Analyzing Visual Images and Design in Picturebooks

Analyzing Visual Images and Design in Picturebooks

Begin by considering the format of the images and their placement in the picturebook

1. Where is the text located? Within the image? Separated by borders or white space, Why? The text is located outside the image. It is located to the right of the image. The text is written in black font on a white background. It is separated by white space. The image is encompassed by a border and the text is located on a white background. The text is located on a white background so it is easily visible to the reader as well as it stands out. It is also easy to read due to the significant contrast. 
2. Are the illustrations double page spreads, single page images, collages, overlapping images, or portraits? The illustrations are single page images.
3. Consider the series of images in the picturebook. Do the images change over the course of the book? Do they get bigger, smaller, change? After looking at the series of images in the picturebook, the images change in color as well as their borders do change. The pictures remain relatively the same size. All of the portrait pictures are the same size and all of the landscape pictures are the same size. They do not start off large and get smaller and the vice versa is true as well. They do not start small and get larger throughout the book.

1. What is fore-grounded and in the background? The children of the parents are in the fore-ground and the grass, trees, sidewalk, and in the background. The dogs are located in the middle of the image. I would put them in the foreground as well because they stand out in the image.


2. Consider the path your eyes follow as you approach the image. What catches your eye first? Why is that element salient? The children in the image as well as the two different sets of color catch my eye first. They are the most salient due to the fact that they are directly in front in the image. The colors are salient due to the significant contrast between the colors.


3. What colors dominate the image? What effect does this have on you as reader? The two different sets of colors dominate the image. The contrast between the colors is significant. It is illustrating that the little boy is sad and gloomy, where as the girl on the right is happy and hopeful.


4. Consider the use of white (negative) space. Are the illustrations framed or full bleed? How does this position you as a viewer? The illustrations are framed in this picturebook. It keeps the viewer contained within a certain part of the page when viewing the illustration. 


5. What is the reality value or level of abstraction? Are the images life-like or stick figures? The illustrator uses monkeys/gorillas to portray people/children. He dresses the gorillas in human clothing.


6. Are there any recurring patterns in the images? There are two children (gorillas), two dogs, and two sets of trees. These are portraying the two different lifestyles that are being addressed in this picturebook.


7. Are there any anomalous elements? Things that stick out, or seem out of place? Are these important to consider? The only element that does not seem to fit is the castle-like structure at the top of the hill. I am not sure why this is located in the park; however, it may be there to remind readers of the two different types of social classes being addressed. The higher socioeconomic status (mother) is looking down on the lower class (Dad and daughter).


8. What is the artist trying to get you to look at through leading lines, colors, contrast, gestures, lighting? The artist is causing the viewer to see the two different lifestyles and that the lifestyle does not necessarily lead to happiness in this picture. The boy that is not in want is truly unhappy and the girl is part of a financially unstable family is happy. The author displays this through the vibrant colors on one half of the picture and the dull colors on the other side of the image.


9. Are there any recurring symbols or motifs in the images? There are two children (monkeys), two dogs, and two sets of tress. They are representing the two levels of happiness or unhappiness that each individual is living.


10. Consider the style or artistic choices? Are the appropriate, and how do they add to the meanings of the picturebook? The contrast in color adds significant meaning to the picture. It addresses the happiness level of the two individuals.


11. How are the images framed? Are there thick borders or faded edges? The image is framed with a small, faded light gray border. This border is not frayed in the picture.


12. Consider the setting of the story. How is this realized in the images? Realistically? Metaphorically? Gorillas are metaphorically given the traits of children. The setting of two different socioeconomic families is established through the pictures of the children/gorillas at the park. It also shows that the children and dogs do not judge one another; however, it does illustrate that adults tend to be more judgmental. 


13. Consider size and scale. What is large? Why are certain elements larger than others? Does this add to meanings of power, control? In this image, the children (gorillas) and dogs are the same size. This is inferring that they are not judging the other individuals. However, when the mother is in an image in this picturebook, she is quite larger than the other elements which shows her power and control throughout the entire picturebook.


14. Consider the viewers point of view. Do characters directly gaze or address the viewer? Are the characters close up or distanced? How does point of view add to relationships with the characters? No the characters do not directly address the viewer. They do for the most part directly relate to one another. I feel that the characters are distanced. Depending on which point of view or perception the viewer takes, that is the character that the viewer will relate with. The viewer will use their prior knowledge to establish their understanding of the context in the picturebook.