Figure 1. In love
Figure 2. Confusion
Figure 3. Outerworld

Throughout our everyday lives, we see photos and images, although how many times have we actually stopped to examine each shape, color, or detail? Ledin and Machin ask, in Introduction to Multimodal Analysis, through connotation, “what is represented and through the way in which it is represented?” (p.39). Photos, images, and so on are created in a way to condition our thinking and to send messages even if there is no language or messages embedded within. For this project, I designed three small comics using the application “Manga Maker.” Each comic containing either limited or no language, with the main focused on aspects such as color and facial expressions to relay messages to the viewer.

In all three comics, I utilized a very similar layout, with changing details in order to send different messages. When looking at figure 1 and 2 specifically, I wanted to portray two almost identical situations, while sending two completely different messages through the use of semiotic resources. For figure 3, I wanted viewers to be under the impression that this comic was of a completely different genre than the other two.

First, pictured in figure 1 is a small comic about a boy and a girl who are seemingly in love. The first aspect I brought in was the use of pink and blue for gender since, “we never encounter colour as a thing in itself but as a quality of a semiotic material which already has meanings as part of social practices,” (Ledin & Machin, p.72). Usually, pink and blue could be associated to those who identify as either female and male genders. Next, for figure 1, I had placed another emphasis on the color. Although this time it was for the color red. Red can be found within the object of flowers, the hearts, and facial blushing, “colour used might seem more random or based on aesthetic decisions, it is used by designers deliberately,” (Ledin & Machin, p.72). So, in this case it was used deliberately. Lastly, I would like to bring attention to each of the characters facial expressions. In this comic the use of smiling communicates to viewers that the characters are experiencing a positive moment. Despite the bottom characters blush and sweat, we can still interpret his emotion of happiness or relief.

In figure 2, we find a very similar type of comic. There are some slight differences, such as the black and white theme with red accents and different uses of facial expressions. With this type of comic, I took the approach of only using red accents in order to show a different comic style along with another demonstration in which color can easily be used to interpret ideas to viewers. When viewing this comic our eyes are drawn to the red on the flower, the girls head, and the boys question mark. As Ledin and Machin point out, the choice of objects, “can signal a discourse.” In this comic, the roses were the star of the show, also being the reason why the characters are reacting in surprise or confusion. I also implemented the use of lines near the head and raised eyebrows to convey surprise and confusion. Each comic shown utilizes emotional processes, “where a person is shown to have a particular facial expression which indexes their mood,” (Ledin & Machin, p.51).

Lastly, shown in figure 3 is another comic, again, with the same exact character layout as the other two, although with this comic we are seeing a completely different message. Figure 3 utilizes a larger color pallet, along with one word, “hey.” Although we are presented with some text, we can see the expressions on both characters are different. The character on the top has a frown along with a straight gaze and arched eyebrows, whereas the character on the bottom has a neutral facial expression paired with arched eyebrows and a waving hand. The character on the top seems upset or angry, while the character on the bottom seems as if they are tense, or nervous. Through this use of colors, I also wanted to portray that this comic is of a different genre and is aimed toward a different type of audience. This comic was meant to take place within some type of mythical or alien like world.

In conclusion, I produced 3 small comics, all with the intention of highlighting how color and facial expressions can affect our understanding and interpretations of photos, images and other aspects alike. I chose to do comics because throughout the whole quarter I focused on many different anime and manga, covers and posters. Upon doing this, I was fascinated at how semiotic resources condition our thinking.  Hence the reason I chose to create a similar type of art. An art that is dependent on semiotic resources with limited language. When comparing figure 1 with figure 3 we see the same layout, same character positioning, and the same pose, but we interpret two completely different things. Also, while comparing figure 1 and 2, we find a very similar story and layout, although again two different messages being sent to viewers. Overall, in the beginning I asked, through connotation we are always able to ask and question, “what is represented and through the way in which it is represented?” (Ledin & Machin p.39). Although now, through my comics and some education, I hope we are all able to answer this

- Ledin P., & Machin D. (2018). Doing Visual Analysis. [University Bookstore Bookshelf]. Retrieved from https://ubookstore-bookshelf.vitalsource.com/#/books/9781526418067/ - Ledin, P., & Machin, D. (2020). Introduction to multimodal analysis. Bloomsbury Academic.