Visible Signs: An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts(Required Reading Range)

Basic semiotic theories are taught in most art schools as part of a contextual studies program, but many students find it difficult to understand how these ideas might impact on their own practice. Visible Signs tackles this problem by introducing key theories and concepts, such as signs and signifiers, and language and speech, within the framework of visual communication. Each chapter provides an overview of a particular facet of semiotic theory, with inspiring examples from graphic design, typography, illustration, advertising and art to illustrate the ideas discussed in the text. Creative exercises at the end of the book will help exemplify these ideas through practical application. The third edition of Visible Signs features new material from international designers and new creative exercises to accompany each chapter. This new edition also features a new design and layout.

Table of Contents:
Introduction Chapter 1: Components. What is Theory?; Agreement; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 2: How Meaning is Formed. Categories of Sign; Value; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 3: Reading the Sign: The Reader; Convention and Motivation; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 4: Text and Image: Digital and Analogue Codes; Advertising Writing; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 5: Official and Unofficial Language: Habitus; The Production of Legitimate Language; The Competition for Cultural Legitimacy; Unofficial Language; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 6: Symbolic Creativity: Hyperinstitutionalisation; Play and Identity; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 7: Junk and Culture: Dirt and Taboo; Rubbish Theory; Rubbish as a Resource; Portfolio; Exercises. Chapter 8: Open Work: Information and Meaning; Openness and the Visual Arts; Openness and Information; Form and Openness; Portfolio; Exercises. Bibliography Index Acknowledgements and Picture Credits

About the Author :
David Crow studied Communication Design at Manchester Metropolitan University. He subsequently worked as a designer in London for Assorted iMaGes and as Art Director for Island Records before running his own consultancy. As a freelance designer he worked for a range of clients in the cultural sector including Rolling Stones Records, Virgin Records, Phonogram and The Royal Shakespeare Company. Crow then moved into academia as Head of the Department of Graphic Arts at Liverpool John Moores University, UK. He is now Dean of the School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK.

Review :
We already use the first edition and this revised and expanded second edition will make an excellent addition. Accessible use of language and an excellent visual approach and layout make this 'the' key text on semiotics for undergraduates studying graphic design and visual culture. The addition of self-directed study exercises is a useful teaching and learning aid. Excellent book. Dave Caton, Swindon College, UK Excellent content and user friendly approach to the subject of semiotics. More than just an introduction, the book deals with a complex subject in a highly visual and practical way. Highly relevant. Students will be encouraged to buy this book. Leeds College of Art, UK Very informative, well written and attractive. Bournemouth Arts University College, UK A beautifully designed book inside and out (typography, layout and use of paper stock). The stickers add a level of interactivity that any student would like. This all adds up to a book that a student would want to keep for future reference. Content that is very relevant to an advanced graphic design course. Montclair State University, USA A very thoughtfully designed book. The material in this book can be accessed by Foundation Design students at both basic and more advanced levels, and gives advice that is in bite-sized intelligent morsels. The illustrations are contemporary and visually seductive. This is a useful and stylish book. David Tinn, East Surrey College, UK This is an outstanding overview of semiotics which no student should be without. As expected of AVA titles, it is rich with examples of the theory and work being discussed and the points made are easily digestible ... It will prove invaluable to students of design ... Philip Dixon, Southampton Solent University, UK A great book, well designed, well researched, well written. For anyone in the slightest bit interested in this fascinating subject (and this should be all designers and design students) this book is the perfect guide. Saeri Dobson, Loyola Marymount University, USA I bought the original edition some years ago and have been recommending it to students ever since. Crow has written both editions in a way that is very appropriate to design students - good visual examples and very clear content. John Stocker, University of Lincoln, UK Beautifully composed, well-structured, highly informative and relevant, providing essential theoretical content to our curriculum. A core text for undergraduate design courses and an excellent introduction to the fundamentals of semiotic theories. Christopher Morris, University of Salford, UK I believe this would be an outstanding introduction for the graduate students joining the research group and for advanced undergraduates. Excellent, engaging layout. This really facilitates involvement with the text, and is much more interesting and accessible than many books I've seen on introductory semiotics. Kennon Smith, Indiana University Bloomington, USA Easy to follow, understand and written in a broad style that makes the publication relevant to all Art and Design pathways. Steven Harris, Bedford College, UK