I've always loved graphics that go beyond the level of literal meanings. I think graphics that incorporate literary devices such as metaphors, sarcasm etc to be some of the most intriguing and hilarious! The graphic below does just that....it primarily relies on the image of a suitcase etc to convey its meaning - as opposed to solely text. The humor in this graphic would not have been possible if the graphic was solely text-based. So it means that there are somethings images/pictures can say, meanings they can convey, that words would not quite achieve.
But I think the meaning/message is even more effectively conveyed when text is combined with images/pictures (Mayer, 2005) - much like the image above. The combination of words and images can help to communicate messages/meanings that either one could achieve/convey independently. The graphic below illustrates just that.....meaning is enhanced when different forms (sound, text, image) are incorporated. More than just appealing to the various senses (i.e. multi-sensory), combining different forms of communication into one graphic may either change, manipulate or reinforce the point/message one is trying to communicate. This is perhaps the whole premise upon which memes (the popular craze that has flooded social media within the past few years - and as I stated in previous posts, you guys know how much i love memes! #hilarious 😁😅😆).
The image below is a fine example of this conflation. Without the text, for example, one may initially think this graphic is about love and possibly a successful marriage proposal. But the bold text tells us something quite different! It also adds to the emotions experienced by the ricipient/audience from one of love and calmness to one of laughter. The layering of text upon the image takes the graphic from being about strong/intense topics and emotions (love) to one that is less serious/intense (laughter). So this meme is definitely a mood-lifter (Clark & Lyons, 2011). Hahahaha.
I've always loved when there's a move away from professionally done graphics to more novice or basic graphic creations. I find that such graphics often come with a certain level of creativity/innovation, context or specificity and humor (depending on how you look at it lol). The graphic below illustrates just that, incorporating all of these elements. A few years ago a similar graphic was created and found its way throughout (my country) Trinidad amidst controversy regarding a particular project the government was working on at the time. Persons spray-painted the traffic stop signs with "the smelter plant" instead of "Hammer Time" as seen below. That was an example of how a graphic (particularly one that is done by the average person) can be culturally specific, innovative and perhaps humorous all at the same time.
But for this week's post, I'd like to keep things very light-hearted. I find the design and entire graphic to be quite hilarious. But besides that, I think it is very applicable to the busy lives many of us lead, especially those of us who are always on the go - trust me, I know EXACTLY what that's like. I had quite a series of busy, demanding and stressful weeks that recently past. But in the midst of all of it, I had to find the time or take simple and short opportunities to stop, take a break and relax or #HammerTime ....even if it's just for a few minutes during the day. I think everybody needs a graphic like this at some point in time. If we follow what it says (despite its humorous amateur design), we might actually begin to live healthier or more balanced lives.
So the next time you are facing a stressful series of events, just remember to #Stop #HammerTime aka take some time to relax/ease your mind a bit.
