For this assignment I chose to make a infographic for my activist Facebook page “Animal Rights PNW” that can also be used as a printed material (i.e. post card). The original image has open public rights, but I will have to investigate further if that infact is true. The author may have copied the original post card that was made before.
My audience is animal activist groups and enthusiasts for animal rights in the Pacific Northwest area. Today we hear many stories and view many gory videos from animal protection organizations, but they, for the most part, only inform of the horrific acts of violence against animals due to the lack of the animal rights.
The card meant to appeal to the empathy for animals and the call to action for the organization is to consider for animal rights, which in hopes would help promote legislature for animal rights. The image has a logo and a title of the activist page, with the picture of a beautiful orange kitten trying to get to the flower so she can play with it. Above the kitten I ask a question can she make it to the flower. In addition I will have 4 images that visually represent what humans do to the animals (i.e. declawing, ear-cropping, tail docking and spaying).
Each image will be overlaid over the original part of the kitten to represent the action. I am going to use both visual and verbal representation to generate a strong concept that shows how difficult it is to be a kitten in the human world.
The actual image of the kitten has been color corrected, to emphasize the body of the kitten and separate it from the background. I used non-destructive adjustment layers and duplication of certain elements to emphasize the effect of the elements.
Visual design principles utilized: Unity, Proximity, Continuation and Similarity.
UNITY: As you may notice, I use only the Animal Rights PNW colors to present the visual imagery, Green, Yellow, Turquoise are the colors of the state colors of Oregon and Washington, which relates to the local audience of the Pacific Northwest. The unity is also represented throughout the font, and smooth textures, to create a feel of the soft smooth kitten fur.
GESTALT THEORY: My image consists of simple shapes the top banner and the bottom image subdivide my graphic into two parts. The top part is obviously introductory image, I have the logo at the top left corner with the name and the “call to action” text (white) that transitions into the image of the kitten (notice that circles are also white). The cohesiveness of the shapes helps to keep the image together and allow audience concentrate on the main message.
PROXIMITY: The 4 circles placed strategically on the parts of the kitten’s body that each circle represents. They meant to surround the kitten and play the role of blocking the kitten’s mobility.
CONTINUATION and SIMILARITY: All of the circles (including the logo) create imaginary “big dipper” that starts at the left corner and moves around the kitten and points into the question that asks if the kitten can make it, thus forming a sense of invisible direction of the eye, the continuation of the movement. This placement makes the imagery complete and keeps the viewer’s eye on the picture, by looping your view over and over again. Although, if you may notice, the counterclockwise movement is much stronger then the clockwise movement from circle to circle.
HIERARCHY: As the image is developing, I will perhaps consider resizing the white circles, based on the importance of the element. Although it seems that all elements may be important, but declawing and ear cropping may be more cruel then spaying.
I am looking forward to working on this image and will continue to update this post as the new elements get developed.
Mikhail,
My professional thought on this product is that I believe it is well thought out and put together. It is very captivating to the viewer while illustrating the intend cause (empathy for animals) right from the start.
UNITY: It is evident that the scheme is very strategic. As you mentioned, the use of the specific colors ensures the image and the cause are aligned with both states. Though the header pops out at the viewer, it is propionate enough not to subtract from the kitten or reduce your empathy for the subject. Very effective transition.
GESTALT THEORY: Well done overall.
PROXIMITY: The circles somewhat takes away from the image. Hard to recommend a path without knowing what images will fill those slots or/and effects to be used.
CONTINUATION and SIMILARITY: I found myself focusing on the face/head of the kitten and flowing in a counter clockwise direction. Though that does not align with your intent, I doubt it matters since the message is effectively been sent and received. As the product is now; I find that the circles may appear to be together and may take away from the subject. I am looking forward seeing the final product with respect to how the flow is altered and the pictures to be placed in the circles will be placed.
HIERARCHY: As you already stated in your post; I would advise considering resizing the white circles, based on the importance of the element because it may take away from the focal point being the kitten trying to play. Another way would perhaps be ensuring the pictures you plan on adding do not garner people’s attention so much that they take away from your intended focal point.
The visual composition to create hierarchy certainly guides the viewer toward the most important elements. This as with the paw in hand logo top left. Very subtle yet polarizing presentation/layout.
Well done Sir.
Queton
thank you! awesome suggestions!
Hi Mikhail, I like your cohesive use of color and believe sizing the round pictures differently and strategically may create a more dynamic visual, drawing the viewer from one image to the next. At first the viewer (myself) doesn’t see the message through the visuals, but I’m sure it will help once you insert the meaningful circular images. I would stay away from blocking the face of the cat as well as the action of the paw going after the flower, if you are able to.
Why did you choose this company? Just curious, are you an animal rights activist yourself? Jamie
Jamie, this is actually my activist group that I am starting this semester for another course. 🙂 I hope this grows with likes and I hope I can generate enough change to motivate people to be more humane and sensitive to their furry brothers and sisters.
Hi Mikhail!
You have a very thoughtful and intentionally-designed piece. For me, my eye is immediately drawn to the kitten’s face, and from there I read each of the circles clockwise (ear piercing to declawing to fur dye to tail docking), which then perfectly pulled by eye up to the logo and headline. It has a great flow to it and I think your design is successful at getting the viewer to notice and pay attention to each design element. I also loved your choice of darkening the original image’s background color to grey/black, rather than keeping it green. It makes the kitten’s orange fur really standout contrast-wise, and the dark background helps the red circles stand out.
For your consideration, I think your headline banner would benefit by creating some separation between the logo and the headline text. The similar size and font style (both cursive) of “pnw” and “Can she make…” make it seem like their part of the same sentence. Some examples of how separation could be created could be to slightly reduce the size of the logo so there’s more space available, or to perhaps just to add a small vertical line element between the two. Also, I had a little trouble making out what was in the photo of the declawing circle. Perhaps consider increasing the contrast on the image so the translucent claw stands out more from the white background?
Overall I think this is a strong draft that demonstrates good attention to detail. Well done and I look forward to following your blog this semester!