Posted by admin at July 16th, 2008



Our culture is extremely visual. Everything from TV, advertising, movies, magazines, architecture, interior design, video games, im sure you get the point…

Visual Literacy is defined “as the ability to understand communications composed of visual images as well as being able to use visual imagery to communicate to others.”

In order to become visually literate, one must practice expressing their thoughts and ideas in visual forms such as drawings (encoding) and translating/understanding the meaning of visual imagery (decoding).

Visual literacy isn’t always easy. In fact some artists make their visual work difficult to understand, and only those truly observant will understand. Show me a photograph, and there is an excellent chance I will be able to interpret the photographers intentions only because of my years of practice and dedication.

Benefits of Visual Literacy

·      Increase of Creative Capacity

·      Enhanced Observational Skills

·      Improves visual represented comprehension (charts, graphs..etc.)

·      Improves Capacity to Develop Powerful Concepts and Solutions

·      Enhances Ability to Think Simplicity

Sure visuals can be complicated, but those that have the most powerful concept are the simplest in form. If you are out to problem solve and need to understand the concept of simplicity, visual literacy is a great way of getting there.

Visual Literacy

Take a good look at the above image. I shot that image while I was in Wisconsin. I used special lens filters on my camera just to get my intention across visually. Any ideas on what I was trying to portray? Leave a comment and lets see what everyone comes up with. It’s a good starting point.

Those who are creative tend to have a high capacity of visual literacy. Unfortunately many major institutions other than design schools have tested visual literacy, however, I am big believer in Visual Literacy. It helps Problem Solve, and problems are a large part of everyday life. So why not emphasize something so important to everyday life?

Cheers

Mitesh Solanki