ICC English

Image Analysis Essay

According to chapter 9 in Allyn and Bacon’s text, “visual literacy” reflects a reader’s ability to “interpret or make meaning out of images [. . .] in order to understand their persuasive power.” In an essay, I would like you to analyze an advertisement, exploring its message while considering its intended audience and the values to which it appeals.

To begin, I would like you to describe the advertisement in detail, focusing both on the words included in the ad and its visual characteristics. Be careful not to overlook seemingly insignificant details; ad executives are paid to construct ads in which everything serves a purpose. In addition, be sure to consider the “camera techniques” (p. 213-4) and “compositional features” (p. 214) mentioned in Allyn and Bacon. In addition, discuss the message conveyed by the ad (both explicitly and implicitly) and consider the demographic/target audience for whom the ad is intended. Finally, critique the ad, examining whether it is effective (does it make you want to buy the product?) and if its implied message is disturbing in any way.

Image Analysis Essay

-Include all of the following in your outline for this assignment.

1. Describe the advertisement in detail, focusing both on the words included in the ad and its visual characteristics.

2. Pay attention to the “camera techniques” (p. 213-4) used in the ad and its “compositional features” (p. 214).

3. Discuss the message conveyed by the ad (both explicitly and implicitly).

4. Consider the demographic/target audience for whom the ad is intended.

5. Critique the ad, examining whether it is effective (does it make you want to buy the product?) and if its implied message is disturbing in any way.