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Visual Analysis Essay

Visual Analysis Essay - A Writing Guide with Format & Sample

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What is a Visual Analysis Essay

A visual analysis essay basically requires you to provide a detailed description of a specific visual work of art. It is a type of analytical essay that deals with imagery and visual art instead of texts.

The subject of a visual analysis essay could be an image, painting, photograph, or any visual medium.

In this type of essay, you need to describe the artwork and analyze its elements in detail. That is, how different elements and features fit together to make the whole work stand out. In this sense, you need to use a mixture of descriptive writing and analytical language.

To write a good visual analysis essay, you need to know the basic visual elements and principles of design. Let’s learn about these concepts first before diving into the writing steps.

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Visual Elements for a Visual Analysis Essay

Writing a visual analysis essay involves analyzing the visual elements of a piece of art. These elements form the basis of the features and characteristics of an image.

Below you can find the common visual elements of a visual analysis essay.


	The element composition describes how things relate to each other. When you are analyzing an image, focus on answering questions related to composition. These questions include what the primary figure is, how other figures are placed, and what is left out.
	It is the part of an image where the artist intends to draw the audience's attention. Understanding the focal point helps you grasp the overall meaning of the image.
	When writing a visual analysis essay, you must describe how colors affect the image. You should focus on the colors and how it affects the overall tone and mood of the image.
	This is about the actual lines presented in the image. You need to describe how lines help grab the audience’s attention toward the specific parts of the image.
	It is about how smooth or rough an object is. A texture can either be real on two-dimensional art or three-dimensional art.
	It is about how the artist uses various shapes in the image. It includes ovals, circles, squares, and rectangles. You should describe what shapes are used by the artist and what they represent.
	It refers to the aspect of light and shading. Through this element, the writer can make 2D objects appear like 3D objects. You should focus on where the writer has used light and shading to enhance aspects of their work.
	It refers to the degree to which the artist has used dark and light aspects in some specific parts of the work. You should discuss how the artist has used these elements in their work.
	It is about the overall size of the image with a relative size of figures provided in it. You should explain why the artist has selected a particular image size and why different objects have different sizes.
	It refers to the use of objects with a symbolic meaning in the image. You should identify whether the image has symbolic objects in it and what they represent.

Principles of Design in a Visual Analysis Essay

In addition to visual elements, you must also consider the principles of design for writing a great visual analysis essay. These principles help you identify and explain the characteristics of the image.


	It refers to the distribution of different visual elements in the image. You should describe images by addressing symmetrical, asymmetrical, and radical balance.
	It refers to the object that draws the audience’s attention when they look at the image. You should discuss how the artist uses various elements to enhance some parts of the image.
	It refers to the use of objects in the image or visual display repeatedly. You should identify objects or symbols used repeatedly in the image.
	When writing a visual analysis essay, you must describe how colors affect the image. You should focus on the colors and how it affects the overall tone and mood of the image.
	This principle is about whether the relationship between objects in the image or visual display is realistic or not. Explain what the artist tried to convey through their artwork.
	To what extent the artist has used elements in the image to influence the audience’s perception. You should explain how different elements are used in the image to create a certain mood or meaning.
	It refers to the use of opposing elements. You need to describe the contrasting elements and if they affected the overall quality of the image.
	It refers to the degree to which people viewing an image can process it. This principle indicates the importance of color, size, and other elements in an image.
	This principle is about the use of spaces between repetitive elements. There are different types of symmetrical designs, and you should describe how the artist used them in the image.
	It refers to the use of objects in the image. It is basically about the distribution and placement of objects and symbols in the image. You need to explain how the artist has used different objects and how they are placed in the image.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay - 7 Simple Steps

Now that you have an idea about visual elements and principles, you are now ready to proceed.

Here are the steps that you need to follow for writing a visual analysis essay. Let’s discuss them in detail.

Step 1 - Gather General Information About the Artwork

Once you have a specific artwork or image, here is how to start a visual analysis essay. You need to ask some basic questions about the work and jot down your ideas.

This pre-writing step is for brainstorming ideas. Ask these questions to begin:

Who and what does the artwork represent?
Who is the author of the piece?
Who did the artist create the work for? Who is the intended audience?
When and where was the work created? What is its historical context?
Where was this work displayed for the first time?
Identify which medium, materials, and techniques were used to create the image?

Step 2 - Note Down the Characteristics of the Artwork

The next thing that you need to do is identify what the image depicts. Moreover, you need to identify and describe the visual art elements and design principles used in the work.

Here’s what you need to note:

The subject matter and its representation.
Colors, shapes, and lines used in the composition.
The balance, proportion, and harmony within the artwork.
Any symbolism or metaphors present.

By pointing out such characteristics, you set the stage for a nuanced analysis in your essay.

Step 3 - Visual Analysis Essay Outline

Once you have gathered your main points by carefully studying the image, you should now organize them in an outline.

Here is how you make an outline for your visual analysis essay:

Step 4- Write the Introduction

This is the first paragraph of a visual analysis essay in which you need to provide some background information on the topic. After grabbing the readers’ attention with an interesting fact, briefly provide information on the following points.

Talk briefly about the painting and its artist or creator.
Provide a brief description of the painting and give historical context
Add an interesting fact about the artist or the painting.

The introduction should end with a thesis statement. The visual analysis essay thesis states the analysis points on the artwork that you aim to discuss in your essay.

Step 5 - Provide Detailed Description, Analysis, and Interpretation

In the body section, you need to explore the artwork in detail. In the first body paragraph, simply describe the features and characteristics of the work. For instance, talk about the technique being used, shape, color, and other aspects to support your thesis.

In the next paragraphs, you can go into the analysis and interpretation of these elements and the work as a whole. Present all the details logically and discuss the relationship between the objects. Talk about the meaning, significance, and impact of the work.

Step 6 - Writing a Conclusion

Once you have completed the body section, move to the conclusion paragraph. This is the last paragraph of the essay that should be strong and well-written to create a sense of closure.

Here’s how you can do it

Revisit the main insights gained through the analysis, summarizing the key visual elements and principles discussed.
Emphasize the significance of cultural or historical context in interpreting the visual narrative.
Tie together the threads of your analysis to reinforce your thesis or main argument.
End with a memorable statement and encourage readers to carry the lessons learned from the analysis into their own encounters with art.

Step 7 - Edit & Revise Your Essay

Here’s how to end your visual analysis essay: edit and revise your first draft until it becomes the perfect version. Consider these steps for an excellent revision:

Review for Clarity: Ensure your ideas flow logically. Clarify any ambiguous or unclear statements to enhance the overall readability of your essay.
Trim Unnecessary Details: Trim excess information that doesn't directly contribute to your main points. Keep your analysis focused and concise.
Check Consistency: Verify that your writing style remains consistent throughout the essay. Maintain a balance between formal language and engaging expression.
Fine-Tune Transitions: Ensure smooth transitions between different sections of your essay. Transitions help guide your reader through the analysis, making the journey more enjoyable and comprehensible.
Proofread for Errors: Carefully proofread your essay for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. A polished essay enhances your credibility and the overall professionalism of your work.

With these basic steps, you can craft an amazing visual analysis essay. Read on for some useful tips for analyzing different kinds of visual subjects.

Tips on How to Analyze a Photograph

Painting and photograph analysis are very similar. There are three ways in which photo visual analysis is conducted: description, reflection, and formal analysis.

Although the historical study may be used, it is not necessary.

Description - It implies examining the picture carefully and considering all of the details. The description should be neutral, focusing on simple facts without expressing a personal viewpoint.
Reflection - For the next stage, consider the emotions that the picture stirs in you. Every viewer will have a distinct viewpoint and feelings about the piece. Knowing some historical background might be useful when formulating an educated response.
Formal analysis - Consider the visual components and concepts. How are they shown in the photo?
Historical analysis - For a contextual analysis, keep an eye on the photo's surroundings. Make sure you comprehend the surrounding environment in which the photograph was taken. What era was this image shot during?

Tips on How to Analyze a Sculpture

A sculpture, unlike a painting or photograph, requires a different approach to visual analysis. It still depends on visible components and principles, however it does so in a slightly different way.

When you're writing about sculptures, keep the following in mind:

Medium, size, and technique - What kind of material is it? Is it carved in a negative or positive method?
Color and lightning - Describe the hue of the sculpture, whether it is painted. Was the sculptor concerned with the illumination when creating the work?
Human body and scale - Consider how a human body is portrayed in the piece. Also, assess the sculpture's size compared to that of the viewer.
Function - What was the sculpture's main aim? You could speak about whether it represented a religious conviction or honored someone, for example.
Composition - Examine the placement of the piece and determine whether there is a focal point.

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Visual Analysis Essay on Advertisement

In advertisements, visuals are used to pique interest or persuade the public that what is being advertised is needed. The goal of a visual argument is to generate attention and intrigue. Images are utilized in advertisements to transmit information and interact with the audience.

When conducting a visual analysis of an ad, keep the following in mind:

Textual Elements
Illustrations
Composition

This all has an impact on how people perceive information and how they react to it.

When you analyze the visuals of an ad, you're performing a rhetorical analysis. The study of images and extracting information from them is known as visual rhetoric. It aids in the comprehension of typography, imagery, and the structure of elements on the page.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper on an Advertisement

Visual components in advertising are important. It aids in the persuasion of the audience.

Always keep the rhetorical situation in mind while analyzing visual arguments. The following are some key elements to consider:

Audience - Who is the advertisement meant to attract?
Purpose - What message does the photo try to get across to the audience?
Design - What kind of visualizations are included? Are the visuals clear and easy to follow? Are there any patterns or repetitions in the design?
Strategies - Is there any humor, celebrities, or cultural allusions in the graphic's message?
Medium - Is the photograph surrounded by text? Is there any text within the picture? How does it interact with the picture to produce an intended effect if there is any?
Context - What are the characters in an ad? Where are they positioned?
Subtext - Consider the meaning of the picture's words. What are they trying to say?

Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples

Here are some visual analysis essay samples that you can read to understand this type of essay better.

Art history Visual Analysis Essay Example

Political Cartoon Visual Analysis Essay

Rhetorical and Visual Analysis Essay Sample

Mona Lisa Visual Analysis Essay

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Here are some top visual analysis essay topics that you can choose from and begin the writing process.

Make a review of your favorite Hollywood production and discuss the visual arts involved.
Write about the use of color and action in TV commercials.
Discuss how the brand name is displayed in digital media campaigns.
Discuss different types of visual appeals used in web ads.
What is the special about Cleo Award-winning ads?
The Use of Light and Shadow in Caravaggio's "The Calling of Saint Matthew"
The Symbolism of Colors in Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night"
What is the importance of art and culture in our life?
How has art changed over the last 50 years?
The use of colors in marketing and advertising.

To conclude,

From gathering information about the artwork to crafting a compelling analysis, we've navigated the essential steps you need for a visual analysis essay. Moreover, with the specific tips and examples, you have everything you need to get started.

So dive into the writing process with confidence and return to this blog whenever you need help on any step!

However, if you have gone through the whole article and are still unsure how to start your essay, we can help you.

Our professional essay writers at MyPerfectWords.com can help you with your visual analysis essay assignment. Contact us with your order details, and we will get it done for you.

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Dr. Barbara is a highly experienced writer and author who holds a Ph.D. degree in public health from an Ivy League school. She has worked in the medical field for many years, conducting extensive research on various health topics. Her writing has been featured in several top-tier publications.

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55 Best Visual Analysis Essay Topics for Students

Table of Contents

A visual analysis essay is a type of academic essay that analyzes and describes an image, art, or any other visual work. It basically provides a description of a certain visual display in detail. If you are a student who is learning a course in History, Art, and English, then for your academic projects or assignments, you can work on any visual analysis essay topics. Right now, would you have to prepare a visual analysis essay? Are you searching for any interesting visual analysis essay topics for your assignment? If yes, then continue reading this blog post.

Below we have shared a list of the best visual analysis essay topic ideas. Also, we have explained how to write a great visual analysis essay to impress your readers.

Visual Analysis Essay Writing

Writing a visual analysis essay is an extremely challenging and interesting task. When you are asked to write a visual analysis essay, first you should search and identify a good topic for discussion or you can pick any visual work for analysis.

Next, you should analyze the selected visual display and describe how concepts like basic visual elements and principles of design make the visual stand out in the crowd. Most importantly, when you analyze a visual with graphical elements, you should consider aspects like the target audience, the historical context, and the formation of the visual work.

After completing your analysis on different visual concepts, based on your analysis of the artwork you will have to write a great visual analysis essay. The visual analysis essay that you prepare should be clear and precise. Also, when writing an essay of this type, you should mainly examine the entire image and discuss the specific features of the visual work from your viewpoints.

Basic Elements of a Visual Analysis Essay

In the visual analysis essay, one of the significant concepts to cover is the visual elements. Basically, visual elements are nothing but the elements that give an in-depth visual depiction of their visual features.

In general, an analysis of an image or visual work would look incomplete, if you fail to explain how the standard visual elements stand in line with the characteristics of the subject. So, while doing visual analysis, remember to keep an eye on the common visual elements.

Mentioned below are the basic visual elements of a visual analysis essay.

Composition
Focal Point

Key Design Principles of a Visual Analysis Essay

Along with the above-specified basic visual elements, you should also give more importance to the principles of design when you write a visual analysis essay. Usually, the design principles would assist you in discussing the characteristics of an image or visual display in detail.

Listed below are some important principles of design that you should take into account when writing a visual analysis essay.

Steps for Writing a Visual Analysis Essay

Are you confused about how to write an effective visual analysis essay? Don’t worry! Simply follow the below-mentioned steps in order and prepare a brilliant visual analysis essay on any valid topic or visual work.

Gather the main ideas and information.
Explore the visual work.
Perform an in-depth analysis.
Craft a Visual Analysis Essay Outline.
Add citation.
Proofread and Edit.

Gather the main ideas and information

We all know how important a topic is for an essay. So, first, you should select the right essay prompt or artwork. Next, after you have identified a perfect topic, you should conduct basic research on that visual work and gather all the major ideas and information according to the aspects discussed below.

What does this artwork depict?
Who created this visual work?
Mention when and where was this visual work created.
Identify for whom the artist designed this visual work.
Where was this work exhibited for the first time?
List out the materials and mediums used in this artwork.

Explore the visual work

After collecting all the basic details about the painting or visual work, you should explore and note down what the image portrays. Especially, when discovering the entire image or artwork, for reference, summarize all the visible aspects.

