: an arrangement of visual elements; methods, theories, and research all exist behind every successful design

culture: an integrated pattern of knowledge, beliefs, and behavior constant throughout a group of people who share the same goals, attitudes, and values

language: a means of expression and communication; allows for information to be exchanged from one person to another

Since design is all around us no matter where we are, everything depends on design. Culture greatly influences design. For a design to be effective, it must fulfill the needs of the culture into which it is introduced. Without language, the existence of any design would be impossible. Designs are a form of language in the sense that they convey information to large amounts of people. Culture would also not exist without language. In order for a group of people to determine what their collective goals, beliefs, and values are, they must communicate with one another. The notions of design, culture, and language are tightly knit and immensely influential to one another.

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Example of an intersection between design, culture, and language:

Tattoo artist Kat Von D has recently created her own line of cosmetics for Sephora. Below is an advertisement which promotes her two new fragrances, "Saint" and "Sinner", along with her newly formulated tattoo concealer.

The element of design is present in the layout of the photos taken, the look of the perfume bottles, the choice of clothing, the backdrop, her different hairstyles, and in her tattoos themselves. These decisions were made consciously and purposefully in consideration of this ad's final design.

Kat Von D addresses separate cultures through the duality presented in the photos above. She acknowledges anyone belonging to the tattoo culture, people who may want to purchase the "Sinner" scent, while also appealing to those of more conservative cultures, people who might purchase the alternative "Saint" scent. In doing so, she broadens the spectrum of consumers who would be interested in her products.

The notion of language is also apparent in this example. Kat is communicating to the massive amount of people in the tattoo culture that they do have options when it comes to revealing their permanent markings. Having been tattooed since she was 14 years old, she makes a very bold statement to her audience through the concealment of every tattoo on her body. If the product works for her, it will most likely work for anyone else.