Good eyes, sousaphone master

This is an advertisement from 1st Bank. The advertisement was illustrated by Serge Seidlitz in London and printed in September 2009.  It reads "Find the sousaphone to win free checking...Good eyes, sousaphone master. Your reward: free checking with no minimum balance...."
Check out the full size advertisement here.

This is such a fun advertisement.  Just looking at it gives you a good and friendly feeling. First, the color and the large instrument grab our attention.  When relating this advertisement to Burke's motives, we can easily see the irony.  It is easy to find the sousaphone, even if you are not exactly sure what a sousaphone is.  We notice the sousaphone before any individuals in the image.  There are questions to be asked when analyzing an advertisement.  We should know what the intentions of the ad are and also, what does the text ask us to assume?  The advertisement is obviously trying to relay the message that everyone deserves free checking accounts, regardless of who you may be.  Without the text in this advertisement, the pun and irony is lost.  The text is what anchors the entire advertisement, which is what gives us good feeling when we read it.  When analyzing advertisements, it is important to understand who is empowered or disempowered.  It is clear that everyone is empowered when looking at this advertisement.  Not only is everyone empowered by this advertisement, but it also compliments you on your so called sousaphone knowledge.

Keeping advertisements fun and playful open them up to a larger audience, therefore reaching more people.  The irony and puns found in this advertisement makes it fun for anyone, regardless of whether or not you even need a checking account.  The illustrator was able to convey the overall message in a very friendly and welcoming way which is the perfect way for a bank to portray themselves.

Apple's Apple

The Apple logo is one of the most identifiable corporate logo in the world.  As a huge Apple junkie, I've come to identify with the logo itself.  The company did not just draw up an apple and decide to name the company after it.  Steve Jobs, at the time, was following one of his crazy fad diets, which happened to be his "fruitarian diet".  After spending time driving around after picking apples with Steve Wozinak, an former co-founder of Apple, Jobs decided that the company would be called "Apple Computers". He thought the name was "fun, spirited and non-intimidating".

The first Apple logo (pictured above), The Newton Crest was only in print for one year, 1976.  It shows Newton sitting under an apple tree, when he discovered the laws of gravity.  This was a greatly detailed portrait that was used as the logo.  A logo is suppose to be easily identifiable, and although it says it's for Apple Computers, without the words, it is just a picture. Also, without color, it made the image seem bland and not very exciting.

The end of 1976 called for a new and updated logo for Apple.  They decided to make the logo much more modern and bright in color.  The Rainbow Apple logo is possibly the most recognizable Apple logo throughout the years.  Many people wonder why there is a bite taken out of the Apple.  This was strategically placed here to show that the logo was in fact an apple, not a tomato.  It also helped to play into the geeky side of the company.  The simple play on words, bite and byte. Also, Jobs thought that adding the colors would give the company a more human image. Although we may try to read into the colors, they were not placed in any special order.  But Steve did insist that green be at the top for the leaf.
 

This logo was a transforming move for Apple.  They were able to easier brand themselves and their products.  As for the consumer, the color and sleek shape catches our eye.  The colors also make the logo much most exciting and vibrant, which in turn, related to their products.  The lack of font makes logo even more powerful.  The Rainbow Apple logo was in effect from 1976-1998.

In 1997, Apple Computers was in the process of becoming the massive organization that we know them as today.  Steve Jobs took this opportunity to reinvent the Apple logo to better market and brand their products.  The Monochromatic Apple logo was the answer.  Jobs wanted to put larger logos on his products but knew that the Rainbow Apple logo wouldn't look very good.  At this time, Apple Computers was producing the bright colored iMac G3, which was beginning to fill school districts all over the country. Older Apple computers were beige and included a little Rainbow Apple logo, which looked nice.  To keep the logo on the computers, he decided that he needed a simpler, more sleek logo.  Another positive outcome of the changing of the logo was that he was able to increase the size, so that it was even more visible and identifiable.  

The Monochromatic Apple logo is by far the best logo that they have produced so far.  By taking out the color, the logo takes on a more serious aspect, almost business like.  Unlike the previous apple, this one is not playful, but it still has an inviting sense. The logo is also much more sleek.  This sleekness can be related to their products and operating systems. Apple's operating systems are smooth and very easy to use, which the logo translates.  

