Calligrams are basically where words are shaped like images. In the nineteenth century, some authors started to experiment with this concept metaphorically so the shape of the text mirrors the ideas put forth in the text. Lewis Carroll’s 1865 ‘The Mouse Tale’ from ‘Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland’ is one of few nineteenth century examples which featured this concept as the poem itself was shaped like a mouse’s tail. Metamorphic typography became more popular as it gradually became easier to morph letters and words into shapes with the advent of photo composition. This concept adds something different to the words and I think it is really successful because it makes the overall impression more intriguing as there’s more to look at rather than a simple block of text. The interesting shapes draw in more attention because it’s more unique. I could use this within my own work by maybe shaping the text like a car or a specific car part. I think this would be a good way to attract attention, especially to a younger adult audience as it is quite fun and quirky.
Bacon, P (1960), The Big Drink, Available at: http://www.konbini.com/en/inspiration/paul-bacon-illustrator-book-cover/ (Accessed: 22 September 2016).
Here, Paul Bacon was influence by ‘The Mouse’s Tale’ referred to above. He designed this as an advert for Coca Cola. The designer has used a calligram to intrigue the audience as it is the only feature on the page. Rather than just words on a page, Bacon has shaped the words to fit the image of a Coca Cola bottle. The words link to the shape of the bottle because it is advertising Coca Cola. Bacon has used the Coca Cola logo in the right colours which compliment the green text surrounding it as they are complimentary colours. This draws attention to the logo because the one line of red really stands out against the green. Also, the green stands out against the black text above it so it highlights the words. The white space surrounding the calligram means that there is nothing to distract the audience from the bottle so all the attention is directed at it and it is the focal point of the poster. I really like this design because the individual laters are all different shaped fonts so it looks really bold and fun.
James, J (Unknown), A tribute to women, Available at:
http://calligramdesigners.blogspot.co.uk/2011/03/tribute-to-women.html (Accessed: 6 October 2016).
I think that this calligram is really successful because the words form the shape perfectly. I like the way that the words are darker and bolder to mirror shadows and the text is thinner which acts as highlights. This makes the calligram look three-dimensional which I think is really effective. This design was created as a tribute to women, it was purposely for National Women’s Day. The simple black and white colour scheme makes the text and the image stand out massively and it looks really sophisticated. It is quite calming and looks gentle because of the curves and the fonts, as well as the body language of the woman portrayed. I think the use of the calligram concept in this particular piece works successfully because I feel it gives deeper meaning to the words. When you can visually see the words creating an image it help the audience relate the words to the image. I think this proves that if I were to use a rigid, bold font it would be visually striking and look harsher which would be a font more suited for my advert because it is for a fast sports car rather than a natural body.
Frankie Hall 