WK2 BLOG MEANING 1

 This is a build-able plastic model toy that represents a bear. The name of the toy is actually "Bearguy"; the robotic parts and design of the model show that it is not an accurate representation of a bear--a bear is in fact not robotic at all--and that it uses the typical colors and elements (such as rounded ears, a muzzle). This model is a "representational" design because one would immediately think of a bear albeit it being a robot. It cannot be abstract because it does not evoke direct emotion. It cannot be a symbol because Bearguy does not symbolize anything or hold a lot of meaning in itself rather than being a robotic bear toy. Therefore, Bearguy is an adorable, build-able hobby in a representational design of a bear.

This is the class text "A Primer of Visual Literacy" by Dondis. This cover is an abstract design; the cover is very minimalistic such that it is only in black and white, no colors. It only has two lines of text all in a corner while the rest of the cover is filled with shapes. These shapes do not represent anything; however, these shapes can become symbols themselves, denoting the basics of design and art: lines and shapes. These shapes and lines show the most "essential features" of art, the basis of abstract design. (Dondis) The cover gives a bland message from its too-simple design, but it gives the basics for identifying design--perfect cover art to back the title "A Primer of Visual Literacy".

This is a treble clef. The treble clef symbolizes higher pitches of sound, whether it be from voice, violin, piano, or any other instrument; moreover, it is in opposition to the bass clef which symbolizes the usage of low pitches of sounds. The treble clef is a symbol because it is a very popular sign that can be identified immediately by the musically literate. This symbol originates from the letter "G", where the standard note "G" is used in this pitch; the swirl in the symbol also encircles the "G" line of the musical staff. (http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/textt/trebleclef.html) It is common, reproduced and remembered for centuries; it is abstract, completely minimalistic with low detail. (Dondis) The treble clef can represent a "G" but it is harder to see, it is an abstract distillation of "G" through musical evolution, and it is a symbol recognized by many.