Apple has done a very good job of branding their company.  Although it seems strange to have a simple fruit representing a global technological company, Steve Jobs and his team made it work. The simple portrayal of the apple creates a welcoming atmosphere.  Not only is it simple for people to use, it is also something that everyone can associate with, a piece of fruit.  It is also very fun that their logo is also similar to the look of their computers, iPods and even their stores.  Apple has simplified their logo enough to be relatable to a larger audience.  The logo communicates the company well, and still embodies their orignal idea behind the naming of the company, "to be fun, spirited and non-intimidating".

Fonts, Visuality & The Body

After taking the quiz to find out what font I am, I was given "Times New Roman". Although it is a bit of a boring, common font, the decriptions fits me well. "Some call you timeless-- others call you a snob. Either way, you're a class act all around. Just don't take life to seriously." I was able to scaim through the other font descriptions, and then I was glad that I was given Times New Roman. Even though this is a totally unscientific quiz, it is interesting how we can apply attitudes and attributes to different fonts. After reading the article titled, "Helvetica", we see the history and evolution that fonts have come through. It is hard to imagine a world without fonts, and to be around as they were being created and manipulated. Type is something that goes unexamaned often. Although it is discussed and manipulated in the art world, it seems rare that we find discussion on meanings of text and type. Artists can create most anything, but text is what helps us understand more abstract concepts. The artist may try to portray a certain kind of feeling in an abstract form, but without text, it can be hard to figure out what exactly that artist was trying to convay. Having text in turn makes things more efficient as well. Imagine staring at a picture in a gallery, having no idea what emotion to feel. When text steps in, it is much more easily understood. When using texts, is is also important to choose a font for the proper viewing audience. If an image is bold, powerful and seems 'loud', maybe a font like Stencil or Impact. To direct an image or text to younger children, Comic Sans is a favorite. And for a little girl's birthday party, Party LET may be your choice. As papers are meant to be professional pieces of work, we use Times New Roman, which has become the standard. Individuals choose certain fonts depending on what kind of emotion or mood they are trying to convey. Most of us could not imagine a world without font and type. It really is everywhere from books to clothing and much more. With the rise of the internet and smartphones, we are seeing more text than ever before.

The Use of Lines in Comics

The comic I chose is from the tales of Popeye created by E.C.Segar. Although Segar has been passed for sometime, this is one of his original works.  There are so many different qualities to analyze in this comic strip. 

Starting with the most obvious, the use of gesture lines are everywhere in this comic. The gesture qualities help to make movement in flat, 2D pictures.  We can visualize movement between the two men fighting as well as see the strength of the punch.  Comparing the first and third images, it is easy to see that both men were hit, but we can also see that Popeye’s punch was much stronger, without even looking at the last slide of the comic.  The lines themselves convey the message of power in these images.

            Another quality that helps gives more life to the images are the use of the stars in the slides.  We discussed in class how a star could be symbolized as so many different things.  In this comic, the stars are representing the powerfulness of the punch as well as the dizziness caused.  Comparing the first and third images in the comic can make the reader better understand the strength of the punch.  Even though “BOP” and “SPLAT” are written into the action, it’s the lines and symbols that give the actions more meaning.

            In the last slide of the comic, we read that Popeye wins the argument and overall fight.  The last slide also uses eye lines to direct the conversation.  The man who was knocked out, Popeye and Olive Oyl’s eye lines are all pointing at the man in the barrel. These eye lines make it apparent that the man in the barrel was really the one that the whole fight was about.  Without the eye lines conveying so, we may have concluded that the larger man was the center of the conflict.

            The uses of textural qualities are minimal in this comic strip.  We do see a bit of texture in the larger man shirt and the soles of their shoes.  Also, when Popeye “splats” the larger man, his chin has a few texture lines showing that he’s been hit.  Although these are minimal qualities in the comic, they are important to convey the overall message that Segar was trying to give to readers.

What symbolizes me?

At first, this assignment seemed simple. But once I actually sat down to think about it, it wasn’t nearly as easy as I had thought.  The symbol I chose to represent myself is a heart and a triangle that are intertwined.  This symbol is recognized by parts of the adoption community. Although this symbol has come under some scrutiny, I believe it represents me in many different obvious and meaningful ways.