Here are some essential features that you would consider when observing the visual work.

The story behind the work.
The overall mood of the artwork.
Main setting.
Characters involved.
Representation of each character.

Perform an in-depth analysis

After examining the visual work, you should conduct a deep analysis. Analyzing the whole visual display is one of the challenging steps that consumes more time. While you do visual analysis on your subject, focus on all the concepts that are related to the basic visual elements and principles of design.

Craft a Visual Analysis Essay Outline

Next, after performing an in-depth visual analysis of your selected artwork, with all the details you have gathered, sketch a neat and clear visual analysis essay outline. Like other academic essays, you can also craft the visual analysis essay outline as per the 5 paragraph structure that includes the important sections such as introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

It is the opening section of the visual analysis essay. Here, in this section, you should begin the essay with a catchy hook sentence and add basic details about the topic. Especially, when introducing your visual analysis essay topic to your readers, you should make sure to give a brief description of the artwork and the artist, significant elements in the visual work, and an interesting fact about the artwork or the artist.

After providing concise background information on the topic, wrap up the introductory paragraph with a powerful thesis statement. Your thesis statement should mention your evaluation points on the artwork that you aim to cover in your visual analysis essay.

It is the soul of a visual analysis essay where you have to present a detailed explanation of the visual work that you have analyzed. Here, in this section, you should mainly discuss all the key points related to your thesis help with valid evidence or examples. Besides that, in response to the visual argument of the original artist, you can also bring up your own thoughts about the artwork that is under observation.

It is the closing section of the visual analysis essay. Like the introduction section, give high importance to the conclusion section too. Particularly, in the conclusion paragraph, make sure to summarize all the key points discussed in the entire essay and add a thesis restatement.

Add citation

After you have written the whole visual analysis essay, include a reference page. On the source cited page, you must mention the details of all the sources as per the standard citation rules.

Proofread and Edit

Proofreading is the last step in the visual analysis essay writing process that should not be skipped. After preparing the first draft of the essay, revise the entire content multiple times and edit if there are any errors in it. The final copy of the essay that is ready for submission should be flawless and original.

List of the Best Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Here we have composed a list of interesting visual analysis essay topics and ideas to consider for assignments.

If you are looking for an interesting visual analysis essay topic, then without any hesitation, explore the whole list below and spot the topic that is appropriate for you.

Amazing Visual Analysis Essay Topics

How the brand name is displayed in digital media campaigns?
Discuss the different types of emotional appeals used in web ads.
Explain how art has changed over the last 50 years.
How does advertising affect our lives?
Review your favorite Hollywood production and discuss the visual arts involved in it.
Is advertising making people materialistic?
Show the use of sound, music, and narration in presentations.
Analyze the text in a famous TV campaign and explain why they have used it.
Describe the strategies for showing the product in ads fast action versus zoom in.
Analyze the cover of a magazine and explain its transparency of it.
Evaluate the categories of products displayed in a full-page ad in a local magazine
Create an evaluation of the people shown in food product ads considering their gender, race, activity, health, etc.
What is the most effective ad you have seen and why do you think it is effective?
What is the core value system promoted in TV campaigns?

Great Visual Analysis Essay Ideas

Prepare a report on social class shown through art.
List out the product categories displayed in a full-page ad in a local magazine.
Analyze a piece of work from the Parks library.
Compare the emotional appeal and type of sales in web ads.
How does advertising affect third-world countries?
Describe the role of masculinity in advertisements .
Examine how music adds value to YouTube videos.
Discuss the link between a website’s design and its traffic statistics.
Select a digital advert and explain what makes it persuasive.
Perform a visual analysis of an anti-smoking poster.
What is the most ineffective campaign for a beauty product and why is it ineffective
Determine the audience of an artwork and see why this audience is ideal for the artwork or why it is not so
What medium was used, and why was that medium important? Identify which materials were used.
If you are analyzing a classical painting, identify the story on which the story is based.

Read more: A Simple Guide on How to Write a Rhetorical Analysis Essay

Outstanding Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Explain what makes a TV show successful.
Describe the basic visual elements the charities use to attract donors.
Review an Oscar-winning movie and discuss the visual arts involved in it.
Discuss the various techniques used in broadcast journalism to attract the audience.
Analyze how BBC Sherlock uses visual elements.
What is the most effective advertising type?
Discuss the significance of art and culture in our lives.
Explain the use of colors in advertising and marketing.
What is the specialty of Cleo-Award-winning ads?
Are posters effective in advertising concerts?
How pictures can convey meaning?
Should a business have an Instagram account to be successful?
Describe how social media ads trace customers’ preferences.
Discuss how promotional videos attract people to an event.
The advancement in the writing services online. Explain what has made them so successful. Make interesting comparisons from the beginning to now.
Phone technology and the importance it plays in the everyday world of the public. Describe the life before the phone to the top-of-the-line product today.
What makes social media so addictive?

Impressive Visual Analysis Essay Topics

What fundamental principles are emphasized in TV ads?
Examine the use of negative space in the minimalist art of Agnes Martin
How do paintings reflect the artist’s attitude and mood?
Prepare a Visual analysis essay on “Girl with a Pearl Earring” by Johannes Vermeer.
Analyze a piece of work from the Parks Library
Are advertisements that use pictures of people effective?
Pick a movie with low ratings and analyze why it failed.
Analyze the use of light and shadow in Caravaggio’s paintings
Examine the use of perspective in Leonardo Da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
Analyze the visual representation of power in propaganda posters from World War II.

Out of the different ideas suggested above, choose any topic that matches your interest and compose a well-structured visual analysis essay. In case, you don’t know what topic to select or if you are unsure how to write an impressive visual analysis essay, then approach us immediately.

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Seeing Beyond the Obvious: Tips for Writing a Strong Visual Analysis Essay

Art, Philology, and Communication students very often come face to face with the need to write formal analysis essays. One of the varieties is an essay that explores the visual elements of the subject of art. While the structure of a visual analysis paper is not much different from other essays, the content requirements are quite intricate.

There are many different directions for writing a visual analysis essay. Each assignment requires an individual approach, but there are key pillars that you can rely on when writing your work. In this article, we will take a detailed look at all the details of a good visual analysis essay. Moreover, we are about to share tips from professional writers, which will make the process of writing a formal analysis much easier for you.

Visual Analysis Essay Features

A visual analysis essay is based on a detailed study of the selected artistic object. The main task of visual analysis is to highlight the major distinguishing features of a visual image, as well as to carry out a meticulous description of each component and visual characteristics. The purpose of the visual analysis essay is to examine the influence of common visual elements on culture, social life, and direction in the development of art. Sometimes you can find it difficult to understand the requirements for a paper. That’s why professionals of our service can write your lit review in a matter of hours. Also, the analysis of artistic works brings clarity to the overall portrait of the visual display of an entire nation. It’s because artists often portray the realities of their country’s life by depicting history through art.

Persuasive writing in the form of a visual analysis requires the student to have a comprehensive knowledge of the field of study. For this reason, you need to know basic concepts regarding the theoretical aspects of art to conduct a contextual analysis.

The task of such work is not only to briefly describe images or depict elements of the chosen piece of visual art but also to study the historical context in detail. That is, the conditions, prerequisites, visual arguments, and hidden meaning of the masterpiece should be of no less interest to the author than the piece itself.

Elements of a Visual Analysis Essay

Before writing visual analysis essays, art students have to get to know the key components of such works. There is a certain set of art elements that you need to pay attention to analyzing an art piece. They will help build a comprehensive picture of the context and meaning of the work of art.

Composition

Composition is the scheme by which an artist creates his work. When analyzing images, two-dimensional art, you have to pay attention to the visual representation of the central figures, such as the human body in the image. What is at the center of a particular image? What is the significance of this location? What is the first thing that catches your eye? What draws your attention the most in a painting or photograph?

While exploring three-dimensional art for your visual analysis essay, you will have to study sculpture design. The student should allocate the main figures present in the composition and examine in detail their placement within the boundaries of the work.

Elements of design

In the process of writing visual analysis papers, you need to study the basic design elements in detail. Among them, there are color, line, texture, shape, and form. It is this fragment of work that makes up the largest array of information and scientific novelty of your essay. The process of writing a visual analysis essay takes a lot of time and effort. That is why many students prefer to resort to the help of an analytical essay writing service to write a visual analysis essay professionally. You should evaluate design principles as objectively as possible. To conduct such an in-depth analysis, you have to study a large amount of theoretical literature and technical data.

Focal point

The focal point is the central figure of the composition. Study all the visible aspects in detail and calculate the author’s idea to include this data in the visual analysis essay. Which visual element is intended to be the centerpiece of a rhetorical situation?

The cost of the work tells the level of recognition of the artist at the time of the sale of the painting. This is one of the characteristics that allow you to analyze the history of the art piece more for your visual argument essay. Was the artist also famous during his lifetime, or did he become popular only after his death?

The size of the painting itself, as well as the objects and characters in it, is an important element of visual analysis. Study the volume and size of the painting, as well as analyze what meaning the artist concluded on the visual display of the scale.

Symbolic elements

The symbolic objects of the picture are designed to convey the hidden meaning that was laid down by the artist. The analysis of these visual elements will help you understand the prerequisites for writing a work and will also reveal to you the hidden meanings of the artist.

Visual Analysis Essay Outline

It is well known that outlining an essay is an integral part of the writing process. This is necessary to properly organize your thoughts and clearly state them in your work. Visual analysis sticks to a classical five-paragraph essay structure. Due to this essay format, the first paragraph is an introduction, then comes three paragraphs of the body and one paragraph of conclusions.

Start the first paragraph with a thesis statement. This writing technique exists to summarize the main idea of the text and give a brief description of the topic. Also, the visual analysis thesis statement should attract the attention of the reader, intrigue, and interest.

The body part of the painting analysis essay includes three separate paragraphs, each of which presents a detailed description of an idea. When creating your essay outline, plan how you will subdivide your thoughts. Be sure to separate technical detailed analysis from your ideas about the visual object.

The final paragraph of a visual analysis essay sums up what you have written so far. In this section, you should state as concisely as possible the thoughts that you came up with during the visual analysis. There is a working technique for writing essays. You need to write in the last paragraph what you would like the reader to remember the most.

Tips for Analyzing a Sculpture

When analyzing a sculpture, we pay attention not only to the overall composition but also to the historical context of its creation. Sculpture analysis consists of a detailed study of visual images. Let’s look at the following aspects of writing a quality essay:

Start by learning the history of the sculpture. This is considered to be one of the best rhetorical analysis writing tips for college essays. What guided the sculptor when creating this visual rhetoric? In what period of life and work was this work created?

Evaluate the volumes and pay attention to space and lines. What is the general form of the sculpture? Does the sculpture inherit natural motifs, or does it depict something man-made? Is the work dominated by clear lines, or is it prone to randomness? What is the distance between the repetitive elements of the sculpture? Is there a feeling of airiness or, on the contrary, infringement?

Distinguish the role of the light. Did the author try to convey a certain effect with the help of light? Does the light bring the visual argument to the piece? Does chiaroscuro add drama to the work? Does the light help to intertwine opposing elements?

Understand the function. Perhaps the artist intended the sculpture to be a part of a private collection. Does the artwork represent some historical meaning?

Study composition. Who or what is the primary figure of the sculpture? How different elements are combined within the piece?

Tips for Photo Analysis Essay

Photo visual analysis also consists in studying the components of the portrait itself and analyzing the visual arguments and the background of its creation. It is very important to take a complex approach to the issue and make the work as comprehensive as possible.

The exposure. What is the range of light in the photo? Is the portrait overexposed or darkened?Did the author put special meaning into this visual display?

The skyline. Was the photo taken parallel to the ground or at a certain angle? Why did the author decide to shift the horizon line?

The key figures. Is there a key element in the photographic composition? Is the central figure one or several? Who or what is the center of the composition?

The texture. Is the photo clear and sharp, or smooth and hazy? Is there graininess in the photo? Was the graininess added during processing, or is it inherent in the basic settings of the camera?

The colors. What color is the photo taken in? Is the photo color black and white? Did the author want to achieve a certain effect with the play of color?

How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper

As we have already mentioned, writing a visual analysis requires analyzing visual arguments, considerable preparation, and theoretical knowledge in the field of art. And although the process of writing a critical analysis essay is quite time-consuming and energy-intensive, this is undoubtedly an interesting task to complete. Let’s summarize and find out how to write an essay on visual analysis.

First of all, always start by creating an outline of your visual analysis essay. Not only will this help you structure your ideas, but it will also point out flaws in the composition of your essay. Also, don’t forget to pay attention to the thesis statement, which is designed to grab the reader’s attention and state the main idea of the analysis essay.

Start by studying art history before moving on to analyze different visual elements. Carrying out a historical analysis to understand the origins of creative work will lead to a better understanding of the purpose and idea of the work.

When you write a visual analysis, you should make sure to include your personal opinion . Your fresh thou on famous paintings can open up a new audience’s perception of well-known masterpieces.

Never forget, the same approach in the analysis may be suitable for the study of classical painting and be completely inappropriate for modern one. Artists of different trends use actual lines and textures in different ways. Somewhere the smears are clear and graphic, and somewhere soft and weightless. Select study methods depending on the characteristics of a particular work or author .

Visual Analysis Essay Topics Ideas

Visual analysis essays, for sure, are one of the most difficult and interesting forms of rhetorical analysis in college writing. The art world provides us with a huge variety of topics and directions that require study. Here we list some of the most recent and relevant topics for writing your visual analysis essay.

Analyzing the use of color in Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night”
The symbolism of the mirror in Diego Velázquez’s “Las Meninas”
The political and social commentary in Banksy’s street art
Analyzing the use of light and shadow in Caravaggio’s paintings
The cultural significance of Frida Kahlo’s self-portraits
The emotional impact of Edvard Munch’s “The Scream”
The use of perspective in Leonardo da Vinci’s “The Last Supper”
Analyzing the portrayal of women in Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”
The use of negative space in the minimalist art of Agnes Martin
The visual representation of power in propaganda posters from World War II

Example of Visual Analysis Essay

And yet, no matter how much we explain to you the theoretical aspects of writing an essay on visual analysis, it is always better to see something on your own. Let’s study together an example of such an essay and consider how different concepts were combined into this work.

