Visual images constantly surround people throughout their daily lives, but many people do not take the time to consider how these images affect their perceptions and opinions. Although images may seem to be just a part of the everyday world around us, they influence peoples’ emotions towards different objects by persuading viewers to think or feel a certain way about a person or object.
Visual images come in many forms including comics, advertisements, television channels, newspapers, flyers, and magazines. On a simple commute to class I come across advertisements on the CAT bus, flyers on bulletin boards, posters for upcoming events, websites on my phone, and newspapers that all serve as persuasive visual images. The author of an effective visual image must first capture the attention his or her targeted audience by using popular characters, bold writing, or an eye-catching design. When I walk by a visual image I am more likely to be drawn to an image that has a unique design, bold writing, and pictures than a boring image that a five year old could have created.
These images then persuade viewers like me by using several tactics. One such tactic is creating a sense that the subject matter is relatable to current situations. An image that exhibits current social trends is more likely to effectively persuade many people. Also, visual images strive to make viewers want to believe the image’s message or covet the object in the image. Tactics used to make visual images more effective include using a celebrity figure, attractive models, humor, and targeting the correct audience. A visual image for dentures on a college campus would not target the right audience and therefore lack effectiveness.
By appealing to what is desired or popular at the time, visual images are able to become effective forms of persuasion for people of all ages. The visual image below created by the makeup company, Covergirl, is an example of how images can be persuasive. The advertisement promoting the new makeup line “NatureLuxe” features popular country artist Taylor Swift. The advertisement uses both words and images to persuade the audience that this natural makeup will make your skin look beautiful like Taylor Swift’s. I have to admit that I love Taylor Swift and I actually bought this makeup for that reason!
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