Visual Communication is an important aspect of writers and readers in their process of interaction through book pages as well as electronic screens, such as televisions, computers and cameras (Berger, 1989). The visuals may include photographs, films and posters. Other commonly employed terms to refer to visual communication is communication design, information design and document design which may, however, exhibit slight difference in the fact that it entails more of language use in paragraphing and sentence structuring.
Visual communication has proven vast advantages over the old handwritten or typewritten documents (Berger, 1989). It happened so because visual communication offers more attraction for the attention of the target audience, consequently, enhancing more effective communication.
The procedure involved in the making or the design of visual communication entails visual artistic techniques, such as lining and shaping, application of principles of organization and point viewing. This paper, therefore, outlines the steps involved in composing visual images to relay particular messages to the intended audience.
Lining and shaping
According to Berger (1989) lines are not real in nature; they are mere optical creations when objects diverge from the viewer. Lines and shapes are created on the visual communication image in order to create an influence and guide the viewer. In addition to influencing the direction of the viewer, lines also create borders in color or contrast level in the image.
The designer may also make exaggerated lines that form a style that enhances deeper and extensive meaning of the image. Lines are also used to create the desired level of organization in the image (Berger, 1989).
For instance, Berger (1989) explains that straight lines help to direct the attention of the readers to specific subjects or themes in the picture. When used in any piece of an artistic artwork, the straight lines are referred to as linear, which not only contribute to the affection of the image, but also make the article appear more detailed and challenging.
On the other hand, “curved lines create an art of flow in a given image” (Berger, 1989). Curved lines, when used together with soft lighting, contribute to the harmony of the image since they often produce graduated shadows.
Shaping is majorly achieved through the use of a variety of colors. The choice of a color for painting to obtain desired shapes in the image depends on the culture of the target audience and the meaning of the intended message (Berger, 1989). For example, white color may be associated with purity when taking care of culture in the artistic work or may signify peace when the nature or meaning of the intended message is under consideration (Berger, 1989).
Principles of organization
These are the guidelines that help the artist determine the central point of interest where the visual image shall occur. This is the point at which the eyes of the viewer tend to linger whenever they gaze at the image (Berger, 1989). The guiding factors include shape and proportionality, positioning of the elements, color, illumination and development of the paths over which the viewers’ eyes follow at a gaze.
Point viewing
The point at which the image is viewed not only influences the image elements but also affects the interpretation made on the image by the viewer (Berger, 1989). The artist, therefore, assumes the position of the viewer when designing the viewpoints of the image in order to overcome distortions.
Inadequate preparations to undertake the above described procedures make the resulting image prone to low qualities and inability to communicate the intended messages. Some of the vital meanings of the image may not be properly communicated due to omission of certain basic aspects of the image techniques. Internal memos, notices and other important communication works should be assigned to a specific artistic team to supply the company workers (Berger, 1989).
Reference
Berger, A. A. (1989). Seeing Is Believing: An Introduction to Visual Communication. Mountain View, CA: Mayfield.