Here’s an example of a Visual Analysis Essay on Jean-Michel Basquiat’s painting “Dinosaur”:

Jean-Michel Basquiat’s painting “Dinosaur” is a powerful work of art that combines various elements to create a stunning visual experience. The painting, which was created in 1983, features a large dinosaur-like creature in the center of the canvas. The creature is depicted in Basquiat’s signature style, with bold, black lines and vibrant colors. At first glance, the dinosaur appears to be the focal point of the painting. However, upon closer inspection, it becomes clear that there are many other elements at play. The background of the painting is a chaotic mixture of different colors and shapes, which gives the impression of movement and energy. The various shapes and lines seem to be swirling around the dinosaur, as if it is the center of a vortex. One of the most striking features of the painting is the way that Basquiat has incorporated text into the composition. The word “dinosaur” is written in large, bold letters at the top of the painting. In addition, there are many other words and phrases scattered throughout the canvas, including “skeletons”, “wings”, and “teeth”. These words add an extra layer of meaning to the painting, suggesting that the dinosaur represents something more than just a prehistoric creature. One possible interpretation of the painting is that it is a commentary on the nature of power and dominance. The dinosaur, with its large size and fierce appearance, represents those who hold power over others. The chaotic background of the painting, with its swirling lines and shapes, could represent the chaos and confusion that often accompany the exercise of power. The words and phrases scattered throughout the canvas could be seen as further commentary on the subject, highlighting the various aspects of power and dominance. Overall, Basquiat’s painting “Dinosaur” is a complex and multi-layered work of art that invites viewers to contemplate its meaning and significance. Through its use of bold lines, vibrant colors, and provocative text, the painting challenges us to think deeply about the nature of power, dominance, and the human condition.

Bottom Line

Students often have to keep in mind a large number of requirements for a visual analysis essay. Sometimes it is very difficult to concentrate, and there is not enough time and energy to write a paper. Remember that experienced specialists are always ready to help you. We hope this article has become useful for you, and we wish you success in writing a visual analysis essay!

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Visual Analysis Essay

Last updated on: Feb 9, 2023

Writing Guide of Visual Analysis Essay for Beginners

By: Cordon J.

Reviewed By: Chris H.

Published on: Nov 9, 2021

A visual analysis essay is different from other essays because it requires you to study the design elements and principles. These include color, size, shape, and line are design elements. And balance, texture, contrast, and proportion are the main principles.

However, if you have confusion in writing this type of essay, read this blog and learn everything about it.

Below is a stepwise guide to writing a visual analysis essay along with some tips and examples. You can also pick a topic from the given list to get started.

On this Page

What is a Visual Analysis Essay?

A visual analysis essay is an essay in which the writer provides an engaging description of the pictures, architecture, or photos. This type of essay is common in art, history, and English classes and requires in-depth research skills.

The main purpose of the visual analysis essay is to:

Describe the piece of art, image, or other visual work.
Examine the artwork from your point of view.
Discuss the elements of visual display in detail.
Give interesting facts about the art and the artist

Moreover, the language in the visual analysis essay should be descriptive. Also, you should have a detailed grasp of the few things, such as:

Other contemporary art forms
Background in which the artist created it

Therefore, without these, you would never create a well-written visual analysis essay.

Visual Analysis Essay Format

The format of the visual analysis essay is similar to different types of essays. Without a proper format, you will never write a great essay.

Below is the essay format that you should follow when writing your essay.

Start with an interesting hook statement

Describe the image vividly

Discuss the purpose of the artist

Give interesting facts

Conclude with thesis statement

Support your main idea

Describe your thoughts

Wrap up the entire essay

Restate the thesis statement

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How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay?

Before you start writing the essay, you must do some planning and preparation. However, writing a visual analysis essay is not difficult if you follow the proper steps and procedures.

Therefore, for your help, we have gathered some steps that can help you in writing a great essay.

1. Understand your Teacher’s Requirements

When you first start writing your essay, you should always ask the teacher for specific instructions. Some teachers provide written guidelines and require students to follow them. When you are unsure, ask them for clarification before proceeding with anything else

2. Choose the Topic

One of the most important steps in writing a successful essay is finding an interesting topic. You should choose something that will intrigue your audience and be easy to research. Otherwise, it can turn into a time-consuming task.

3. Gather Information

After selecting the essay topic, start collecting information. You should know:

When and where was the work created?
Who is the author of the piece?
What does the artwork represent?
Identify which materials were used.
What medium was used?

Therefore, keep these points in your mind and collect data according to them.

4. Create the Visual Analysis Thesis Statement

The thesis statement is the backbone of an essay. Therefore, it should be clear and concise while also covering your main point in a way that's engaging for readers.

5. Draft the Visual Analysis Essay Outline

With the help of an essay outline , you can easily make your writing phase easier. You will figure out what structure to use and plan how to organize everything before working on it.

The visual analysis essay outline consists of:

An essay introduction serves as the basic foundation of the essay where you summarize the point of discussion, including:

Start with an attention-grabbing hook statement.
Briefly describe the essay topic.
Give interesting facts about the artwork to give readers some context.
State the thesis statement.

So, you need to include these things in the introductory paragraph.

The essay body presents the main arguments and thoughts. In this section, explore the artwork and all its aspects in detail. Also, in each body paragraph, discuss each idea in detail that supports your thesis statement without giving inaccurate information.

The conclusion is the last section of the essay, where you give your thoughts and opinion about the subject.

Restate the major arguments and the thesis statement. It is supposed to sum up the entire purpose of your argument, which means it's important to impress readers with your statements.

6. Proofreading and Revising

Proofreading is the most important step in ensuring a successful essay. You'll need to read it again and make sure that all your points are clear, logical, and well-supported. You can also ask your friends, seniors, or family members to proofread your work.

Without proofreading, never submit or publish your essay. It gives a bad impact on your readers if there are any typos - even minor ones.

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Visual Analysis Essay Examples

Visual analysis essays give you a chance to show off your creativity. Therefore, we have gathered some great examples from professional writers just for your help.

VISUAL ANALYSIS ESSAY SAMPLE

ART VISUAL ANALYSIS ESSAY EXAMPLE

RHETORICAL AND VISUAL ANALYSIS ESSAY

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

The topic has a huge impact on people. The reader decides whether they read the entire essay or not based on your topic.

For your help, we gathered some essay topics that you can use for your visual analysis essay.

Don’t forget how revolutionary Cubism was to the art world at the time.
Exercising, the latest workouts, and who uses them.
Discuss different types of emotional appeals used in web ads.
What is the special feature of Cleo Award-winning ads?
An animation in favor of equality for the poor.
Analyze the society’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Write about superstitions and their impact on society.
Does the artwork contain items that symbolize something?
The use of colors in marketing and advertising.
Examine the way weather conditions affect one’s well-being.

So, choose the best one from the list mentioned above that you find interesting and easy to write.

Tips for Writing the Visual Analysis Essay

Below given are tips that you should follow and create a perfect visual analysis essay.

Follow the proper essay structure.
Choose an engaging essay topic.
Never forget to create an essay outline.
Discuss the visual elements and visual art.
Use several elements of design to create an image.
Understand the focal point.
Start with the strongest qualities and finish with less valuable ones or vice versa.
Keep the audience’s interest in mind.
Be precise.
Include only relevant information.
Pick powerful arguments for the body section.
Don’t write vague words or sentences.
Write a good essay introduction that grabs the reader’s attention.
Create a strong visual argument.
Look at the historical context of the artwork.
Analyze an artwork based on your own observations.
In the pre-writing phase, do drafting, in-depth research, revision, and editing.
Try to conclude your essay, not just restate the thesis statement.
Proofread it several times and correct all the mistakes.

Now, you get a detailed guide to the visual analysis essay with professionally written examples. However, if you lack writing skills and need a professional writer’s help for your visual analysis paper, consult 5StarEssays.com .

We offer the best essay writing services at affordable rates. All our writers deliver original work in no time. All you have to say is ‘ write my essay for me? ,’ and our writers are ready for your help.

So, contact us now and get the best essay writing help.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is a visual analysis essay.

There is no specific limit set for the visual analysis essay. It depends on your chosen topic. However, it is better to use the five-paragraph essay structure for your essay.

What should a visual analysis essay include?

Here are some things that you should include in the visual analysis essay.

Discuss the purpose of the artist.
Explain how the image was created.
Talk about the controversy or misunderstanding about the art.

How many paragraphs should an analysis essay have?

An analysis essay contains five paragraphs, and each has some analysis components:

Introduction with thesis statement
Three main body paragraphs

Speech, Finance Essay

Cordon. is a published author and writing specialist. He has worked in the publishing industry for many years, providing writing services and digital content. His own writing career began with a focus on literature and linguistics, which he continues to pursue. Cordon is an engaging and professional individual, always looking to help others achieve their goals.

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Table of contents

1 What Is a Visual Analysis Essay?
2 Selecting and Exploring a Visual Piece: Key Guidelines
3.1 Visual Composition
3.2 Emphasis on a Central Point
3.3 Symbolism
3.4 Design Elements
3.5 Surface Quality
3.6 Dimensions
4 Visual Principles of Design in Essays
5.1 Step 1. Choose Your Visual Subject.
5.2 Step 2. Observe and Describe.
5.3 Step 3. Identify the Context.
5.4 Step 4. Develop a Thesis Statement.
5.5 Step 5. Outline Your Research.
5.6 Step 6. Interpretation and Analysis.
5.7 Step 7. Address Counterarguments.
5.8 Step 8. Cite Your Sources.
6 Art Analysis Essay Topics
7 Conclusion

If you learn Art or Design, you’ll need to complete a good visual analysis essay, which may be challenging. This guide helps beginners step into the art of writing about pictures in a way that makes them come alive.

From this article, you will:

Understand what a visual analysis essay is;
Get insights on selecting an ideal visual piece for your research;
Explore the elements of this essay;
Consider the visual principles of design in creating an analysis essay;
Get step-by-step guidelines on how to write this assignment;
Receive the list of popular essay topics.

Take a trip into visual analysis, where words and images meet. Go on reading this guide and explore the fascinating world of visual storytelling.

What Is a Visual Analysis Essay?

It’s a form of academic writing that dissects and interprets visual content, including paintings, photographs, advertisements, or any visual artifact. Unlike a traditional essay, a visual analysis requires the writer to scrutinize the elements of the visual piece and delve into their significance. In essence, it’s an exploration of how visual elements contribute to the overall message and meaning of the artwork. The writer examines aspects like color, composition, symbolism, and context to uncover the artist’s intentions and the emotional impact on the viewer. Performing a visual analysis of a work of art goes beyond describing it, providing interpretations that deepen our understanding. This type of essay hones analytical skills and fosters an appreciation for the nuanced language of visuals in conveying ideas and emotions.

Selecting and Exploring a Visual Piece: Key Guidelines

After considering a visual analysis definition, let’s delve into the intricacies of exploring visual content. By closely examining the techniques and background of an artwork, we can appreciate its artistic qualities.

Discover some effective tips to help you do a visual analysis well:

Observation and Description: Choose the artwork that interests you carefully. When you decide to start your essay , examine every facet, ranging from its overall composition to the minutest details. Look for a connection between the artwork, your personal experiences, and the themes you want to investigate.
Attention to Details: Focus on the artwork’s specifics: delve into its colors, lines, shapes, and textures, taking note of any distinctive features that capture attention.
Analysis of Elements: Progress to a thoughtful consideration of how these graphic elements interact harmoniously. Reflect on the emotional impact of colors and shapes, discerning their contribution to the overall aesthetic.
Interpretation of Meaning: Explore the artwork’s thematic essence, uncovering concealed messages or symbols. Contemplate the temporal context of its creation and potential references to cultural or historical elements.
Research and Contextualization: Enhance the analysis by researching the artist, the artwork’s period, and the prevailing cultural milieu. This contextual exploration aids in writing an analytical essay and constructing a more profound understanding of the broader artistic landscape.
Formulation of Results: Synthesize the gathered observations, analyses, and contextual knowledge into a cohesive interpretation. Develop a clear thesis statement encapsulating your understanding of the artwork.

Elements of a Visual Analysis Paper

Research involves examining the visual parts of an artwork. These elements determine the image’s features and characteristics. Here, you’ll discover the typical visual elements integral to a painting analysis essay.

Visual Composition

Delve into the relationships among objects in an image. When looking at a picture, first find the main figure. Then, understand how the other elements are arranged. Lastly, notice if anything important is missing.

Emphasis on a Central Point

The focal point is the image’s area that captures the viewer’s attention. It’s essential for comprehending the overall image’s purpose.

It’s the incorporation of objects with specific symbolic meanings in the image. Ascertain whether the image includes such symbolic objects and discern their meanings.

Design Elements

Artists often blend various elements to compose an image, including size, lines, color, and shape. Exploring these elements is crucial for creating a well-thought-out art analysis essay.

Surface Quality

Texture pertains to the smoothness or roughness of an object, a characteristic applicable to both 2D and 3D art. Authenticity in representing texture is essential.

These encompass the overall dimensions of the image and depicted figures. Explain why the artist chose a certain image size in this part of your body essay paragraph . Also, talk about why the figure sizes change in the artwork.

It involves the portrayal of lines. Articulate how these lines guide the viewer’s focus towards specific elements in the artwork.

Form encompasses an examination of light and shading. This element allows the writer to transform 2D objects into a three-dimensional representation. Analyze the use of shading and light to accentuate specific work’s aspects.

It pertains to how the artist presents various shapes in the visual piece, including circles, ovals, rectangles, and squares. Elaborate on the use of these shapes and their meanings.

When writing visual analysis essays, describe the impact of colors on the image. Focus on understanding how colors influence the overall image’s mood and tone.

Value denotes how the artist uses dark and light elements in different parts of the work. Discuss how these elements are employed to convey specific nuances in an artwork.

Visual Principles of Design in Essays

When you describe a painting in an essay, it’s important to look beyond what you see. We need to understand design principles, which help us explain the details in the visual piece. This way, we better understand how the artwork is put together. The mix of elements and design principles makes the example of visual analysis essays more interesting. We can understand and appreciate the art even more.

