Visual Literacy Task:

For this task I have learnt how Visual Literacy is important and how to apply it within my Illustrations. Visual Literacy is how we understand images. Also, I have learnt about Visual Metaphors and how lines can add movement to an Illustration. I think that Visual Metaphors can be effective because they provide extra meaning to the viewer. 

To extend my understanding of Visual Literacy, I have learnt about What's the Story? by Alexis Deacon. I believe that learning about this has been useful because it has shown me how different viewpoints, shapes, angles and space can change our understanding of an image. For example, when it comes to shapes, positive and negative shapes can be used effectively to portray a character or a feeling. 

This idea has also been shown by Molly Bang. Molly published a book to present how shapes can communicate a range of meanings based on the scale, colour and spacing. Within her book, she also talks about how position can change how we view an Illustration. For example, putting objects at the bottom of the page can make us feel sympathy towards a character as they may feel threatened. Putting objects at the top of the page can hint the character is feeling happy and at ease. Colours are important within Visual literacy because colours can set the mood or convey a certain emotion. Lastly, spacing can be used effectively based on closeness or distance. Both close and distant spaces can suggest tension. 

The task that I was given was to produce two images that represent the emotions of fear and joy. However, to present these two emotions, I could only use rectangles and triangles. I believe that this task was useful because I have been able to apply my learning of Visual Literacy into my work. 

To represent the emotion of fear, I made red pointed triangles that surround a small blue rectangle. I did this to suggest how the triangles represent fear itself and how it is an negative emotion. I used the colour red to imply how fear can be alarming as fear can make you worry. The rectangle represents how fear makes you feel. I chose the colour blue as I associate it with isolation. I made the rectangle small so it appears vulnerable. I believe that this technique is effective because it can make viewers feel sympathetic towards a character.   

Overall, I think this lesson was beneficial as it allowed me to extend my knowledge on how a variety of elements can change how we feel about a certain Illustration. Also, I think this lesson was beneficial as it has allowed me to learn how to improve my Visual Communication skills.