Process- wants to break down the separate elements of the communication process with some attention paid to the context of the message and or purpose of said communication.
Semiotic- more attention paid towards the text or the medium which the message is communicated. Also there is focus on the audience and initiator of the communication.
The process: you> message> medium/channel> destination
In order to communicate your message focus in these four steps as an illustrator. Understand your style, develop your message, and establish a channel by which to send your message to your designated audience.
1.You-the illustrator are the communicator. Your style and effectiveness to convey a message depends on your background, age, culture, family life, personality, etc. Everything in your life including any changes affects your illustrative style, allowing you to change and grow.
2. Message- employ a visual code using the artistic elements of design (line, color, value, light, etc.) to break this down simply. Your sign is made up of the signifier and the signified. Your message= image+ meaning. Signs are broken down into three different categories, all of which convey the message to the audience. They are icon, symbol, and index.
Icon- resembles the image that it is signifying. Simply made so that even a child could indenting and understand it. i.e. Apple, cat, car.
Symbol- something that is culturally agreed upon. An example would be relating colors to emotions like red to anger. It is an arbitrary relationship with "little to no visual connection to the object that it signifies".
Index- natural sign like a storm gray cloud signifying a storm, or leaves falling to signify autumn. This form of signs is mostly used by fine artists rather than illustrators.
3. Channel/medium- the physical means of directing the message to the audience. They are various forms of mediums to get your message out there, and just like everything else in this chapter, it is broken down into three different groups/types.
-presentational (voice, face, body)
-representational (writing, drawing, painting)
-mechanical (press, internet, radio, television)
4. Destination- the audience is the destination of your message, and they are the people that will deconstruct and decode the message or idea that you have so thoughtfully created. The entirety of your work rides on whether or not the audience will receive your message well and or understand. Basically communication is a two way street between the messenger and the receiver of said message. The content and the visual language of your illustration must reflect the audience and their preference, understanding, and abilities. Understanding your target audience is something that is constantly researched. Receiving feedback from your message is what mueller you improve/change if needed in order to more successfully convey your message to your audience. The audience is the entire purpose that you created your message in the first place, so that it could be heard/communicated to someone. Everyone has their own way of understanding, and if you can find their particular communication style you can be effective in communicating your message/illustration.