Balance: Balance refers to how different graphic elements are distributed in a picture, including asymmetrical, symmetrical, and radical balance.
Emphasis: This pertains to the object capturing the audience’s attention, prompting discussion on how the artist strategically enhances specific parts of the image.
Movement: Involving the repeated use of objects or symbols, the principle of movement requires identification and analysis of recurring graphic elements.
Pattern: Describing how colors impact the image is vital when crafting an image analysis essay. Focus on the colors and their influence on the overall mood and tone.
Proportion: This principle delves into the realistic relationships between objects in the artwork, requiring an explanation of the artist’s intended message.
Variety: Analyze the artist’s use of elements to influence the audience’s perception, elucidating how diverse components create specific moods or meanings within the image.
Contrast: This principle demands a description of contrasting elements and their impact on the image’s quality.
Hierarchy: Reflecting the viewer’s ability to process an image, this principle underscores the significance of size, color, and other characteristics.
Symmetry: Centered on using spaces between repetitive components, this principle involves describing different types of symmetrical designs.
Layout: Examining the distribution and placement of objects and symbols, the principle of layout needs an explanation of how the artist strategically positions diverse elements within the image.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Step-by-Step Guidelines

Many students who learn Media and Communication, Art, or Design ponder how to start a visual analysis essay. Completing papers of this type requires us to understand the steps involved in exploring the details of an artwork or image. Let’s take a closer look at each step to discover the depth of this analytical process.

Step 1. Choose Your Visual Subject.

Selecting a visual piece is an essential stage when tasked to write an art analysis essay. When you write my essay for me , you get to decide on an artwork or image that you like that is connected with how you see things. For example, you could choose a famous painting like Leonardo da Vinci’s “Mona Lisa” or an impressive modern photo showing city life. It’s your chance to explore and understand art better. Consider what interests you, whether it’s the mysterious smile in an old painting or the lively scenes in a new photograph.

Step 2. Observe and Describe.

Let’s take a closer look at what you see. If you’re checking out a picture like Vincent van Gogh’s “Starry Night,” pay attention to the details. In your visual analysis example, describe the swirling lines that show movement. Also, mention the vibrant colors that create emotion. Don’t forget to discuss the texture of the paint strokes that enhance the overall composition.

Step 3. Identify the Context.

Now, let’s delve into the past and the world around your chosen picture when you’re doing your visual analysis of art. For example, if you’re looking at Edvard Munch’s “The Scream,” it’s like going back to 19th-century Norway. Imagine you’re an art detective uncovering clues about the artist’s life and what was happening back then. Explore what life was like, what people felt, and especially, the deep thoughts and worries people had during that time. This step helps you understand why the artwork was created and what it might mean.

Step 4. Develop a Thesis Statement.

Craft a thesis statement that acts as a beacon guiding your analysis. If you analyze Pablo Picasso’s “Guernica” painting, your thesis could focus on the strong anti-war message shown through chaotic imagery. For example, it may be, “ I’m going to talk about how this painting is showing us why war is not good, using all these chaotic images. ” Your thesis is like the captain of your analysis ship, telling everyone where you’re going. It helps you stay focused and lets your readers know what to expect.

Step 5. Outline Your Research.

Organize your thoughts systematically in the visual analysis essay outline. Each section could explore specific elements of the artwork. When writing about Salvador Dali’s painting “The Persistence of Memory,” you can divide it into sections. These sections can cover surrealism, the melting clocks, and Dali’s artistic intentions. It’s like breaking down the big picture into smaller parts so you can explore each one. Your outline is like a helper that keeps you on track and makes your essay clear and organized.

Step 6. Interpretation and Analysis.

It’s time to delve into the layers of interpretation in your visual analysis essay example. When you look at Salvador Dali’s “The Persistence of Memory,” it’s like exploring a world of melted clocks. Let’s figure out why he used these wobbly timepieces. Take your time to look closely and think about what they might mean. Maybe they’re saying time isn’t always steady and can feel a bit bendy. Dali shows us that time is not strict; it can differ for everyone. Your job is to conclude your work by analyzing how he arranged these melted clocks to tell us something special about time.

Step 7. Address Counterarguments.

Anticipate alternative perspectives. When analyzing a contemporary photo, consider different opinions on interpreting modern art. This step strengthens your essay by showing you’ve thought about different ideas.

Step 8. Cite Your Sources.

If you incorporate external sources, cite them meticulously. For instance, to better understand the emotions in Frida Kahlo’s “The Two Fridas,” look at art historians’ analyses.

These comprehensive steps for analyzing visual art provide a nuanced guide for your writing. If you’re just starting with such research papers, consider seeking support from PapersOwl’s essay writing service and getting expert recommendations. Our team of proficient writers is ready to assist you in crafting a persuasive artwork analysis example efficiently. With our help, you can acquire the skills to compose a well-organized and insightful analysis of images, videos, or artworks.

Art Analysis Essay Topics

Explore these examples to gain insights and inspiration. Each topic is diverse yet common, providing a foundation for your essay on a similar topic. These visual analysis essay examples hold global significance and are utilized by students worldwide.

Detailed Analysis of Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss, 1907-1908.
How Visual Elements Are Used in Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh, 1888-1890.
Identity and Seated Harlequin by Picasso, 1901.
The Themes Used in Paul Klee’s The Tree of Houses, 1918.
The Key Message of Lindsay Key by Robert Mapplethorpe, 1985.
Description of Two Boys with Fish by Mario Macilau, 2018.
Explanation of Kevin Carter’s Starving Child and Vulture, 1993.
Philippe Halsman’s Dali Atomicus (1948): The Story Behind This Photo.
Modern Art and Couple on Seat by Lynn Chadwick, 1984.
Explanation of the Biblical Context of Pieta by Michelangelo.

Learning how to write a visual analysis essay is like getting a special key to understanding artwork better. With the help of this guide, students can confidently break down graphic pieces, find hidden stories, and explain what they see in a way that makes static images come alive. Writing visual analysis papers helps to connect with the deeper meanings in pictures. By taking on the challenge of understanding artworks, we get a deeper insight into how images and meanings work together. So, when you pick up your pen, let your curiosity and careful observation guide you on this interesting journey.

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What is a Visual Analysis Essay?

A visual analysis essay is a type of analytical writing that asks the reader to examine a work of art. This style of writing analyzes different aspects of art through the use of images.

A common misconception about this type of essay is that it is just a text with pictures and captions. However, its unique form requires you to present your point with visual images. So, a reader can fully understand what you're trying to explain.

These essays are creative and engaging, which allows you to analyze the visual elements of literature. It gives you an in-depth look at various aspects of art pieces such as paintings and sculptures.

It is important to use descriptive words if you want your essay to be interesting and engaging.

How to Conduct Visual Analysis?

By closely examining the elements, techniques, and context of an artwork, we can uncover its hidden messages and appreciate its artistic qualities.

Here are some steps to help you conduct a visual analysis effectively:

Observe and Describe

Start by carefully observing the artwork. Take your time to look at every detail, from the overall composition to the smallest elements.

Pay attention to the colors, lines, shapes, textures, and any other visual elements that stand out.

Analyze the Elements

Next, analyze the visual elements of the artwork and how they interact with each other. Consider the use of color and its emotional impact.

Examine the lines and shapes and how they contribute to the overall composition.

Interpret the Meaning

Consider the subject matter and any symbolism or metaphors used. Look for clues in the context of the artwork, such as historical, cultural, or social references.

Think about the artist's intention and what they might be trying to convey through their work.

Research and Contextualize

Conduct research to learn more about the artist, the art movement or period it belongs to, and the historical or cultural context in which it was created.

Formulate Your Analysis

Finally, synthesize your observations, analysis, and research into a coherent analysis of the artwork. Develop a thesis statement that encapsulates your interpretation of the artwork and support it with evidence and examples from your analysis.

Elements of a Visual Analysis Essay

The most important concepts to know when writing a visual analysis essay are the essay's visual elements. These elements offer a good visual display of its visual characteristics.

A student cannot analyze an image or visual display without mentioning how these elements relate to the subject's characteristics.

A list of common visual elements used in writing visual analysis essays is given below.

Visual composition explains how objects are related to one another. When studying an image, concentrate on answering composition-related questions. Such questions involve what the main figure is, how the other figures are arranged, and what is missed.

A focal point is the part of the image where the artist attracts the audience's attention. Grasping the focal point helps you to understand the image's overall purpose.

Symbolic elements are the usage of objects that have symbolic meaning in the picture. You must determine whether or not the image contains symbolic objects and what those objects portray.

In most cases, artists combine several elements to make a picture. It's necessary to become acquainted with these elements before writing a visual analysis essay. Size, lines, color, shape are examples of these elements.

It refers to the softness or harshness of an object. A texture has to be genuine in both 2D and 3D art.

It is the whole size of the picture, as well as the size of the figures in the image. In this part, you must describe why the artist chose a specific picture size and why the sizes of figures differ.

This pertains to the actual lines depicted in the image. You must explain how lines help draw the audience's attention to particular parts of the picture.

It involves an examination of shading and light. The writer can use this element to create 2D objects into 3D. Pay attention to understand how the writer has used shading and light to improve or enhance certain aspects of work.

It is about how the artist has displayed different shapes in the picture. Ovals, circles, squares, and rectangles are all included. You must explain how the artist used the shapes and what they portrayed.

You must describe how colors affect the picture while writing a visual analysis essay. Concentrate on the colors to know how they affect the whole mood and tone of the picture.

Value reflects how the artist's used dark and light elements in various parts of the work. You must talk about how the artist presents these elements in their work.

Design Principles of a Visual Analysis Essay

For a great visual analysis essay, you must recognize design principles in addition to visual elements.

These principles assist you in highlighting and describing the visual characteristics.

A pattern describes how colors affect the image when composing a visual analysis essay. Concentrate on the colors and how they affect the mood and tone of the whole picture.

Contrast relates to the use of opposite elements. You must have contrasting elements in your essay to tell if they affected the quality of the whole picture or not.

The layout is primarily concerned with the distribution and placement of objects and symbols within the picture. You must describe how the artist presents various objects and symbols and how they are arranged in the picture.

Balance relates to how different visual elements are distributed in the picture. You must define pictures in terms of radical, symmetrical, and asymmetrical balance.

Proportion determines whether or not the relationship between objects in visual display or picture is authentic. Describe what the artist wanted to say through their artwork.

Hierarchy emphasizes the significance of size, color, and other elements of the picture. It relates to the way in which people view a picture and interpret it.

Movement relates to the repeated use of objects in a visual display or picture. Identify the symbols or objects that repeatedly appear how in the picture.

How incorporated elements in the picture influence the audience's perception? You must describe how various elements are used in a picture to create a specific mood or meaning.

Emphasis refers to the object that catches the viewer's eye when they see it. You must talk about how the artist used different elements to make different parts of the picture look better.

The use of spaces between repetitive elements is the subject of this principle. There are various types of rhythms, and you should explain how the writer presented them in the picture.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay?

Here are six steps you must take to write a visual analysis essay.

Provide Basic Information

To start the creative writing process, you must first collect information on the following elements.

Who wrote the piece?
A piece created for whom?
What medium was chosen?
Why was that medium significant?
Where was this art originally shown for the first time?
Who or what does the artwork reflect?
What elements were used?
When and where was the work created?
Describe the Painting

The following step is to determine what the image portrays. This part is similar to an abstract in which you must summarize all the observable elements. The following are the essential characteristics to search for.

Identify the story on which the artwork is based if you are examining a classical painting.
Discuss the primary setting.
Highlight the characters and what they stand for?
Describe the painting's overall vibe that the artist intends to communicate.
Examine Thoroughly

Every piece of art is unique; consider what art elements and design principles you will apply in your writing.

This section takes the most time. Because here, you have to examine the artwork elements as well as its design concepts thoroughly.

Make an Outline

For your visual analysis essay, the five-paragraph style is recommended. Find out significant elements of the artwork and create your thesis statement around it.

Visual analysis papers must follow standard citation guidelines. Include a source citation page with a list of all your references used.

Edit & Revise Your Essay

After you've finished writing your essay, revise and proofread it to ensure it's free of grammatical mistakes.

For a detailed guide, you can also check out this video:

Visual Analysis Essay Outline

Below outlines the fundamental structure for a visual analysis essay.

Visual Analysis Essay Introduction

This is the opening paragraph of a visual analysis essay, and this is where you should make your reader interested. It should provide some basic information about the subject. After the introductory part, offer brief information on the following points.

Give an overview of the painting and the artist.
Explain the painting's main elements.
Include intriguing information about the artist's intent on the picture.
Remember to add the first sentence that grabs attention.
Add thesis statement

The thesis statement should be included at the ending of the essay introduction . The thesis statement for a visual analysis essay provides the points you intend to cover in your essay.

Visual Analysis Essay Body Paragraphs

You must analyze the artwork in-depth in the body part of your essay. Provide three or more suggestions to support your thesis. Write and examine the entire piece, including the method used, form, colors, and everything else that backs up your thesis.

Only discuss the parts of the artwork that support your argument. Present all of the facts rationally and describe the elements and their relationship with each other. You should evaluate your ideas about the artwork under examination in response to a visual argument created by the artist.

Visual Analysis Essay Conclusion

This is the essay's final paragraph, so it should be powerful and well-written. Here, you must reinforce your thesis statement once again and make it effective.

Top Visual Analysis Essay Examples

Below are samples of different types of visual analysis essays for you to improve your understanding of this type of essay.

Visual Analysis Essay of a Painting

Conducting a visual analysis essay of a painting involves four key steps:

Carefully observe the artwork, noting its composition, brushwork, color palette, and symbolic elements.
Analyze the artist's techniques and choices, such as brushstrokes, use of light and shadow, and perspective.
Interpret the artwork, considering its emotional impact, themes, and potential messages.
Evaluate the painting's overall effectiveness, considering its artistic value, innovation, and ability to engage the viewer.


	Mystic Dreams" is a captivating contemporary oil painting that merges reality and imagination. With its ethereal dreamscape, vibrant colors, and symbolic elements, this enigmatic artwork explores the depths of the human psyche, inviting viewers to embark on a personal journey of contemplation.
	Mystic Dreams" presents a mysterious nocturnal scene with swirling, luminescent hues and celestial blue backdrop. The interplay of warm and cool tones creates a harmonious yet tension-filled atmosphere, captivating the viewer's attention.
	The artist employs bold brushstrokes and an impasto technique, adding dimensionality and texture to the composition. Skillful blending of colors and interplay of light and shadow enhance the sense of depth and movement. The composition guides the viewer's gaze through horizontal and vertical elements, suggesting different realms and creating a dialogue between the tangible and intangible.
	Mystic Dreams" delves into the liminal spaces between reality and fantasy, inviting contemplation of the human experience. The vibrant bursts of color convey emotional intensity, while the dreamlike quality transports viewers to a realm beyond time and space, encouraging introspection.
	Mystic Dreams" is an exceptional work that transcends traditional representation. The artist's bold brushwork and understanding of color create a visual language that resonates on an intellectual and emotional level, making it a profound piece of contemporary art.
	Mystic Dreams" exemplifies the enduring power of art to evoke the imagination. With its expressive style, vibrant colors, and mysterious symbolism, this painting leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the artist's unique vision and contributing to the realm of contemporary art.

