Words and images together are often thought of as compliments. Like peanut butter and jelly, they make a wonderful and often utilized pair. This is because words and images together can take many forms and have many uses. Most commonly, however, their simplest form is utilized by authors, artists, and designers alike, and words and images work together to create a balance and convey a message. Just look around, it is easy to see this relationship in action.
Words and images have been put together since the beginning of the written word. Generally, either words are included to explain an image, or words are further explained with the aid of a corresponding picture. Either way, this relationship is natural and easy to grasp. In childrens’ picture books, for example, the child follows a story by looking at pictures and listening to someone read the words on the page further explaining what was illustrated. The better the illustrations, the less words are required to explain the storyline. The below story (Mommy’s High Heel Shoes, written by Kristie Finnan and illustrated by Pat Achilles) for example, requires a limited amount of words to explain the story thoroughly because the illustrations are so vivid and self-explanatory. 
Color and line is used to accentuate the high heels that are the main subject of the little girl’s affection by making the color bright, leading one’s eyes right to them, and by clearly displaying a relationship between the shoes and the girl by giving her the same color dress as the shoes her mother wears. Images from http://mommyshighheelshoes.com/lookinside.html
In contrast, when words are the dominant feature, like in textbooks, charts and images can be placed alongside to give visual demonstrations and simplify an otherwise complicated and extensive list of words. Just the same as if an image or graph is the complicated part and many words may be required to explain.
As one aspect is stronger, the other doesn’t have to work as hard to explain or illustrate. That is perhaps the most important aspect of their relationship. One must know when to let an image do the talking or add a written explanation. The same goes for books with few pictures. If the writing is powerful and clear enough, it can stand alone.
For any designer, being able to recognize the right combination of words and images can be a powerful tool.
No comments:
Post a Comment