            First and foremost, I was adopted so the symbol is meaningful in that respect.  It shows the connection of love between all three parties, birthparents, adoptive parents and the child.  I’m very grateful for the life and opportunities that I’ve been given, and I have both sets of parents to thank for that.

            This image means much more to me than representing adoption.  As I am a bit of a busy person, I am always involved in multiple things at one time.  Although multitasking is biologically not possible, I feel like I multitask everyday.  The triangle in the image represents my daily life.  More specifically, the lines of the triangle can represent things such as school, work, relationships, family and friends.  All of these things are connected, whether I’d like them to be or not.  At times, life is stressful.  Now, with the added tasks of graduation and job searching, my platter is quite full. 

            But the heart in the image represents my happiness.  Anyone who knows me knows that I try to get involved as much as possible, keep my grades up and work whenever I have the chance.  Although I love everything I’m involved with, it is very important that I stay optimistic and in good spirits.  Not only does it affect my work, but it also affects me as a person.

            The interweaving of the heart and the triangle explains me well.  I am very proud to say that I was adopted and wish people knew more about it.  The image also gives a very basic idea of how I view my life.

            When we really think about it, it is fascinating how such a basic image or symbol can convey so many different attributes about so many different things.  I’m looking forward to hearing more examples in class!

Flash Mobs

Although I was dissapointed that I was a not able to participate in the flash mob, I enjoyed watching the film and thought it went very well.  Even though your quota of 100 was not met, it still seemed like a great turn out. Not only was there a good turnout, but after hearing stories from my classmates, it seemed that people passing by in the SUB really enjoyed it. Apparently some people even recorded it to post it to YouTube or twitter.

Flash mobs combine our online lives with our physical lives.  They can be aimed at making a statement or just having fun. The current OWS movement is a flashmob and well as any other kind of protest. But, what makes flash mobs interesting is the concept of taking an idea, circulating it through technology, but then using physical time and space to portray the presentation.  When we discuss new media, it is typically the bending of space and time, but when we incorporate an actual presentation into the mix, it connects the two different facets of our lives together.

Wasik was the individual that created the first flash mob, meeting with people at a carpet sample in a department store. Flash mobs can be for nearly any purpose, but the goal is to keep them positive and typically fun.  Our flash mob demonstrated both of these ideas. Also, we discussed in class how flash mobs are unique and only happen once which only adds to the fun.

Put the phone down!

For this assignment, I decided that I wanted to talk to someone that I see everyday, but haven't said much more than 'hello' to.  I work for the College Election Poll Worker Initiative in the SUB so I see a lot of people everyday.  I decided that I wanted to talk with one of the janitors that comes in to our office everyday to empty the recycling and trash.  Usually, I just keep busy with my work and say hi, but leave it at that.
When the janitor came into our office, I immediately turned around and said hello and asked how her day was going.  She seemed surprised that I struck up a conversation, which is understandable considering this is the first time it's happened all semester.  Her name is Judy and she has been working for Kutztown for almost 15 years.  She talked about her adventures as she worked in many different buildings on campus, but the SUB has been her favorite so far.  She said she enjoys working around and with students and that she also enjoys the other female janitors that she works with.
As our conversation progressed, she asked me about my major, where I'm from, what I want to do with my life, etc.  And since I can't help but bring up politics in almost every conversation, we began discussing some stories about the Occupy Wall Street movement.
Judy and I ended up talking for almost a half-hour.  Our conversation stayed positive and it seemed that we both enjoyed each others company.  Since our interaction, Judy and I usually engage in some kind of conversation daily. Overall, I really enjoyed this assignment!

As a tour guide, I talk to people I've never met, face to face, almost everyday. It's different with families in Admissions though.  There are certain topics, issues, questions that can be expected to be discussed with families.  When talking to someone with no kinds of constraints, the conversation becomes wide open.  I also was able to relate some class lectures to the process as well.  As I was talking with Judy, I can remember smiling and nodding in agreement with most things she said.  I didn't disagree with what she was saying, but the nodding and smiling is considered a social norm of showing interest.  I wouldn't want her to think I wasn't interested in what she was saying (even if I wasn't..) because that would be disrespectful and rude.  When we talk with people face to face, we tend to avoid conflict more so than we would if the conversation was moved to computer mediated communication.  Although it's something we may learn in class, it's very interesting when we observe ourselves in these situations.  Again, this was a very interesting and fun assignment.