Making a Poster. Visual LiteracyPoster

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1 Spirited Away (Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi) is a fantasy adventure with a ten year-old girl, which starts in everyday Japan but goes somewhere very different. For young Chihiro and her family, a mysterious tunnel and haunted town lead to the Land of Spirits, inhabited by gods and monsters and ruled by the greedy witch Yu-baba. Chihiro s parents are transformed into pigs; to rescue them, she must surrender her name and serve in this world. Luckily she finds friends and allies, including the handsome but mysterious boy Haku. Initially sulky and listless, Chihiro (or Sen, as she s now called) finds inner strengths and establishes an identity in this strange world. But can she win back her name and return home? w w w. n a u s i c a a. n e t / m i y a z a k i / s e n / w w w. s t u d i o g h i b l i. n e t ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 1

2 Exploring the Framework Action and Vectors It is important that when working with an image or film in the classroom for the first time, to be able to view a significant section of it before discussing and analysing how it might be constructed. In this way, discussion and analysis adds to the enjoyment and meanings that are made, instead of fragmenting or distracting from the student s experiences. What s happening? A starting point with images, or films, is to discuss what is actually happening. A lot of images will have people, animals or even objects participating in some sot of action. In these images there are often lines that lead the eye in a certain direction. These lines, or pathways, are called vectors. These vectors can be objects or parts of objects (such as arms or legs) or invisable lines, such as the direction of a gaze from a person s eye. They help to construct the actions that are taking place. Rosie s Walk by Pat Hutchins Describe how you think that the vectors work in this picture? How is your eye lead from object to object? ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 2

3 Concepts and Symbols Some pictures do not have obvious action events occurring, yet we understand what they are trying to say. These pictures are concerned with a concept or idea rather than an action. Often this is done by using symbols or icons. This poster symbolises unity between young and old. and between different races. In the squares below draw examples of symbols that you know. What do these symbols represent? ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 3

4 The relationship between the viwer, the image and the image maker. Framing LONG SHOT The human figure occupies about half the height of the frame and can show a long distance or depth. Realises a more public type of distance. MEDIUM SHOT This generally shows the upper part of a person s body. Realises a more social type of distance. CLOSE UP SHOT Shows the head and shoulders of a person and suggests a more intimate or personal social relation. A close-up or medium shot of a person can be an attempt to portray them as a friend. (e.g. a politician) A long shot may portray them as though they are a stranger or distant from us. ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 4

5 The relationship between the viwer, the image and the image maker. Angles Looking down on someone or something can convey a sense of power or control. Looking up from below at a person or object can make us feel vulnerable. The use of angles in images allows different relationships between people and between people and objects to be conveyed. ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 5

6 The relationship between the viwer, the image and the image maker. Demand and Offer A person who looks you in the eye demands you attention. The same can be said for a person or creature in an image. When the eyes are looking directly at the viewer, they are called a demand. When the eyes do not look at the viewer, or there are no people or creatures in the image, this is an offer. Here the viewer is offered the possibility at looking at any of the other elements first, rather than being demanded by the gaze of the eyes. ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 6

7 The relationship between the viwer, the image and the image maker. Colour and Composition ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 7

8 The relationship between the viwer, the image and the image maker. Reading Paths and Layout ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 8

9 Summary of Visual Codes Below are some of the features that can allow us to describe how an image may be constructed. What s happening? How is the relationship developed between the viewer, the image and the image maker? How is the image composed? action qualities concept qualities angles shot distances colour offers or demands reading paths - lines and vectors layout - top/bottom - left/right ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 9

10 Analysing Posters 1. What is a poster? A poster carries information to advertise or promote a product or event. (or an idea / concept) 2. The 3 most important things on a poster are: 1. Title : the name of the product or event. 2. Image: represents the product or event visually. 3. Information : what?, where?, when?. who?, why? etc. 3. Look at the selection of posters on the next page and answer the following questions for each poster. 1. What is the title? 2. What is the poster advertising or promoting? 3. Describe the poster? 4. Do you like this poster? Why? 5. Is this a good poster? Does it work? Is it effective? Does it make you want to buy this product or attend the event? Poster no. 1 continue writing in you Art-book ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 10

11 ChristopherLawrie B H I E C 2007 No. 11