Visible Signs: An Introduction to Semiotics in the Visual Arts

About the Author\nDavid Crow, until his sudden death in 2022, was UAL's (University of the Arts, London, UK) Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of Colleges for Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts. He studied Communication Design at Manchester Metropolitan University and 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 was Dean of the School of Art at Manchester Metropolitan University, UK before his move to UAL.\nBasic 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.\nEach 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.\nThe fourth edition of Visible Signs includes new imagery and updated exercises, as well as coverage of propaganda, diversity in 'neutral' communication (like emojis), and issues related to social media representation.