Contents
Visual literacy techniques............................................................................................................... 1
Visual Elements.......................................................................................................................... 1
Verbal Elements......................................................................................................................... 2
Techniques of humour................................................................................................................ 2
Advertisements and Cartoons.................................................................................................... 5
1. "I" – Authenticity:............................................................................................................... 9
2. "We" – Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity:........................................................................................ 9
3. "They/Them" – Separation and Distance:.........................................................................10
4. "You" – Conversational and Direct:................................................................................... 10
5. "One" – Universal and General:........................................................................................ 10
Page 0 of 14
, Visual literacy techniques
25 marks
Visual Elements
1. Colour:
o Consider how contrasting colors draw attention or create
focus. For instance, a bright color against a dull background
can make an element stand out.
o Look for color symbolism (e.g., red for danger, blue for calm).
Consider how color contributes to the overall tone of the text.
o How does the use of color influence the mood of the visual
text? What emotions are evoked by the color scheme?
2. Font (Typography):
o Consider the consistency or variation in font types. Mixed
fonts may suggest diversity or contrast.
o Examine whether the font style matches the content's tone
(e.g., playful fonts for humorous content).
o How does the choice of font contribute to the message's
effectiveness? What is the impact of bold or italicized text?
3. Foreground & Background:
o Think about how the background might provide context for
the foreground. For example, a chaotic background could
reflect a character's state of mind.
o Pay attention to the details in the background and how they
complement or contrast with the main focus.
4. Lighting:
o Look at how light and shadow are used to highlight or
obscure elements. This can create tension or direct attention.
o Identify the source of light and its direction. Consider how it
affects the perception of the subject.
5. Facial Expressions & Body Language:
o Consider the interaction between characters through their
expressions and gestures. Look for subtle cues like clenched
fists or averted eyes.
o Observe how facial expressions align with or contradict the
text’s message. Body posture can suggest dominance,
submission, or openness.
6. Proxemics:
o Analyze how the physical distance between figures conveys
their relationship or social hierarchy.
o Notice whether figures are close together or far apart, and
what that implies about their relationship.
o What does the spatial arrangement of the figures suggest
about their interaction? How does the use of space influence
the viewer's perception?
7. Repetition:
o Analyze the repeated elements and their purpose, whether to
reinforce a point or to create a rhythm.
o Look for patterns in the language or visuals that emphasize a
theme or idea.
1
Visual literacy techniques............................................................................................................... 1
Visual Elements.......................................................................................................................... 1
Verbal Elements......................................................................................................................... 2
Techniques of humour................................................................................................................ 2
Advertisements and Cartoons.................................................................................................... 5
1. "I" – Authenticity:............................................................................................................... 9
2. "We" – Inclusivity vs. Exclusivity:........................................................................................ 9
3. "They/Them" – Separation and Distance:.........................................................................10
4. "You" – Conversational and Direct:................................................................................... 10
5. "One" – Universal and General:........................................................................................ 10
Page 0 of 14
, Visual literacy techniques
25 marks
Visual Elements
1. Colour:
o Consider how contrasting colors draw attention or create
focus. For instance, a bright color against a dull background
can make an element stand out.
o Look for color symbolism (e.g., red for danger, blue for calm).
Consider how color contributes to the overall tone of the text.
o How does the use of color influence the mood of the visual
text? What emotions are evoked by the color scheme?
2. Font (Typography):
o Consider the consistency or variation in font types. Mixed
fonts may suggest diversity or contrast.
o Examine whether the font style matches the content's tone
(e.g., playful fonts for humorous content).
o How does the choice of font contribute to the message's
effectiveness? What is the impact of bold or italicized text?
3. Foreground & Background:
o Think about how the background might provide context for
the foreground. For example, a chaotic background could
reflect a character's state of mind.
o Pay attention to the details in the background and how they
complement or contrast with the main focus.
4. Lighting:
o Look at how light and shadow are used to highlight or
obscure elements. This can create tension or direct attention.
o Identify the source of light and its direction. Consider how it
affects the perception of the subject.
5. Facial Expressions & Body Language:
o Consider the interaction between characters through their
expressions and gestures. Look for subtle cues like clenched
fists or averted eyes.
o Observe how facial expressions align with or contradict the
text’s message. Body posture can suggest dominance,
submission, or openness.
6. Proxemics:
o Analyze how the physical distance between figures conveys
their relationship or social hierarchy.
o Notice whether figures are close together or far apart, and
what that implies about their relationship.
o What does the spatial arrangement of the figures suggest
about their interaction? How does the use of space influence
the viewer's perception?
7. Repetition:
o Analyze the repeated elements and their purpose, whether to
reinforce a point or to create a rhythm.
o Look for patterns in the language or visuals that emphasize a
theme or idea.
1
