Either way, water can be a symbol of power in visual stories, with the ability to claim audiences and characters, as well as free them. But it also becomes a symbol of obstacles, such as a river or ocean to cross. Just as we use water to wash away dirt, sweat and soil, water cleanses a canvas. In fact, water is often viewed as the source of life itself, as we see evidence in countless creation myths in which life emerges from primordial waters. Thus, symbols for water were especially common throughout time, representing birth, fertility, and refreshment. Water historically represents life to a community since it’s a requirement for human survival. It is also widely used to designate first aid and medical supplies, apart from its use by the International Red Cross, the American Red Cross and other organizations. More specifically, it represents Jesus’ victory over sin and death on the cross.Ī red cross is commonly used as a symbol for medical and humanitarian relief workers in war zones and at the sites of natural disasters. For example, in the movie “Titanic,” the decorative butterflies on Rose’s hair comb were used to represent her freedom from the “cocoon” of her engagement to a man she did not love.Ĭommunicators of all types can use this symbol to visually represent any type of change or transformation, both internal and external.Īcross the globe, the cross is associated with Christianity, spirituality, forgiveness, resurrection and healing. In certain cultures, this conspicuous insect is a representation of the soul and is used in tales and myths to signal a visit from someone who passed away or signal the possibility of life after death. Its progression from a religious to a political symbol is evidenced in its adoption as the symbol of anti-violence campaigns and the Olympic games, which has become a means to promote international cooperation and peace.Ĭommunicators of all types can use the symbol to communicate serenity, harmony, unity and the absence of violence.Īll over the world, in both myth and art, the butterfly is seen as a symbol of transformation and change, thanks to its metamorphosis from a wormy caterpillar to a stunning insect with vividly colored wings. In modern times, it has also become synonymous with pacifism and the end of a conflict. Its meaning has become so universal that major world religions such as Christianity and Judaism have used the symbol as the truest representation of peace, grace and divinity. The dove is often associated with peace, tranquility and grace. Visual communicators of all types can use the symbol to foreshadow death and disaster or create an atmosphere of doom and gloom. The symbolism of ravens is so common that modern audiences identify it with a bad omen. The narrative poem “The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe is one of the most notorious examples of the use of this mysterious and macabre bird, which is often associated with its cousin, the crow.Īs an animal that feeds on dead bodies, the raven has cemented itself as a sign of death and doom in the human psyche. To help you create meaningful content that triggers the right associations in your audience, here are 40 symbols all storytellers should be familiar with. Whether you're a designer, a filmmaker or a writer, all communicators must resort to symbolism to communicate a message. After all, who doesn't immediately associate an owl with wisdom, a dove with peace or a red rose with romance? Some symbols, however, have become so ingrained within our cultural sphere that they carry an almost universal meaning. Whether it’s in the stars, drawn on a cave wall or in the newest visual content, we add such meaning to our communication through the use and interpretation of signs.īecause we look for meaning in everything around us, anything can become a symbol as long as people interpret it to mean something other than its literal definition. Symbolism, or semiotics as it’s known in technical circles, plays such a large part in human communication because people are constantly looking for deeper meaning. Why Are Symbols Important in Graphic Design? Create visual summaries like this in minutes with this drag-and-drop tool.
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