Words and Images in Graphic Design

            The combination of words and images can be found in the simplest form of advertisement. Whether you are creating a poster or an ad for something you want to sell, words and images must come together to convey your message.

            Many graphic designers design advertisements that have a balance between words and images. This balance is important because it is what separates a good design from a bad design. As in comics, graphic designers use pictures to express situations that words can’t and then the words can express something that the audience may not get from just looking at the picture. Images are used by designers to convey emotions and moods, while words are used to convey a message. There are few cases where an image is the only element that is conveying the message. Most of the time designers rely on both images and words to express a message. Words like pictures can be changed to appeal more to an audience. For example you can change the font, the color, and the size of the text in order for the words to more accurately display your message.

            Logos are particularly important in a designer’s world because they use images and words to represent an idea or an identity. Just like in the Coca-Cola logo we see a combination of an image and words to attract an audience’s attention. 

Image from: http://www.pycomall.com/images/P/Coca-Cola_logo5.jpg

This logo is not only used to advertise for Coca-Cola but it is also used as the company’s identity. So how can this logo convey a message? This logo to me makes me want to drink a Coke because the logo is telling me that I will enjoy this cool and refreshing drink. Some of the elements that tell me that this is a cool and refreshing drink is the ice on the upper left side of the logo and also the drips of water that are randomly splattered all over the logo. This logo truly represents how something as simple as a logo can have a powerful message that may just make you buy their product.