Visual Analysis Essay of a Photograph

For conducting a visual analysis essay of a photograph, follow these three key steps.

First, closely examine the composition, lighting, and subject matter of the image.
Second, interpret the emotions, themes, and narratives conveyed by the photograph.
Finally, evaluate the overall effectiveness of the photograph in engaging the viewer and conveying its intended message.


	"Lost in Time" is a captivating black and white photograph that captures a solitary figure on a weathered dock, evoking a sense of contemplation and nostalgia.
	The photograph showcases soft, diffused lighting, casting shadows on the dock and creating depth. The composition follows a diagonal line, guiding the viewer's gaze and adding dynamism.
	"Lost in Time" invites reflection on solitude, the passage of time, and the longing for connection. The black and white treatment intensifies the emotional impact and timeless quality of the image.
	This remarkable photograph skillfully combines composition, lighting, and subject matter, creating a visually stunning image that elicits emotions and prompts personal introspection.
	"Lost in Time" captures a poignant moment frozen in eternity, leaving a lasting impression with its evocative narrative and skillful execution.

Visual Analysis Essay of a Sculpture

Conducting a visual analysis essay of a sculpture involves three essential steps.

First, carefully observe the sculpture's form, materials, and spatial arrangement.
Second, interpret the sculpture's symbolism, themes, and artistic intent.
Finally, evaluate the sculpture's aesthetic value, technical craftsmanship, and its ability to evoke emotional responses.


	"Eternal Dance" is a captivating bronze sculpture that depicts two figures in a graceful, intertwined pose, symbolizing unity and the cyclical nature of life.
	The sculpture's fluid lines and polished bronze material create a sense of movement and depth. The figures' outstretched arms convey a yearning for transcendence, inviting contemplation on the transient beauty of existence.
	Eternal Dance" is an exceptional sculpture that showcases the sculptor's technical skill and conceptual depth. Its symbolism and aesthetic appeal make it a thought-provoking and visually engaging artwork.
	Through its form, material, and symbolic elements, "Eternal Dance" captivates viewers, inspiring reflection on interconnectedness and the eternal cycle of life.

Visual Analysis of an Advertisement

Conducting a visual analysis of an advertisement involves several key steps.

First, carefully observe the advertisement, noting its visual elements such as imagery, colors, typography, and layout.
Second, analyze how these elements work together to convey the message and appeal to the target audience.
Third, interpret the intended meaning and the emotions evoked by the advertisement.
Finally, evaluate the effectiveness of the advertisement in terms of engagement, communication, and marketing objectives.


	The advertisement titled "Infinite Possibilities" captivates viewers through a vibrant composition featuring diverse individuals engaged in dynamic activities, conveying a sense of boundless potential.
	Bold colors, modern typography, and energetic poses create an aspirational atmosphere. The advertisement emphasizes inclusivity and aims to evoke a positive emotional response.
	The visually striking composition and persuasive elements effectively engage the target audience, encouraging them to explore the product or service being advertised.
	"Infinite Possibilities" successfully communicates its message of limitless potential, utilizing visual elements to create an aspirational and engaging advertisement.

Here are some more samples of visual analysis essays:

Rhetorical and Visual Analysis Essay Sample

Art History Visual Analysis Essay Sample

Political Cartoon Visual Analysis Sample

Visual Analysis Essay Advertisement

Visual Analysis Essay Format

Visual Analysis Essay Template

Mona Lisa Visual Analysis Essay Example

Visual Analysis Essay Thesis Example

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Following are some excellent visual analysis essay ideas from which you can start your own writing.

What impact does advertising have on our lives?
Discuss the forms of emotional appeals shown in web advertisements.
Review your favorite movie and analyze the visual arts in it.
What is the importance of historical context?
Discuss the action involved in television ads.
Colors are used in marketing and advertising.
What makes Oscar awards unique from other awards?
How has art evolved in the past 50 years?
Explain how digital media campaigns display brand names?
What role do art and culture have in our lives?

Tips For Writing the Visual Analysis Essay

Here are some tips on how to write a great essay, so take a look at them and make your writing process easy.

Your visual analysis essay should be written in a clear and organized way. The audience will not stick around if the ideas are not presented in an organized way.
If the essay is written in an appropriate format, the data will be easy for the audience to understand.
You need to rely on your thesis statement when writing your essay. You also need to do research before making any arguments.
The emotions we feel when looking at artwork often counter the artist's argument. The writer should be aware of how the audience perceives the artwork.
When you write the visual analysis essay, proofread it carefully to make sure there are no mistakes. Any errors in grammar or context will count against you in the final grade.

Working on your visual analysis essay and need help? Luckily you can rely on a writing service like CollegeEssay.org and get your essay within the set deadline.

We provide the best essay-writing service for students . No matter if it is a simple college essay or a complete research paper , we are here to help you.

Get your hands on a professionally written college essay in just a click.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is visual analysis.

Visual analysis is a method of understanding the visual elements of an artwork. Elements such as color, line, texture, and scale are frequently used in historical art writing.

What is a visual rhetorical analysis?

The visually rhetorical analysis mainly interacts via images or the engagement of image and text. The author of such visual documents thinks in the same way as writers do. They select the elements of the images and organize them and their thoughts based on rhetorical considerations.

What is the purpose of visual literacy?

Visual literacy aims to allow a person to effectively interpret, evaluate, find, use, and create images and visual media.

How do you write a visual analysis conclusion?

The conclusion should be the strongest part of your paper because it's where you can leave a lasting impression. Don't just restate what you said in the thesis statement but strengthen and form those thoughts by adding an interesting fact that will make it more convincing and credible to readers.

What is a visual text example?

Visual texts are those in which pictures and shapes communicate rather than words. Photographs, illustrations, pictures in books, DVDs, web pages, billboards, advertisements, cartoons, artworks, book covers are examples of visual texts.

Caleb S. (Literature, Marketing)

Caleb S. has extensive experience in writing and holds a Masters from Oxford University. He takes great satisfaction in helping students exceed their academic goals. Caleb always puts the needs of his clients first and is dedicated to providing quality service.

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Graphic Essays and Comics

Overview | Recommended Software | Student-Made Examples | Other Examples | Instructional Video

A graphic essay (sometimes called a visual essay) uses a combination of text and images to explore a specific topic. Graphic essays can look like comics, graphic novels, magazines, collages, artist books, textbooks, or even websites. Graphic essays often first take the form of written essays and then have graphic elements added to enrich the reader experience. Unlike infographics, which also combine text and images, graphic essays are often more text-based and usually have a narrative arc or specific reading order.

Comics are a genre used to express ideas through images combined with text or other visual information. Comics can take the form of a single panel or a series of juxtaposed panels of images, sometimes called a strip. Text is conveyed via captions below the panel(s), or speech bubbles and onomatopoeias within the panel(s), to indicate dialogue, narration, sound effects, or other information. Graphic novels are often considered to be a longer form of comics, typically in book form.

A web-based graphic essay can take the form of a blog or a single page website, such as a Microsoft Sway page or an interactive Prezi. For Microsoft Sway and Prezi graphic essays, see the examples below. If you are creating a blog we recommend visiting the Web-Based Projects page .

Graphic Essay Design Tip: Graphic essays can take many forms, so we recommend being creative within the scope of your project! Get some help from DesignLab to brainstorm options and talk through the various tools available!

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Recommended Software

There are many different software programs that can be used to create graphic essays. Below is a list of the software that we recommend for making a graphic essay. We organized the software by category and put the software from top to bottom from best to worst. We recommend using a software you know well or learning the software well enough to establish an easy workflow, so you can spend less time troubleshooting and spend more time on your project. Check out our Software Support page for links to tutorials for all of these programs.

General Graphic Essay Software

Web-Based Graphic Essay Software

Comic-Specific Graphic Essay Software

Student-Made Examples

Print style graphic essay.

Becoming a Witness by Jessica Posnock

Creative Graphic Essay

Virtual Communication by Max Hautala *Award Winning*

Curb Magazine (2012) by Journalism 417

Web-Based (Magazine) Graphic Essay

Curb Magazine (Current) by Journalism 417

Web-Based (Sway) Graphic Essay

Language Influences Culture, Thoughts, and Identity by Kristen Luckow *Award Winning*

Language Influences Culture, Thoughts, and Identity Thumbnail Image

Dyslexia by Maria Swanke *Award Winning*

Other Examples

Web-based (blog) graphic essay.

Switch It Up: Graphic Essay by Amanda Zieba

Sceeenshot of Switch It Up Graphic Essay

Graphic Novel

Graphic Novels in the Classroom by Gene Yang

Instructional Video

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How to Write a Visual Essay

Visual essays are different from other types of essays. A traditional essay focuses on opinions and facts, while a visual essay provides information using images instead of text.

First, let’s figure out what a visual essay is in this guide from our writers at College-writers.com . It’s a type of writing assignments that requires you to provide images in order to illustrate some topic. Quite often, essays of this kind focus on topics that cannot be properly explained without images. Such essays may consist of images only, or images may serve as an addition to the written content.

Some students think that such assignments are easier to complete. On one hand, you won’t need to write a lot. On the other hand, this task is challenging because you still need to create an academic paper.

As a student, you may write visual essays on different topics, including history, social issues, and fine arts. You may be asked to submit your essay as a Word document or a .pdf document, as well as just a string of images in a video format.

A traditional 1,500-word essay is equivalent to 10-12 pictures and up to 700 words of text. Since a visual essay doesn’t contain much text, its success is determined by your images. Thus, you have to choose images carefully and make sure they are related to the topic.

The Purpose of Graphics in a Research Essay

The main purpose of a graphical representation is to make your visual essay more interesting for readers. For example, you may use charts to provide statistics or images that will help your readers feel certain emotions.

If your essay contains numbers, your readers will be able to better memorize any statistics if you present your data in a graphic form. This approach is great when you have to illustrate some trends or patterns.

Short videos and photographs allow you to tell about a certain historical event in a more interesting and engaging way. Obviously, visual essays are also irreplaceable for those who study fine arts. This format allows you to illustrate some artistic movement or to present a series of paintings.

Images also have a number of other advantages:

they expand your audience;
they have a strong emotional impact on the audience;
they allow you to convey more information while using less text.

A visual essay doesn’t require you to follow strict rules, which makes this type of essays easier compared to other writing assignments. However, you still need to create a proper structure. We suggest that you stick with the classic structure that includes an introduction, a body, and a summary.

Introduction

This section of your essay should include a graphic that familiarizes your audience with the topic. Add captions that will explain images and make your viewers pay close attention to your content. The following pictures should illustrate the topic, also having vivid descriptions that correspond to the overall tone. At the end of your introduction, write the thesis statement that explains the main idea of your essay.

The main body should develop your idea and support it. We suggest that you use at least three arguments in order to support your thesis statement. Every argument should include pictures and additional information that cannot be conveyed in a graphic form. Once you’ve set the context for your argument, provide examples so that your audience can understand the necessary details.

At the end of your essay, remind your viewers your main arguments from the body section. Here you can include a statistical chart or a thought-provoking image that will encourage your audience to think about something.

Your visual essay should have a clear structure and it should be easy to perceive. Therefore, we suggest that you don’t make your captions longer than a hundred words. Your captions may include your own words or quotes from other sources. The main thing is to make sure they are directly related to the topic. You should also make sure that every caption corresponds to the content of the image. They may also provide different information but complement each other in some way.

How to Choose a Topic

A good topic is a topic that actually needs graphic representation. We suggest that you select a subject that requires some statistical data. You may also choose a topic that will benefit from beautiful images. In the first case, you can use charts, while the second type of essays will allow you to add eye-pleasing graphics.

We also recommend that you choose a topic that is really interesting to you. In this case, the research process will not be boring. You may write about your favorite artist or some important social issue — both types of topics allow you to create a great visual essay.

Pre-Writing

First, you have to figure out what is the main idea of your essay. You can find the necessary sources only when you understand what message you want to deliver. Once you’ve written the thesis statement, answer the following questions:

What images can illustrate your main message?
What evidence proves your thesis statement?
Is there any information that contradicts your ideas?
How can you respond to the opposite point of view?
Quotes from which sources can make your essay more trustworthy?
Can you support your graphics with some music?

Once you’ve answered the questions above, start planning your essay. We recommend that you follow these simple steps:

1. Research all the relevant sources in order to support your thesis statement. 2. Find images related to your topic and your thesis statement. 3. Create a simple outline and organize the information you have. 4. Think of the overall tone of your essay and choose a proper font. 5. Write your first draft according to your outline. 6. Edit and proofread your first draft. 7. Show your essay to somebody else and then polish it.

How to Use Images

The main thing about visual essays is to choose proper images that illustrate your topic in the best way possible. This task requires you to approach it in a creative way, since you will also need to add captions to your graphics.

If you don’t know what images to use, we suggest checking out similar assignments completed by students in the past. You can also find good sample essays online.

We also recommend that you follow our tips:

Your graphics should be either emotion-, thought-provoking, or informative.
To illustrate statistics, use charts.
Make sure all your facts are accurate and relevant.
Show your essay to somebody else so that you can see their reaction and improve your essay according to it.
Make sure your pictures follow each other logically.
Your captions should be organically integrated into the essay. They shouldn’t draw too much attention. However, they also shouldn’t look unnecessary.

When searching for images online, keep in mind that you cannot use some images. Make sure to check copyright before adding any images to your essay. To avoid copyright issues, use such websites as Open Clip Art, Wikimedia Commons, Pixabay, etc.

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Exploring the Picture Essay: Tips, Best Practices, and Examples

April 18, 2023

Words by Jeff Cardello

A picture essay lets you harness the power of images to tell stories, evoke emotions, and convey a sense of place, time, and perspective.

