SYMBOLS, ICONS AND ILLUSTRATIONS

What symbols, icons or illustrations come to mind at an instance, and how are they used most times to replace words? Symbols that instantly come to my mind include but are not limited to: $ (US Dollar), % (Percentage), the cross (Christianity), the coat of arms (a group of people), symbols/signs on uniforms and the likes. These are characters that most times capture the concept or quantity of a conventional representation. An icon on the other hand, is a pictorial representation of a person, thing or idea that is widely understood. Examples include; the reload button on your browser, music player icons (like play, rewind, fast-forward and stop), twitter icon and the likes. Illustrations can be drawings, paintings, photography or any visual representation to help make something clear or attractive. Take for instance the Mona Lisa, The statue of David or other prominent photos. This post is going to discuss one popular symbol, icon and illustration, then examine how these aspects of imagery are used to replace words.

SYMBOLS

The Ampersand (&) symbol comes to mind as one that effectively replaces a word with an image. This commonly used symbol called the “and” sign is derived from the Latin word “et”. The shape of this symbol has evolved with time and also varies from font to font. If you take a close look at the symbol with a little bit of imagination, you can make out the letters e and t.

This symbol is used effectively and is well known to replace “and” especially in company business names, like firms and partnerships for law firms, architecture firms and/or stockbroker firms. This is because, when the ampersand forms part of a registered name, it is no longer replaced by the “and” word. Also, this symbol is used in other instances like; to replace the word “and” when space is limited (Like in a table, graph or title with very limited space). Other situations where this sign can be used, are in academic references (Authors: Altman, I., & Taylor, D,). However, the ampersand symbol is not commonly used in a business document, essay or term paper.

ICONS

Apple Inc. among other leading companies has one of the most eminent and trendy icons of all times. This widely accepted pictorial symbol represents the idea, concept or physical orientation of the company’s electronic and software products. The icon instantly communicates a message to customers and potential buyers which by itself markets their products. Like the iMac/Mac, iPhone and iTouch products, they use their own icons on the Apple website to better describe, familiarize and navigate through their products. Take for instance all the applications on the iPhone, they each have various icons on the Apple website that take you to an in-depth graphical explanation on what the application is about.

I believe anyone looking at the Apple icon; will automatically know what it stands for. This icon has provided the company by not necessarily communicating its message in words but by extensively enabling anyone to recognize the company’s icon. In addition to this, the Apple icon is distinguishable from any other company’s icon. Need to mention that the unique creation of their icon follows the pattern of their inimitable products.

ILLUSTRATION
The statue of liberty, originally named “Liberty Enlightening the World” is one unique visual representation I feel falls under this category. This sculpture commemorates the centennial of the American Declaration of Independence. This gift of friendship was given to the United States from the people of France as a universal visual representation of freedom and democracy. In addition to this, the statue is used to welcome people to the United States. It is among the highly anticipated tourist attraction sites foreigners hope to see upon arrival.

I distinctively remember when I resumed at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) anticipating on touring the statue of liberty. In the early twentieth century immigrants saw this majestic figure as an imitation to a new life. Furthermore, in her uplifted arm they read a welcome message that says “This vast republic wants me!” Finally, the statue of liberty represents freedom and also the gathering of immigrants into one inclusive nation.