Graphics: Words + Images

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.