Word and Image

Image Source:http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_wg2mnzIH9mI/TBfk90VPzJI/AAAAAAAABpg/VVMfMjN_4sM/s400/Anti_Smoking_Ads_01.jpg

     The anti-smoking agencies have provided our society clever advertising to persuade or convince us to stop smoking. From commercials, to stats and facts about the effects of smoking, these companies go to great lengths to get their urgent message across. This ad however, stood out to me because of its powerful connotation. Not only that, but the strong relationship between word and image has created  an influential and compelling representation of the deadly effects of smoking. The image is a dramatic interpretation of a cigarette with the end shaped like a skull. Since the skull is a fairly recognizable icon of death, it automatically brings out a significant piece of information. It represents a correlation between smoking and death through design.  Following the image is the words placed below it that read, “Smoking Kills.” This finalizes the piece. If it did not have those two simple words below it, it might leave room for someone to interpret it there own way. This ad leaves no room for error, because when it comes to smoking there is no room for making the mistake of risking your life. “Smoking Kills” completes the ad in a direct and serious way.  Because of the link between the word and image, this ad is more powerful and demanding of the viewers participation. It forces the viewer to reflect upon their decisions and to understand the consequences of smoking that can ultimately be death.