Meaning 2: Interactions Between the 3 Levels of Meaning

Created by Brooke Behnken at FuzzyMug.Etsy.com

Representational

This greeting card is using a representational form of a squirrel to create an expressive and functional product. The impact this image of a representational squirrel may give the viewer is a sense of joy because squirrels can be seen as a cute animal. It can also draw the viewer into the card because it is somewhat unlike any other card. Greeting cards are usually embellished with cartoon-like images, but with this life-like squirrel, it can strike more attention from the viewer. It relates to the abstrat because the representational form of the squirrel is abstracted by the idea that the squirrel is human-like. It is shown in an upright position meaning that it is standing on only two legs. Also, it is carrying balloons in its hand and is wearing a party hat on its head; these items are symbolic of a party, which is the theme of this greeting card. The greeting written on the card also gives the impression of the squirrel being human-like, “My squirrel wants to party all the time,” this symbolizes an idea that the squirrel is actively participating in an event meant for humans. This idea is an abstract of the idealized representation of a squirrel. 

Abstract

The abstract of this design is the idea that a squirrel can be human-like. This abstract idea facilitates the concept of the whole design, which is silly and humorous. For the viewer, this abstract idea calls attention to this specific card and design. The humor of this abstract idea makes it possible for the consumer to want to buy because it may appeal to their identity in some way. The abstract idea relates to representation because the design wouldn’t be unique if it weren’t for this idea of a representational squirrel characterized by non-representational ways. This abstract idea also relates to symbolism because the symbols of balloons and a party hat give the viewer the idea that the squirrel is more human-like with only pictures alone.

Symbolic 

Symbolism plays a large role in the whole design because without the images of the balloons and party hat symbols, the viewer would not be able to understand what the designer is really trying to convey with their design. The images of the balloons and party had symbolized fun or a party of some sort. The roles of the symbolic items can also be considered representational in that they are pictured as they would look in person, this makes the design of the image more fluid because it is not only subject to one level of design meaning. The fluidity of different levels of design meaning within this design is more simple than complex because of the simplicity of the design. It is clear when looking at this design what is symbolic and representational but the abstract lies more within an idea, which makes this design stand out, but still carries simplicity.