RHETORIC 2 :: mind map and matrix

employ a lateral and considered content selection process for your posters by initiating the ideation phase with mindmaps. the central element should be "vote" or "get out the vote". from there, try to list signs and ideas relevant to your audience.

classify your signs as either icons, indexes, or symbols.

this activity goes hand in hand with this reading on vertical and lateral thinking from "type & image" by philip meggs.



create an analog matrix for the following:
• 4-5 rows (horizontal) for rhetorical tropes (your choice)
• 3 columns (vertical) -- 1 each for icon, index and 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 those down in the matrix where they might best fit. if you want to address low voter turnout, for example, can you think of that issue in terms of a hyperbole (nobody shows up)? a metaphor (a garden with no vegetables)? antithesis (crowded voting booth/empty one)?

next, select signs from your mindmap that have the greatest potential for further concept development and pair each with a trope. using our voter turnout idea, signs could include a voting booth or building, a (culturally relevant) garden, etc.

for me personally, it's easiest to think "what do i need to say?" and jot down that message. then i can plug it into the matrix and ask myself, "how do i make this into a metaphor?", "can it be personified?" or "what parodies might exist? what popular symbols could i play off of?", and so on.

iterate several hand-generated thumbnails for each slot in your matrix.
total matrix = 40+ thumbs.

due end of class next class session.

reminder: professionally document all interim process, both for ongoing blog evaluation, and for your project documentation book.

RHETORIC 2 :: lecture on rhetorical devices

download the pdf here.

FIND+SHARE
find your own examples online and share the link with the class in the comments for this post. a few places to look:
fffound, behance, design archives

set up your post with a brief descriptor and try to name the rhetorical device(s) being used. use this html tag in your post:

<a href="the full url here">linking text in here</a>

RHETORIC 1 :: reading

1. aiga design brief, p 1-2
this pdf outlines the specific guidelines for the aiga get out the vote 2008 competition including poster dimensions, template & submission requirements.

2. type + image, meggs, p30-40 (on my reserve shelf in the library)
this provides clear definitions & examples of the rhetorical devices you will explore throughout this project. read and study the terms thoroughly (flash cards could be helpful). you are expected to properly employ the language during class critiques and for tests.

RHETORIC 1 :: audience

read pages 3-5 from the aiga design brief about voting demographics. select one demographic to target for your message.

conduct additional research on your voting demographic in order to become more familiar with your audience’s needs and goals.



post your responses to the following questions on your blog:
1. what are some predominately shared values of this group? (broadly in life, not politics)

2. what political policies/issues are particularly important to this demographic in this election? why?

3. are there any cultural references your demographic identifies with? what?

4. what does their graphic landscape look like? (this is sometimes called a "visual audit") put another way, assemble a range of designed artifacts that are targeted toward this group - packages, posters, companies, logos, publications, etc.

5. including the aiga document and other sources, what are the issues cited for this group not voting?

include links to your research sources, including statistics and visual examples, that support your conclusions. Posts due to your blogs next class.

RHETORIC 1 :: the rhetorical poster

rhetoric is the art of effective or persuasive speaking or writing. rhetorical figures offer a departure from normal usage by changing the meaning or application of words [AND visual form-making] for greater persuasion, impact & resonance.

for this project you will explore and then craft various rhetorical figures for the purpose of visually communicating a clear "call-to-action": to encourage voter registration and voter turn-out. you will create a pair of posters that will be submitted as a part of aiga's get out the vote 2008 campaign.

the rhetorical figures should illuminate and describe various qualities/purposes of voting in the 2008 election. 10 figures to explore:

irony, pun, parody, metonymy, metaphor, allegory, hyperbole, personification, antithesis, synecdoche

objectives:
• communicate a message to a specific audience
• author content through image making and copy writing
• explain what rhetoric is, its visual/verbal relationship, and its implications for graphic design
• use rhetorical figures appropriately and creatively in the generation of new design work
• employ refined image making, composition and typographic sensibilities
• engage in the specified design process from ideation to execution

parameters:
• open media (must explore off-computer image creation methods)
• for poster specifications see the AIGA design brief (PDF)

due: fri sept 19, (wed oct 15 for sec 2)

about this blog

1
All project descriptions, objectives, specifications and deadlines will be posted here. It is your responsibility to check regularly for important updates, new assignments and topical references.

2
I intend the blog to function as an ongoing dialog and extension beyond the classroom. If you have project-specific questions that arise outside of class please ask. Everyone is welcome to reply and I will respond on/before online hours or in class.

3
Required readings and discussion topics are provided to clarify and expand your knowledge of issues addressed in studio and design in general. Post your thoughtful and brief responses to the comments. I evaluate responses weekly.

4
Visual & creative inspiration abounds online and I encourage you to embark upon serendipitous or purposeful surfing. Once you find something share-worthy post it to "find+share".

5
Occasionally I will assign an online crit in order to provide an alternative forum for classroom feedback and collaborative effort.

If those reasons aren't enough to get involved, remember, your online presence does count toward your online participation grade. I evaluate post quality and quantity.