MIGRAIN: reading an image

Looking at this advert, the denotation that are clearly being shown are different types of fonts, connoting his criminal background which contrasts between each two. The speech"where" denotes his determination and corrupt life which has synergy with  the face of 50 cent. His serious look exhibits his passion to what he is striving for.  There is light and dark imagery between the background and the font. This may suggest that his past wasn't that great yet he still sees hope in his future (light). The phrase " i am what i am" is faded in to the fingerprints suggesting that his prints remains the same as well as his emotions towards his goals. The photograph is taken in a close up shot emphasising the words written in his face of determination. 50 cent was shot 12 times and survived. Then became a famous rapper. I believe the message that is being sent from his speech is whatever you have faced in the past shouldn't change you and your future.  

Looking at this advert, the denotations that are clearly being shown are the features of the face and what emotion does it reflect to the audience. Also the written speech in the middle of the image. This is significant since the audience is immediately drawn to the words as it is located in the middle. The photograph has been taken at a big/close up to emphasise his determination and passion to what he is striving for. There is synergy between the words and his emotions behind the facial expressions since the impression in his face reinforces and acts as the advocate for the speech. The main flash may be considered to be the man since it creates and infers a deeper meaning to the speech. The back ground is pitch black compared to the font of the words and the man's face. This suggests that the black connotes, emptiness which should be the source of sacrifice that your overcoming or leaving behind to aim for one goal. The " just do it" phrase emphasises the whole point of the advert as it's also the slogan for the Nike brand. 

Icon, Index and Symbol

2) Why are icons and indexes so important in media texts?

Icons are very important as we can instantly recognise what its trying to represent. For example a product, brand or message, without the need of words. Indexes are equally as important as icons since they provide you with context and meaning behind the icon. 

3) Why might global brands try and avoid symbols in their advertising and marketing?
Symbols could potentially give off the wrong message, causing a negative reaction among the audience. Brands might avoid symbols when marketing and advertising because if something is communicated that is offensive or inappropriate, it will not put the brand in much danger since there is no symbol. Also another reason may be the brands want the message to be the main flash.




4) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) where the producer has accidentally communicated the wrong meaning using icons, indexes or symbols. Why did the media product fail?
 
This Advert failed to communicate their message since the picture reminds use of the frighting terrorist act called 9/11. The messaged received by the audience broke many trusts between the customers and Starbucks. Starbucks thought it was amusing to "poke some fun" however, many customers thought it was just ignorant. The grass was meant to be the small building and the mosquito was an image of the plane. "Collapse into cool" mimics the tragic scene when the planes collapsed through the twin towers. Some customers were victims of the terror but Starbucks were too  ignorant to understand.

 5) Find an example of a media text (e.g. advert) that successfully uses icons or indexes to create a message that can be easily understood across the world.
 
This advert was very successful at what it was trying to communicate since the audience weren't offended through the message. Instead of gaining more customers, there intentions were to allow their audience to appreciate their product and use your product more often. They wanted their audience to become advocates and promote their product instead gaining more awareness. Their icon is Hugh Jackman who is a well known actor and can encourage consumers to use their product if hes using it.  The milk on his face indicates how the milk affects you after you dank it. This implies that the milk enhances your strength straight away and leaves a mark showing evidence. Furthermore, the index "got milk" questions the audience if they are using the right milk product. The index interacts with the audience and may change their view on milk and if they are using it enough.