Picture essays drop viewers right into the action, letting them see things through the camera’s lens, offering insights and understanding that isn’t possible through words alone. From static pages of photos, to carousels and animated articles, photo essays come in many forms. With no-code tools like Vev , it’s now easier than ever for journalists, designers, and publishers to create immersive, visually-led digital content to make their stories stand out from the crowd. Here’s everything you need to know about crafting stunning picture essays — from techniques and best practices through to world-class examples.

What is a Picture Essay?

Picture essays, also known as photo essays, are a form of visual storytelling . They are composed of a series of photos which together form a narrative or communicate information or ideas. They can have a clear beginning, middle, and end, but aren’t necessarily bound to linear narratives. Whether used for a chronological story or capturing a moment in time, all of the photos share a common theme that connects them.

Photo essays are often accompanied by text, providing context or conveying additional details. This can range from the most basic information such as titles, dates, or locations, or a caption helping to narrate the visual story. Some picture essays may rely solely on the imagery, while others may include more text to create a scrollytelling piece of content, with text even overlaid on the photos. The key to a picture essay is that the driver and focus is the visuals.

The Origins of the Picture Essay

Photography emerged as a documentary form at the beginning of the 20th century. Many cite Lewis Hine and the work he did between 1911 and 1916 in bringing attention to the harsh realities of child labor in the United States as one of the earliest examples of the picture essay. In 1948, the photographer W. Eugene Smith published a picture essay titled “Country Doctor” following a physician in rural Colorado and showing his work with the patients as well as what he did in his downtime. This is another notable example that elevated picture-taking into a journalistic art form.

Lewis Hine’s photos captured the hardships of children in the workplace and were instrumental in changing American labor laws.

Picture essays have remained an important part of journalism, having kept pace from its black-and-white beginnings to the high-resolution full-color images of today’s digital media.

Design Techniques for the Perfect Picture Essay

Scrollytelling images.

Scrollytelling images smoothly fade from one photo to the next as someone moves through a website, often with overlaid text to help describe what is happening in the images. This a subtle, yet effective way to break up content, and makes sure that each photo captures the attention of those scrolling.

Scroll Speed

Scroll speed is an effect that controls how reactive elements are to scrolling. Varying how reactive elements are to scrolling gives them a sense of distinction, rather than having them all lumped together in one long block. For example, a lower setting like 10% will make a photo move slower than one that’s set at 90%. This technique creates a scroll animation that keeps readers engaged in the picture essay.

Scroll Progress Bars

A website full of photos often presents a lengthy amount of content for visitors to navigate through, especially if it’s a single page. Scroll progress bars , often tucked into the top of the screen, show visitors where they’re at and urge them to keep scrolling to the end.

Image Comparison Slider

When you want to display photos that show the before and after of something, an image comparison slider makes it possible to communicate changes through a single interactive image.

Clickable Image Hotspots

Photo essays rely on images to tell much of their stories, but text also provides context and additional information, clickable hotspots, also known as labeled images , maximize screen space and give visitors control in revealing details.

Image Carousels

Image carousels let visitors click, scroll, or drag through a series of images and are generally navigated horizontally, but may take other forms.

Best Practices for Picture Essay Design

Know the story you want to tell: Identify the main points you want to visually communicate. Photo essays can tell a linear story but also be used to convey a sense of atmosphere or feeling.
Use different types of shots: Photographs can become monotonous when they’re all the same. Mix up things with different angles, close-up shots, different compositions, and other variations to keep your picture essays interesting.
Choose only the best images: Photos shouldn’t only look good, but be relevant to the story you’re telling.
Know your audience: Keep in mind the target demographic the photo essay is intended for and make sure the style and tone are in line with who they are.
Keep things moving: Utilize scroll-triggered transitions, animations, and other points of interactivity to guide visitors through and keep their attention.

10 Aspirational Picture Essay Examples

From egmont to taranaki.

From Egmont to Taranaki is a picture essay built with Vev that’s both a personal story and a history lesson. It recounts the author John Campbell’s travels through the New Zealand countryside with a terminally ill friend while also delving into the painful past of how the indigenous Maori became dispossessed of these very spaces. Much like the twists and turns of the road, this photo essay bounces back between John’s memories and the history of this land.

Along with photos showing the beautiful green landscape and delightfully greasy food that John enjoyed with his friend during their travels, there are also animated effects. Fade-ins, text scrolling over fixed images, and parallax break the content up and keep up your momentum as you move through it.

Food for Thought

From sheep grazing on the rocky hillsides of Kyrgyzstan to fishermen casting their nets into the blue waters off of Indonesia, Food for Thought depicts where food comes from across the globe. The photos are big and brilliant, capturing the people tasked with the hard work of food production, the geography, as well as the animals and crops they are responsible for.

Each section uses a fixed image parallax scrolling effect that functions as a sliding window drawing the next image into place. There’s also a great use of hot spots, represented by circular icons that visitors can click on in learning more.

With its handsome metallic luster and Art Deco geometry, Bialetti’s pots help so many start their days with an easy way to brew cups of dark and delicious coffee.

They have a long and interesting history that can be traced back to 1933 when Italian engineer Alfonso Bialetti introduced its stovetop coffee maker. Bialetti tells its story through images showing where Alfonso drew his inspiration, product photos, and advertisements over the years. Along with a comprehensive timeline of visuals, you’ll also find plenty of motion in the form of parallax scrolling, animations, and other dynamic visuals. The scroll progress bar at the top is also a nice touch, showing people where they are in this one-page design.

Witnesses to History Keepers of Memory

Witnesses to History Keepers of Memory is an interactive photo essay put together by the Montreal Holocaust Museum. Pictured are Holocaust survivors along with the items they still have that accompanied them through detainment.

The main gallery of photos has much in terms of interactivity with hover-triggered animations, and a previous and next button letting you flip through them. The cursor turns into an eye icon, and clicking through on any of the photos brings you to a new screen that tells the story of the person pictured.

Seeing these people today, along with these personal items is a strong reminder that this terrible period of history wasn’t that long ago, and shows the strength and resilience of those who went through it.

Hakai Autonomous Ocean

Gliders are submersible robots used by scientists to explore what’s beneath the ocean and to gather data. They’re a relatively new technology, free from propellers, which harness ocean currents to move them through the water. The Autonomous Ocean begins with video footage of the sea rushing by and text telling how one of these $150,000 robots was experiencing trouble. It’s a dramatic opening that makes you want to keep reading to find out what happened.

Built with Vev, this single-page website is full of photographs showing oceanic gliders in action and how scientists use them. Scrollytelling images provide smooth transitions fading from one photo to the next, with accompanying text moving over them. This design also features a clever image comparison slider, displaying both the internal and external features of this submersible.

Moma Strange Brew

Viewed at a distance, John Klines’ art installation entitled Skittles looks like a refrigerator of fancy juices that you might find at any upscale grocer. The labels affixed to these juices reveal that inside these bottles are ingredients like yoga mat, fake plant, and shopping bag. All that looks delicious and nutritious from afar is something far grosser, making this art piece a funny and satirical take on consumerism.

This photo essay shows the steps involved in creating this piece, moving you through each stage of how this humorous and thought-provoking art piece came to be.

Picture essays are a documentary form of visual storytelling , and non-profits use them to bring attention to the problems of the world, and what they're doing to help solve them.

The United Nations Children’s Fund, more commonly known as UNICEF, is committed to the rights and health of children. This picture essay , featuring work by photographer Jan Grarup, covers UNICEF’s Denmark warehouse, where medicines and other essential goods are stored, and the people in countries like Haiti, Lebanon, and Uganda that these items reach.

Photos show shelves full of supplies, the places they’re sent out to, and the hospitals where they’re so desperately needed. You see the hardships that people face, and how UNICEF’s work helps improve their lives. It’s a breathtaking piece of photojournalism showing why their humanitarian work is so important.

The Guardian

Slippery slope? Alpine tourism in the face of climate crisis covers climate change and how it impacts the Alps. This photo essay not only shows scenes of winter tourism, but what the Alps are like year-round. This gives an in-depth look at the interrelationships between the people, landscape, and ecosystem and the cascade of effects that global warming causes.

Because this photo essay focuses on two very different times of the year, you’ll find several image comparison sliders showing what the Alps look like in the winter, and what they look like after the snow melts. Image comparison sliders work perfectly comparing different times of the year, and maximizing screen space.

The Naija Story

Since Nigeria declared its independence from Britain in October of 1960, they have had both turmoil and triumphs. Naija Story communicates Nigeria’s history, bringing visitors to who they are as a country today.

This design is divided into sections covering topics like politics, technology, and entertainment. Photo essays are an effective medium for history, and Naija Story uses them to highlight the events that have shaped Nigeria in these individual sections.

Along with photos, there are scroll-triggered animations that shift the visuals and text into place, as well as lines that connect all of these events making them simple to follow. There’s so much to learn about Nigeria, and it’s all conveyed in an artistic, yet easy-to-understand way.

Ukrainian Ballerina Uprooted by War Flies High Again

Ending our exploration of picture essays is this piece from Reuters, which tells the story of ballet dancer Ganna Muromtseva who fled from war-torn Ukraine, and whose journey brought her to the Hungary State Opera where she got to be a part of their performance of Swan Lake. With a well-balanced mix of writing and photos that show her life both on the stage and off, visitors get a personal look into her life.

Along with candid photography, there’s also a nice sense of interactivity. As visitors scroll text moves over the photos, giving context. There are also fade-ins as one moves from one image to the next, which also adds dynamics to the visuals.

Create Stunning Picture Essays in Vev

If you have a story you’d like to tell through photos, Vev offers a multitude of creative possibilities to bring it to life. With image comparison sliders, carousels, scroll animations, and other pre-built elements, we make it possible to create visually captivating editorial content just as you imagined it — without needing to write a line of code. When your design is ready, publish it to any existing website through Vev or embed your Vev project into your existing CMS.

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Visual Essays

Gretchen Schroeder

We had just read a series of short stories in class, and I had intended for my high school students to write an essay comparing and contrasting how a certain topic or theme was portrayed across the stories. But, you know how it goes. It was the week before Christmas break, and I was running out of time. I just didn’t think we would have time to draft a full essay. I just wish the students could show me where they would go in this essay, I thought. Could they create a visual essay? Is there even such a thing? It was a little scary to conduct such an experiment, but I was interested to see what products my students would create.

I envisioned that students could use a combination of words, images, and quotations to show evidence of a deeper understanding of one of the stories.

I left the assignment pretty open-ended to allow for a variety of responses. I didn’t show any models or examples because I didn’t have any to show. I also left the medium up in the air, letting students decide whether to construct this on paper or digitally.

Since I was low on time, I presented the idea to students one day, giving them the rest of the day and evening to brainstorm and think of how they would proceed. Then I gave them one 45-minute class period to complete the visual essay.

What Students Learned

All students chose to create their “essays” in Google Slides. Let’s examine the different varieties in student responses.

Exhibit 1: Ammon

Screen Shot 2016-06-20 at 3.01.25 PM.png

In Ammon’s visual essay over “A Worn Path,” he includes a paragraph summarizing the main point he would make about fantasy versus reality in the story. In addition, he chose two images to illustrate the contrast between the two, both showing a path, one bathed in light, another cloaked in shadow. His visual essay focuses more on his written summary, and the images support his main point.

Exhibit 2: Genna

Screen Shot 2016-06-20 at 3.04.22 PM.png

Genna includes a summary of the story “Araby,” along with two sets of contrasting images, representing both the physical journey the main character takes to the bazaar and the symbolic journey he takes on his way to self-discovery. The images representing the character’s actual journey correspond to plot points in the story, but the images represented show her understanding of the character’s motivations and ultimate realizations, which can be challenging to uncover in this story.

Exhibit 3: Paul

Screen Shot 2016-06-20 at 3.02.41 PM.png

Paul formats his visual essay as a flowchart, using arrows to illustrate his train of thought. His visual essay shows his thinking about the function of the bazaar in the story as a symbol. which ultimately leads him to uncover a theme. The images he includes underscore each of his points.

Exhibit 4: Tierra

Screen Shot 2016-06-20 at 3.02.56 PM.png

Tierra begins with one main point about the function of the forest in “A Worn Path,” and then uses quotations from the story to show how this setting contrasts with the main character’s home.

Exhibit 5: Isaiah

Screen Shot 2016-06-20 at 3.02.06 PM.png

Isaiah simply uses a group of images along with the title of the story. The images are more literal representations of the major plot points: how the grandmother travels through the forest to get to a doctor’s office where she can get medicine to treat her grandson, who has swallowed lye. The images convey his literal comprehension of the story, but lack evidence of close reading or a deeper understanding of the story.

What I Learned

For having so little direction and such a short time, I thought that the majority of students produced a worthwhile product that gave me insight into their thinking and interpretation of a story.

As I looked over each visual essay, I found myself wishing that each student were with me so that he or she could talk me through his or her choices, particularly when it came to the images. Since images are so subjective, I wondered whether I was sometimes ascribing thinking to an image that wasn’t actually there. Or, on the flip side, was I missing a depth of thought that was actually there, as in the case of Isaiah in Exhibit 5? This problem could easily be remedied by asking students to sit down and discuss their final product with me, to present their work to the rest of the class, or to write a reflective process piece to accompany their visual piece.

Final Thoughts

I would try this experiment again. There was enough student success to show me that this can be an alternative to a written text when I am short on time or when we need a fresh way of looking at a text. Despite the fact that I now have a better idea of what a visual essay can be, I will continue to leave the assignment open-ended for students to foster their creativity. I predict that once I begin showing examples, I will see little variety in the products I receive.

For this first go-round, I thought it would be unfair to assign a grade to the work, since students were given no guidance about what I was looking for. In the future, I will assign a grade only after giving students a chance to explain the thinking that went into their visual essay. I think that is the only way to accurately understand how the visual essay connects to their thinking about the text.

Like any good experiment, this assignment included both trial and error. Although I wouldn’t conduct every new assignment in this way, it was rewarding to see how students can surprise us when given the chance.

Gretchen Schroeder is a high school English teacher in rural Ohio, teaching everything from Advanced Placement Literature to a Poetry Workshop elective. Her passions include helping students find their voices through writing and introducing them to books they love. You can find her sharing books on Instagram @mrs_schroeders_shelves .

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Understanding Visual Analysis Essays

A written analysis allows writers to explore the discrete parts of some thing—in this case, several visual artifacts—to better understand the whole and how it communicates its message.

