SIGNS AND SEMIOTICS

Signs can be anything which we give meaning. This can include words, pictures, colours, sounds, body language

and clothes.

An example of a po ly semous s i gn is the letter 'x ' , it can mean treasure on a map, a kiss on the

end of a message or the 24th letter of the alphabet. 

All signs comprise two parts, the signifier and the signified.The  s i gn i f i e r (Denota t ion)  is physical, it is a word based form, what we can see or hear. Eg, 'cat'

a furry four legged animal and tail - feline. 

The s i gn i f i ed (Connota t i on )  is the meaning to the reader, its what we think of when we hear a certain word. For example, when I hear the word dog, I don’t just think of any dog, I think of my own dog.

Iconic Signs are signs that closely resemble what they signify and what most people would recognise.

e.g. So if I said, The Rockefeller Centre, people would think of this:

Indexical Signs are signs that are usually connected to the image but are not directly linked.

E.g. If you saw Red, you may think of danger.

Symbolic Signs are signs which have no direct link but are depended on the knowledge of the recipient. 

From researching about magazines I have found that the masthead of a magazinebecomes iconic because every time someone mentions the name of the magazine, youimagine the masthead design.

Examples:

In my magazine I am going to use an indexical sign on either my front cover or my double page spread. I am going to do this by adding an amp next to my model so that it clearly shows that my magazine is music but that she is a musician.

My model for my front cover and double page spread is wearinga red playsuit, I have chose this colour because it is vibrant andlooks great against my plain backdrop. Also the red issignify contrast and love as it is a good connotation.

My model for my front cover and double page spread is wearinga red playsuit, I have chose this colour because it is vibrant andlooks great against my plain backdrop. Also the red issignify contrast and love as it is a good connotation.