Visual Journalism

Visual content: A visual content is made of line, shape, color, value and texture. Put together skillfully an effective communication structure is created.

Basic Components of Visual Content:

1) Point/dot: A dimensionless entity which can be used to determine and define a location in space is point. In nature, it is the most common formation. A dot anywhere within a framed space demands immediate attention. If off to one side in a frame, the dot creates tension as the picture on layout appears out of balance.

2) Line: A chain of dots becomes line. It is a point in motion. It has both a position and a direction. In space, it has only one dimension. A line has psychological impact according to its direction, weight and the variations in its direction and weight. Line can communicate emotion through its character and direction. For instance:

a) A curved line feels natural and organic. It conveys a mood of playfulness, suppleness and movement.

b) A straight line feels man-made and mechanical.

c) Thick and dark line indicates strong and confident message.

d) Thin and light lines communicate delicate and timid mood.

e) Diagonal lines imply movement, dynamism and direction.

f) Lines can be combined with other lines to create textures and patterns.

The variables that define the qualities of lines are:

Size, weight, shape, position, movement and direction, number, pattern, color, shading

Shapes: Points create lines; lines create shapes, planes and volume. Shapes refer to the external outline of a form or anything that has height and width.

a) The circular forms can be read as calm, pacific, assured, relaxed and optimistic.

b) The square can be read as dull, straight, forward, honest, lacking imagination, and stable, less natural than the circle.

c) The triangle is interpreted as action, conflict, tension and aspiration.

d) The pointed, sharp and jagged edge suggests anguish, danger, antagonism.

e) Different shapes tell us different stories. Geometric shapes such as circles squares and rectangles are crisp, precise, and mathematical with straight edges and consistent curves.

Picture Techniques:

1) Look for pattern

2) Fill the frame

3) Use light

4) Look for contrast