Jerrod Anielle D.

Lopez History of Graphic Design

BMMA-1

Assignment #6: The Symbol

1. Search for the following:

- What is a symbol? Symbols are representations of concepts. Symbols have specific meanings
and they vary depending on the culture of the place where you’re using it. The meanings of
symbol can also change and evolve as time progresses.
- What is semiotics? It is the study of sign systems. It focuses on how words, phrases, and other
signs make and represent meaning.
- What is cartography? It’s the art and science of graphically representing a geographical area,
producing maps and charts.
2. Differentiate sign from symbol
The difference between signs and symbols lies on how they convey their meanings. For signs,
they tell a very specific meaning. They are unambiguous. But for symbols, their meanings can be
very complex and people will have different interpretation of only one symbol.
3. The Graphic Wealth of Figurative Symbols
Figurative symbols embodies the meaning of symbols perfectly as figurative symbols are open to
interpretation. They don’t have a singular meaning and can be associated with vast and different
ideas and concepts but figurative symbols also signify cultures in different places or countries.
They used common aspects in real life, such as human symbols, plants and animals. For
example, many African artworks, the head appears proportionately larger than the body. This
formal emphasis has symbolic meaning, as the head is believed to have a special role in guiding
one’s destiny and success in many African societies. Another example is the nineteenth-century
Fon king Guezo, represented by a buffalo, an animal signifying strength and determination,
4. Abstract Symbols
Abstract symbols are not concrete or tangible. It also means that there are abstract principles
embedded into these symbols.
5. Signs of Community
Signs are used to convey directions or warnings to people and these can be very handy in our
community to maintain the order and the organized system in it. For example, survival signs
provide information to help keep public safety.