Symbols

"A picture's worth a thousand words." Symbols prove this famous saying to be true. Think about your everyday life and how many symbols you see and interpret on a daily basis. Just by a glance at a symbol, you can sum up the product in milliseconds. For instance, the McDonalds arc, the words unhealthy and fast food come to mind. The Nike swoosh screams athleticism and Nike’s slogan “Just do it.” Whether we are aware of it or not, symbols direct the majority of our thoughts and behaviors. They guide our everyday lives and the advertising that catches our eye on that particular day influences what we are going to do, see, buy, etc. For an example, an advertisement for a restaurant featuring a juicy steak may remind you that you are hungry or may have you consider eating at that restaurant the next time you go out. Next time you are out take a look around and try and pick out the symbols advertised around you. I think you will be surprised when you notice that they are EVERYWHERE.