Signs and Semiotics

1. SIGNS AND SEMIOTICS
Signs can be anything which we give meaning. This can
include words, pictures, colours, sounds, body language
and clothes.

2. An example of a polysemous sign 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 signifier (Denotation) 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 signified (Connotation) 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.

3. 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.

4. From researching about magazines I have found that the masthead of a magazine
becomes iconic because every time someone mentions the name of the magazine, you
imagine the masthead design.
Examples:

5. 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.

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

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