Prj CM.2: Output postcard

In classical philosophy, dialectic is controversy: the exchange of arguments and counter-arguments... The outcome of the exercise might not simply be the refutation of one of the relevant points of view, but a synthesis or combination of the opposing assertions... [In a dialectical dialogue] the participants share at least some meanings and principles of valid inference, even if they do not agree. source

This project models a conversation between two communicators. The statement started by one will be expanded by the other. More specifically, the assets generated by one will be used/incorporated in the other's visual response.

First, provide each other with the high res file (and in later phases, the raw layered file) of your postcard.

Now you are the sender. Advocate or subvert the original statement. Strengthen it with your own visual p.o.v. and supporting evidence by placing the object in context to other related components.

When the object (or "component") functions along side (or interrelates with) other components it produces something (i.e. it makes a "product"). You are to visualize the output of the object.

For example, the nail "component" plus other like components (hammer, wood) produces the birdhouse "product". Thus, I counter the original argument with a positive rebuttal stating that building birdhouses is a fond childhood memory.

Answer the following questions: What physical thing, condition or event could this object help produce? How could that engage in a dialectic based on the first postcard?

Parameters:
You are to add to and embellish the original work (with additional imagery, objects, mark making, etc, but no text). You must incorporate the original photo.

Deliverables due next class:
Produce a wide range of explorations & iterations. Post all to process blog. Select & print those with the most potential as "proposed" directions (that's plural).

After class crit you will refine if necessary, print one card and post the final digital card (no explanation) to your blog (post title "postcard 2: output").

prj cm: feedback

Every message that has an intended receiver is interpreted, and to what effect? Provide your assigned partner the following feedback:

receiver:
interpret your partner's message and provide them with feedback. Write a clear and articulate response and post in the comments section of your partner's blog post, using the following questions as a guide:

• Is the object rendered in a positive or negative tone? Describe more specifically (e.g. comedic vs playful)

• How did the aesthetic choices (such as cropping, lighting, orientation, color, media, level of abstraction, style, etc) guide your understanding?

•Based on the reading, what categories of transmission were used to send this message?

•Also based on the reading, (how) did noise affect your interpretation of the image?

example post

sender:
after your partner (the receiver) has commented, reflect and respond. Was their interpretation in/correct? Clarify your intentions.

Blog Requirements:
The dialogue that starts w/the sender resides on sender's blog for entire project. Each post contains the sender's postcard (as a post), the receivers interpretation/reflection (as a comment or post) and the sender's intent/reflection (as a comment). Complete online feedback during class.

Partners:
bryan/vahn/sam
kristy/tim
emily/rebecca
angie/grant
adam/chris

prj cm: reading 2 - communication models

download PDF.

Prj Rhetoric: map > matrix

1. map
Employ a lateral* and considered content selection process for your posters by initiating the ideation phase with mindmaps.

*Read Type and Image, Meggs, p 154-155.

After, classify these signs as icons, indexes or symbols. Then move to step 2...

2. matrix
Create an analog matrix for the following:
• 4-5 rows for rhetorical tropes (your choice)
• 3 columns (1 each for icon, index, & symbol)
• 1 additional column for copy (text as symbol)

Explore the matrix via both text and image.

Think through the matrix in phrases and write phases in the matrix.

Select signs from the map that have the greatest potential for further concept development and pair each with a trope.

Iterate several hand-generated thumbnails for each segment. Total matrix = 40+ thumbs.
At a minimum, complete 2/3 by next class. See side bar for due date -->

Reminder: Professionally document all interim process. Both for ongoing blog evaluation, and for your project documentation book.

rhetorical devices

download lecture PDF here

FIND+SHARE
Find your own example online and share the link with the class. A few places to look: fffound, behance, design archives.

Post once this project. Set up your post with a brief descriptor and use the following HTML tag:

<a href="URL of the Web page to go to">text that will be the link</a>

Signs [recap]

Semiotics is the study of signs and helps to explain how meaning is constructed and understood. There is a lot more to semiotics, but at a basic level, the theory breaks the classification of "signs" into three parts that is useful for visual communication:

ICON = representation, is recognizable (e.g. photo, statue, map)
INDEX = an indicator, can be figured out (e.g. smoke means fire)
SYMBOL = arbitrary, must be learned (e.g. flags, words, some logos)

This is an icon of a 19th c. women's shoe.













Symptoms are an index of sickness.













Hebrew is a learned/cultural symbol.













Signs are not mutually exclusive. This photo is an icon of a man. His uniform is an index of military service. The medals he wears are symbolic of his rank.

images from NY Public Library Digital Gallery