Visual Language

WEEK 6

Winter Show Poster

Reflection

Reflecting on the video “The Art of Deception: Control the Narrative,” I found a lot of relevance to my recent experience designing a winter show poster. The video delves into how visual communication, particularly in media, shapes perception and controls narratives—ideas central to design as well. This concept of "controlling the narrative" is crucial, especially when creating a piece meant to convey a specific message or atmosphere, like a show poster.

As a designer, I’ve always known that visuals are powerful tools for guiding an audience’s understanding, but this video underscored how intentional every choice needs to be. In my poster design, I had to think deeply about how the color palette, font, and layout would shape the viewer’s first impression and set the tone for the event. This aligns with the video’s emphasis on manipulation through subtle choices—every detail, from the smallest graphic to the overall composition, plays a role in how the story is told.

The video also addresses the balance between truth and manipulation in visual storytelling, which made me reflect on the responsibility we carry as designers. I wanted my winter show poster to not just attract attention but also accurately represent the spirit of the show. The idea of shaping perception without misleading speaks to the ethical side of design, something the video brought into sharper focus for me.

©Zhongao Xuan

WILL’S DESIGN LOG

XUAN 2024