We should also consider how the image(s) appeal to ethos, pathos, and logos, and why. Consider, for example, how most advertisements rely on an appeal to pathos--or emotion--to persuade consumers to buy their project. Some ads will use humor to do so. Others will evoke patriotism to persuade consumers to purchase a product (suggesting buying a certain product will make them a good American).

This particular analysis will allow students to focus on visual materials relating to their career of interest to better understand how messages related to their field are composed and presented. This project will grant students the means to evaluate qualitative and quantitative arguments in the visual artifacts as well as interpret the claims made and supporting reasons. The project also will allow students to research discipline-specific and professional visual resources.

The audience for the analysis is an audience with comparable knowledge on the topic. Students should define and explain any terminology or jargon used that may be difficult for a general audience to understand.

Instructions:

Begin the essay by finding at least two examples of images relating to your intended future field of study (or a field that you are interested in learning more about). Use the Visual Analysis Planning Sheet to record your observations about the images. You will describe the images in great detail.

You will also need to research and find out who made the images, when, why and for what purpose. (This is called the rhetorical situation).

The essay should also explain what the purpose and intent of the images is and if there are any implicit messages (hidden messages) as well. An ad for Coca-Cola sells soda, but it also might imply something about family values. A public service announcement about hand-washing might also imply a sense of fear about pathogens and the spread of viruses from abroad. You should explore such obvious and hidden messages in your essay.

After describing all the key components, you’ll consider whether or not the images succeed at their goal or purpose and what these images suggest about how the field communicates its messages. See the Visual Analysis Planning Sheet for more help: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1HUa4_XZ84svJPJ2Ppe5TTIK20Yp7bd-h/edit

Suggested Organization of Visual Analysis Essay

I. Introduction (1 paragraph) - should contain a hook (attention-grabber), set the context for the essay, and contain your thesis statement (described below).

a. Thesis statement : State what two images are being analyzed and what your overall claim is about them. The thesis should make a claim about the images such as whether they are effective or ineffective at communicating their message.

II. Explain the Rhetorical Situation of both images: (2 paragraphs) Begin by discussing what is being advertised or displayed, who made it (company, artist, writer, etc.), who is the target audience, where and when the image was published and shared, and where the image was made (country). Provide these details for both images being discussed and analyzed.

III. Description of both images (4-8 paragraphs). Discuss each image in full detail, providing the following details about both:

a. Describe what appears in the image. Be as detailed as possible.

b. Discuss the primary color choice used and what mood these colors create.

c. Explain the overall layout and organization of each image.

d. Discuss the use of wording in the visual image. What font is used, what color, and size is the font.

e. Explain what the message in the visual actually says and what this message means/indicates/asks of viewers and readers.

F. Discuss any other relevant information (from the planning worksheet or anything you think is noteworthy.

IV. Discussion and Evaluation (2-4 paragraphs) - Synthesizing your findings,and analyze what you think the smaller details accomplish.

Discuss if the images appeal to ethos, pathos, or logos and provide evidence to back up your claim.
Discuss what sociological, political, economic or cultural attitudes are indirectly reflected in the images. Back up your claims with evidence. An advertisement may be about a pair of blue jeans but it might, indirectly, reflect such matters as sexism, alienation, stereotyped thinking, conformism, generational conflict, loneliness, elitism, and so on.
Assert what claims are being made by the images. Consider the reasons which support that claim: reasons about the nature of the visual's product or service, reasons about those responsible for that product or service, and reasons which appeal to the audience's values, beliefs, or desires.

V. Conclusion (1 paragraph) - should contain both a recap of your response, as well as a closing statement in regards to your overall response to the chosen essay. Include a conclusion that reviews the messages the images make and offer a conclusion that combines the results of your findings and why they matter.

Drafting/Research Strategies:

To write a visual analysis, you must look closely at a visual object—and translate your visual observations into written text. However, a visual analysis does not simply record your observations. It also makes a claim about the images. You will describe the images in detail and then offer an analysis of what the images communicate at the surface level. You will also highlight any implicit messages that the images communicate. (Use Visual Analysis Planning Sheet). Students should begin the project by taking detailed notes about the images. Review every component of each image. Be precise. Consider the composition, colors, textures, size, space, and other visual and material attributes of the images. Go beyond your first impressions. This should take some time—allow your eye to absorb the image. Making a sketch of the work can help you understand its visual logic.

Good to Know

Below are some helpful resources to aid in creating your Visual Analysis Essay.

Visual Analysis essay sample
Photos and Illustrations
Visual Elements: Play, Use, and Design
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Ten examples of immersive photo essays

Camera sitting on a tripod, overlooking a mountain scene

By Marissa Sapega — Contributing Writer

Photo essays are one of the most powerful forms of storytelling in the last century. From the great depression photographer W. Eugene Smith to the photojournalism of National Geographic or Life Magazine , the best photo essays entertain, educate, and move readers more than words alone ever could.

But photo essays have changed. Over the last decade, web publishing technologies — including web browsers and file formats — have improved by leaps and bounds. A good photo essays today is more than a collection of images. It’s a truly interactive, immersive, and multimedia experiences.

In this guide, we introduce 10 stunning examples of visually arresting interactive photo essays to fuel your creative juices.

Now, let's set the scene with a short introduction to immersive, interactive photo essays on the web.

What do the BBC, Tripadvisor, and Penguin have in common? They craft stunning, interactive web content with Shorthand. And so can you! Publish your first story for free — no code or web design skills required. Sign up now.

The rise of immersive, interactive photo essays

What is an immersive, interactive photo essay? Let's take these terms one at a time.

An immersive photo essay uses rich media and story design to capture and keep the reader's attention. Immersive content is typically free of the most distracting elements of the web, such as pop-ups, skyscrapers, and other intrusions on the reading experience.

As a basic rule of thumb, immersive content respects the reader's attention.

An interactive photo essay is one that allows the reader to control how the content appears. It may include interactive elements, like maps and embedded applications.

More commonly, modern interactive photo stories use a technique known as scrollytelling . Scrollytelling stories allow the reader to trigger animations and other visual effects as they scroll. Many of the examples in this guide use scrollytelling techniques. Read more scrollytelling examples .

Until relatively recently, immersive, interactive photo essays could only be created with the help of a designer or web developer. But with the rise of digital storytelling platforms , anyone can create compelling, dynamic stories without writing a single line of code.

If you're looking to learn more about how to create a photo essay — or are looking for more photo essay ideas — check out our introduction to photo essays .

Photo essay topics

If you’re looking for photo essay examples, chances are you’re looking to create a photo essay for yourself. If you’re just getting started, you might want some guidance on exactly what kinds of topics make for great photo essays.

More experienced photographers — feel free to skip this section. But for those who are just starting out, here’s a quick list of classic photo essay subject matter, for all types of photo essays.

Local events. A great way to start out is photograph local events in your community, such as a high school fundraiser. A bonus is that you’ll have a ready
Historic sites. Another classic photo essay topic is an exploration of a historic site. This could be a building, a monument, or even just a specific location that has significance.
Profile of a person. A great way to get to know someone is to profile them in a photo essay. This could be a family member, friend, or even just someone you’ve met.
Animals in captivity. Another popular subject matter for photo essays is animals in captivity, whether that’s at a zoo or elsewhere.
A day in the life. Have you ever wondered what it’s like to live someone else’s life for a day? Why not find out and document it in a photo essay?
Street photography. Another great way to practice your photography skills is to head out into the streets and photograph the everyday lives of people around you. The world has plenty of photo essays of cities like New York and London. But what about street photography in your own backyard?
Still life photography. Still life photography is all about capturing inanimate objects on film. This could be anything from flowers to furniture to food. It’s a great way to practice your photography skills and learn about composition
Landscapes . Landscape photography is one of the most popular genres, and for good reason. There are endless possibilities when it comes to finding interesting subjects to shoot. So get out there and start exploring!
Abandoned buildings. There’s something fascinating about abandoned buildings. They offer a glimpse into the past, and can be eerily beautiful. If you have any in your area, they make for great photo essay subjects.
Lifestyles. Document someone who lives a lifestyle that’s different from your own. This could be a portrayal of an everyday person, or it could be someone with an unusual job or hobby.
Social issues. Take photos depicting significant social issues in your community, remembering to respect your subjects.

Ten inspiring photo essay examples

Pink lagoon and peculiar galaxies — July’s best science images

In Pink lagoon and peculiar galaxies , Nature present a mesmerising series of images from the natural world. Highlights include:

a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it photo of rare albino orcas performing feats of synchronized swimming;
an arresting aerial view of the aftermath of the flash floods in Germany; and,
a scarlet gawping Venus flytrap sea anemone.

The best part? Nature publishes similarly powerful photo essays every month, showcasing some of the best and most creative photography of the natural world anywhere on the web.

Pink lagoon and peculiar galaxies — July’s best science images

Vanishing Lands

Vanishing lands — an ominously interesting photo essay from media company Stuff — opens with a bucolic visual featuring meandering sheep flanked by breathtaking mountains that blur into obscurity.

Soon, more awe-inspiring photos of breathtaking New Zealand farmland appear, accompanied by expressive prose whose tone matches the visuals’ stark beauty.

In this unflinchingly honest photographic essay, Stuff takes the viewer behind the scenes with a day in the life of a high country sheep farmer facing an uncertain future. One stunning photo fades into the next as you scroll through, broken only by the occasional noteworthy quote and accompanying narrative.

Screenshots from Vanishing lands — an ominously interesting photo essay from media company Stuff

Olympic photos: Emotion runs high

An athlete is a karate uniform lying flat on the ground

This emotionally wrought sports story from NBC begins with a close-up of an anxious Simone Biles, her expression exemplifying the tension and frustration echoed on so many of her fellow athletes’ faces.

The subtitle puts it perfectly: “The agony—and thrill—of competition at the Olympics is written all over their faces.”

Devastation, disappointment, and defeat take centre stage in this piece — but not all the subjects of the photos in this compelling photography essay depict misery. Some of the images, like that taken of the gold medal-winning Russian artistic gymnasts, manage to project the athletes’ joy almost beyond the edges of the screen.

The NBC editors who created this visual story chose to display the series of photos using the entire screen width and limit the copy to simple captions, letting the visuals speak for themselves. The result is a riveting montage of photographs that manage to capture the overarching sentiment of the 2020 Olympic Games.

Screenshots from an NBC story on the agony—and thrill—of competition at the Olympics

James Epp: A Twist of the Hand

Photo of a various sculptures in a museum

In A Twist of the Hand , the Museum of Classical Archaeology at the University of Cambridge have produced a gorgeous photo essay. This online art show showcases artist James Epp’s installation, combining photographs of the exhibit with images of museum prints and authentic artefacts.

As you scroll down, close-up shots of the installation make you feel like you’re physically wandering among the ancient sculptures, able to examine hairline spider cracks and tiny divots marking the surface of every antiquated figure. In between the photos—and often flanked by museum prints—are James Epp's musings about what inspired him to create the pieces. It’s an absorbing virtual gallery that will no doubt inspire real life visits to the exhibition.

Screenshots from the University of Cambridge photo essay that showcases artist James Epson’s installation in the Museum of Classical Archaeology

The Café Racer Revolution

A helmeted man standing beside a motorbike

Though it’s a cleverly built piece of interactive content marketing , Honda’s “ Café Racer Revolution ” is also a great photo essay. Alongside information about the latest and greatest motorcycles Honda has to offer, it details the history of the bikers who sought to employ motorcycles (specifically “café racers”) as a way to forge an identity for themselves and project a “statement of individuality.”

Scroll down, and nostalgic black-and-white photos give way to contemporary action shots featuring fully decked-out motorcyclists on various Honda models.

Dynamic photos of bikes rotate them 360 degrees when you mouse over them, and text superimposed over flashy shots rolls smoothly down the screen as you scroll. This photo essay will stir a longing to hit the open road for anyone who has ever dreamed of owning one of Honda’s zippy bikes.

Screenshots from Honda's photo essay, a Café Racer Revolution

Built to keep Black from white

Four children standing against a white wall

In Built to keep Black from white , NBC News and BridgeDetroit have built a stunning narrative photo essay that encapsulates the history of Detroit’s Birwood Wall — a literal dividing line intended to separate neighborhoods inhabited by people of different races.

The piece begins with a brief history of the concrete barrier. Between paragraphs of text, it weaves in quotes from residents who grew up as the wall was erected and a short video. Animated maps highlighting the affected neighborhoods unspool across the screen as you scroll down, accompanied by brief explanations of what the maps represent.

In the series of photographs that follow, contemporary images transition into decades-old shots of the wall when it was newly constructed. This is followed by images of original real estate documents, resident portraits, and additional animated maps — each considering the issue from different angles.

The piece ends with an interactive display of how Detroit’s racial makeup has changed over the past several decades, from majority white to black, and how the wall has impacted the lives of its residents who lived (and died) within its borders.

Screenshots from NBC's 'Built to keep Black from white,' a stunning narrative photo essay that encapsulates the history of Detroit’s Birwood Wall

The story of Black Lives Matter in sport

A footballer with 'Black Lives Matter' on his shirt.

The BBC pairs illustrations and bold imagery in this photo essay on how athletes participated in the Black Lives Matter movement . At the start, a narrow column of text leads into an iconic image of American football players kneeling during the pre-game national anthem in a solemn protest against police brutality.

The first excerpt, a summary of Trayvon Martin’s death in 2012, draws you in with piercing prose capped off with photographs that bleed into one another. Every account in the photo essay follows this layout.

Screenshots from a BBC story on the Black Lives Matter movement in sport.

WaterAid Climate Stories

Dozens of boats sitting in a shallow harbour

Climate change affects everyone on the planet, but some people are feeling the effects more than others. WaterAid’s scrollytelling photo essay illuminates the plight of individuals living in areas where extreme weather conditions — caused by climate change — have drastically impacted the water supply and environment, endangering their livelihoods and ability to survive.

This climate change story starts with an engrossing video that provides an up-close and personal look at the devastation that climate change-induced droughts have wreaked on people and the environment. As you scroll down, images of massively depleted bodies of water with superimposed text and quotes unfold before your eyes. It’s an efficient way to drive home the critical message WaterAid wants to convey: climate change is real, and it’s harming real people.

Each extreme weather story focuses on an individual to help viewers empathise and understand that climate change has real, drastic consequences for millions of people worldwide. The piece ends with a call to action to learn more about and financially support WaterAid’s fight to assist people living in the desperate situations depicted in the essay.

