Visual storytelling PowerPoint

1. Visual Storytelling
“Visual stories are a powerfully direct
method of conveying information,
ideas, and cultural wisdom.”

2. What?

3. Semiotics
• The idea that visual clues, or signs, are
combined to transmit deliberate messages
to the viewer or audience.

4. Types of Signs
• Iconic
• Symbolic
• Indexical

5. Iconic
• The iconic symbol is the simplest since it
is an image that physically resembles
what it stands for.
For Example, a stick figure to represent a person.

6. Symbolic
• A symbolic sign doesn’t physically resemble
what it represents. Rather, these signs are
learned and are only relevant based on
cultural associations.
For example, a stop light or the Alabama state flag

7. Indexical
• An indexical symbol links meanings. The
symbol thus is associated closely enough
(visually, physically, etc.) with the object it
represents.
For example, a thermometer to symbolize heat or
smoke representing a fire.

8. Girl
IndexicalSymbolicIconic

9. How?

10. Formats
• Linear: Depicts the passage of time in a
single image
• Aggregate: Depicts relationships of things
in a single image with multiple parts
• Paneled: Depicts the passage of time in
multiple sequential images

11. Linear
Benozzo Gozzoli The Feast of Herod and the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist, 1461

12. Aggregate

13. Paneled
Standard of Ur

14. Why?

15. Artists combine these types of visual cues in
various formats to tell rich, detailed stories!