Semiotics: Decoding Hidden Messages

Programs: Adobe Illustrator and InDesign
Equipment: Nikon D200 DSLR Camera

For part of a senior year thesis project, a perfect–bound book was created researching semiotics, the study of signs and their interpretations and uses. The first chapter discusses semiotics and its role in society, with excerpts from various authors that have done extensive research on the subject. The book goes on to discuss the various types of signs: icons, symbols, and indices. It later discusses how semiotics plays a key role in a metropolis, with unique signs that could potentially be found in many of today's cities. A word mapping exercise was performed prior to the creation of the unconventional signs to aid in the brainstorming process.

Provided are a diverse range of spreads that are found within the book. The general color palette was used to represent a bustling metropolis, specifically Chicago: a flash of vibrant colors that unite to create a rich harmony. The font choices of Serifa and Univers Condensed create an interesting juxtaposition of the old and the new, an aspect that can be found in many cities today, including Chicago.

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