Screenshots from WaterAid’s scrollytelling photo essay

28 Days in Afghanistan

A bike, a bus, and car in the thick smoke of Kabul

In this piece, Australian photo-journalist Andrew Quilty tells the story of the four weeks he spent in Afghanistan . He captures daily events ranging from the mundane—like a casual visit to his barber—to jarring. More than one photo documents blood-spattered victims of violence.

Viewers must scroll through the piece to follow Andrew’s daily musings and the striking photos that accompany them. His photo essay is a powerful example of how scrollytelling is transforming the art of long-form journalism .

La carrera lunática de Musk y Bezos (Musk and Bezos' lunatic careers)

An illustration of a SpaceX rocket careening away from Earth

Billionaires Elon Musk and Jeff Bezos are angling to conquer the final frontier: space.

El Periódico captures their story via a whimsically illustrated photo essay, filled with neon line drawings and bold photos of the massive spaceships, the hangars that house them, and footprints on the moon. La carrera lunática de Musk y Bezos describes the battle between the two titans’ space companies (Blue Origin and SpaceX) for the honor of partially funding NASA’s next mission to the moon.

As you scroll down, white and fluorescent yellow words on a black background roll smoothly over images. The team at El Periódico slips in stylistic animations to break up the text—such as rocket ships with shimmering “vapour trails”—then ups the ante with a series of moon images that transition into portraits of the 12 U.S. astronauts who visited the celestial body.

The photo essay ends with the question: “Who will be the next to leave their footprints on the dusty lunar soil?” At the time of publishing, NASA had not yet decided between the two companies. (Spoiler alert: SpaceX won .)

Screenshots from El Periódico's story on the lunatic attempts by tech billionaires to go to space.

Marissa Sapega is a seasoned writer, editor, and digital marketer with a background in web and graphic design.

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CRAFT: Let’s Get Graphic: A Look at the Visual Essay by Nicole Breit

August 1, 2018.

If you’re keen to tell new kinds of stories – or old stories in new ways – consider these ten “visual” approaches to writing short-form memoir.

1. The Photo Essay

The art of the photo essay lies in the writer’s careful selection of images balanced with the inclusion of text. Will the photos drive the narrative, or will they fill in textual “gaps” to move the story forward? Vivek Shraya strikes an elegant balance of “showing” and “telling” in her compelling photo narrative, “ Trisha .”

2. The Concrete Essay

This form is the next evolution of concrete poetry (A.K.A. shape or pattern poems), reincarnated as CNF. Jennifer Wortman’s “ Worst-Case Scenario ” presents the story of her husband’s 35-feet fall into a gap while rock climbing, visually – via text shaped like the rocks he fell through.

3. The Illustrated Essay

There’s something so charming about a notebook doodle – perhaps because sketches convey the character of the artist in such an immediate way. I love the narrator’s personality as it comes through Randon Billings’ Noble’s drawings in “ Accidental Notes on the Syllabus .”

4. The Graphic Essay

Check out the masters of graphic memoir – Maggie McKnight , Riad Sattouf , Alison Bechdel , Marjane Satrapi, Kristen Radtke, Nicole Georges and Ellen Forney – and understand how powerful comics can be as a medium for personal storytelling.

5. The Paper Craft Essay

If you’re wondering what to do with your stockpile of scrapbooking supplies, look no further than Erica’s Trabold’s “ Swedish Rye Bread ”– an essay constructed as a collage of typed index cards, digital scans, the pages of a vintage cookbook, and scrapbooking paper.

6. The Quilted Essay

Quilting has a long history of embodying narrative in carefully chosen patterns, colours, and symbols. Learn more about textile-based narratives in Sarah Minor’s article “ What Quilting and Embroidery Can Teach Us about Narrative Form ” and by reading her visual essay, “ Log Cabin Quilt .”

7. The Schematic Essay

The Process of Becoming Informed is a found schematic essay published by The Diagram and credited to Michael K. Buckland of Library Services in Theory and Context, Pergamon Press, 1983. Where might you find a visual essay just waiting to be discovered?

8. The Graphic Hermit Crab

The hermit crab essay appropriates a found text – also known as a “false document” – as a “shell” to protect the vulnerable story it contains. The textual form’s logical progression is visual, in which a found graphic is adopted as the essay’s structure. J. Robert Lennon’s “ Turnabout: A Story Game ” is a graphic hermit crab essay that can be read starting at any point, proceeding in any direction.

9. The Video Essay

Video is a natural medium for personal narrative, and John Breslund is known as a pioneer of the visual essay form. This article includes a Q and A with Bresland and his collaborator, poet and essayist, Eula Biss, with links to some of their groundbreaking work including “Ode to Every Thing.”

10. The Interactive Essay

“Hypertext is spatial in every direction, truly nonsequential—nothing follows by necessity anything else in the essay” write Brenda Miller and Suzanne Paola in Tell It Slant . Exemplary interactive hypertext CNF include Dinty W. Moore’s “ Mr. Plimpton’s Revenge: A Google Map Essay ,” Christine Wilks’ “ Fitting the Pattern ” and the work of Eric LeMay .

I hope this survey of the visual essay, in all its weird and wonderfully varied forms, inspires you to try a new approach to telling your stories. No matter your level of skill, experience, or talent with the visual arts, you can start including visuals in your work easily – and to great effect – incorporating images or multi-media collage.

Which visual essay format appeals to you the most? I’d love to hear which visual essays inspire your next project!

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How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Examples & Template

A visual analysis essay is an academic paper type that history and art students often deal with. It consists of a detailed description of an image or object. It can also include an interpretation or an argument that is supported by visual evidence.

In this article, our custom writing experts will:

explain what a visual analysis is;
share useful tips on how to write a good visual analysis essay;
provide an essay sample.
🎨 Visual Analysis Definition
🏺 Artwork Analysis Tips
✅ Visual Analysis Writing Guide
📑 Example & Citation Tips

🎨 What Is a Visual Analysis?

The primary objective of visual analysis is to understand an artwork better by examining the visual elements. There are two types of visual analysis: formal and contextual.

A formal analysis focuses on artwork elements such as texture, color, size, and line. It aims to organize visual information and translate it into words. A formal analysis doesn’t interpret the piece.
Unlike formal analysis, contextual analysis’ primary goal is to connect artwork to its purpose or meaning within a culture. A contextual analysis includes formal analysis. Additionally, it discusses an artwork’s social purpose and significance.

Usually, students deal with formal visual analysis. Before starting to work on your essay, make sure to ask your professor whether to include contextual analysis or not.

The Purpose of Analyzing Images

Why is visual analysis important? What does it help to learn? There are several things that visual analysis helps with:

It allows students to enhance their appreciation of art.
It enables students to develop the ability to synthesize information.
It encourages students to seek out answers instead of simply receiving them.
It prompts higher-order critical thinking and helps to create a well-reasoned analysis.
By conducting visual analysis, students learn how to support and explain their ideas by studying visual information.

What Is Formal Analysis: Art History

When we look at an artwork, we want to know why it was created, who made it, and what its function was. That’s why art historians and researchers pay special attention to the role of artworks within historical contexts.

Visual analysis is a helpful tool in exploring art. It focuses on the following aspects:

Interpretation of subject matter ( iconography). An iconographic analysis is an explanation of the work’s meaning. Art historians try to understand what is shown and why it is depicted in a certain way.
The analysis of function. Many works of art were designed to serve a purpose that goes beyond aesthetics. Understanding that purpose by studying their historical use helps learn more about artworks. It also establishes a connection between function and appearance.

Formal Analysis: Art Glossary

Now, let’s look at some visual elements and principles and learn how to define them.

Visual Elements :

Element	Definition
Line	Lines can be obvious, or they can be formed by the placement of objects. They can vary in length, width, and direction.
Shape	Shapes are two-dimensional. They can be geometric or organic. Familiar shapes help us focus on particular parts of an artwork.
Form	Forms are three-dimensional. Such figures as cylinders, pyramids, and spheres are forms.
Color	Color is light that reflects off of objects. Its main characteristics are hue, value, and intensity. Colors can also be warm or cool.
Texture	A texture is a feel, appearance, or quality of a surface of an object. It can be used in two-dimensional and three-dimensional artworks.
Space	Space is a feeling of depth. It also refers to the artist’s use of the area within the painting. Space can be positive or negative.

Visual Principles :

Principle	Definition
Balance	Balance is the distribution of visual elements and weights of objects, colors, textures, and space. Balance can be symmetrical and asymmetrical.
Emphasis	Emphasis defines the center of interest in a painting and catches the viewer’s attention. It’s usually different from the rest of the work.
Subordination	Subordination supports the center of interest. It is a part of an artwork that is played down to let the emphasis stand out.
Rhythm	Rhythm is the relationship between elements. It creates a visual tempo and establishes a sense of harmony by repeating certain features.
Movement	Movement is the path the viewer’s eyes follow, coming to the focal points of a work. The movement is usually directed by the lines, shapes, and colors of an art piece.

🏺 How to Analyze Artworks: Different Types

Writing a formal analysis is a skill that requires practice. Being careful and attentive during the pre-writing stage is essential if you want to create a good and well-structured visual analysis. 

Visual analysis essay mainly consists of two components:

Description of the selected image or object,
Interpretation built on the visual evidence.

During the pre-writing stage:

Collect general information about an artwork. Describe it briefly. Pay special attention to visual elements and principles:

✔️		What do you notice first? Why?
✔️		What colors are used? How are they arranged?
✔️		Are the figures abstract or realistic?

Develop an interpretation. Think critically. What does the information in your notes imply? How can it be interpreted?
Support your ideas. To do it, refer to the visual elements directly. Avoid generalizing art and double-check your prompts.

How to Analyze a Painting Using the Elements of Art

To write an excellent formal visual analysis, you need to consider as many visual principles and elements as you can apply. In the formal analysis part:

Target your description;
Address only those elements relevant to your essay;
Pay attention to visual elements and principles;
Introduce the subject of the painting and describe it;
Explain why you have decided to discuss specific elements;
Discuss the relationship between visual elements of the artwork;
Use the vocabulary terms.

If you are asked to do a contextual analysis , you may want to:

Focus on the historical importance of an artwork;
Explore the style or movement associated with an artwork;
Learn about the historical context and the public’s reaction to the artwork;
Learn about the author and how they’ve created the piece of art.

Painting Analysis Essay Example & Tips

Here is a template you can use for your essay.

	Give a brief description of the painting. What do you see? What areas of the artwork grab your attention?
	In the analysis part, pay attention to visual elements and principles. Describe them and say how they all come together.
	Look at the artwork from a cultural perspective. What does the author express? What does it mean to the viewer?
	Finally, state your personal opinion. What do you feel when you look at the art piece?

Now, let’s take a look at an essay example.

	(1889) is a Vincent van Gogh oil painting of a night landscape brimmed with whirling clouds, luminous stars, and a bright crescent moon. The artist uses a mix of warm, cold, and neutral colors. Yellows on top of blues create a clear contrast, making the stars and crescent moon stand out.
	In , van Gogh uses his unique thick brush strokes. The technique adds depth and rich texture to the painting. The use of whites and yellows draws more attention to the sky. Vertical lines in the form of a cypress tree and a church tower break up the composition.
	Through his painting, van Gogh contrasts life and death, brightly shining stars, and a gloomy yet peaceful village.
	is a painting that reflects Vincent van Goh’s inner world. It embodies his unique style and personality. The piece has a major influence on modern art.

How to Analyze a Photograph

Analyzing photos has a lot in common with paintings. There are three methods on which photo visual analysis relies: description, reflection, and formal analysis. Historical analysis can be included as well, though it is optional.

Description . It implies looking closely at the photo and considering all the details. The description needs to be objective and consists of basic statements that don’t express an opinion.

Good description	Bad description
The girl in the middle is the tallest one. She wears a white linen dress.	The girl in the middle is the most beautiful among the three.

Reflection. For the next step, focus on the emotions that the photograph evokes. Here, every viewer will have a different opinion and feelings about the artwork. Knowing some historical context may be helpful to construct a thoughtful response.
Formal analysis . Think of the visual elements and principles. How are they represented in the photograph?
Historical analysis. For a contextual analysis, you need to pay attention to the external elements of the photograph. Make sure that you understand the environmental context in which the photo was taken. Under what historical circumstances was the picture made?

Photo Analysis Essay Tips

Now that we’ve talked about analyzing a photograph let’s look at some helpful tips that will help you write an essay.

✔️ Dos	❌ Don’ts

Visual Analysis Essay on a Sculpture: Writing Tips

A sculpture analysis consists of the following parts:

Description . Include specific details, such as what the sculpture may represent. For instance, the human figure may be an athlete, an ancient God, a poet, etc. Consider their pose, body build, and attire.
Formal analysis . Here, visual elements and principles become the focus. Discuss the color, shape, technique, and medium.
Contextual analysis . If you decide to include a contextual analysis, you can talk about the sculpture’s function and how it conveys   ideas and sentiments of that period. Mention its historical and cultural importance.

When it comes to sculpture analysis, you may also want to collect technical data such as:

The size of the sculpture
Medium (the material)
The current condition (is it damaged, preserved as a fragment, or as a whole piece)
Display (Was a sculpture a part of an architectural setting, or was it an independent piece of work?)

For instance, if you were to do a visual analysis of Laocoön and His Sons , you could first look up such details:

Location: Discovered in a Roman vineyard in 1506
Current location: Vatican
Date: Hellenistic Period (323 BCE – 31 CE)
Size: Height 208 cm; Width 163 cm; Depth 112 cm
Material: Marble
Current condition: Missing several parts.

Visual Analysis Essay: Advertisement Analysis

Visuals are used in advertisements to attract attention or convince the public that they need what is being advertised. The purpose of a visual argument is to create interest. Advertisements use images to convey information and communicate with the audience.

When writing a visual analysis of an advertisement, pay attention to the following:

text elements,
illustrations,
composition.

All of this influences how the viewer perceives the information and reacts to it.

When you write about an advertisement, you conduct a rhetorical analysis of its visual elements. Visual rhetoric is mainly directed at analyzing images and extracting information from them. It helps to understand the use of typography, imagery, and the arrangement of elements on the page.

Think of the famous visual rhetoric examples such as the We can do it! poster or a Chanel №5 commercial. Both examples demonstrate how persuasive imagery has been used throughout history.

How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper on an Advertisement

The presentation of visual elements in advertising is essential. It helps to convince the audience. When you analyze visual arguments, always keep the rhetorical situation in mind. Here are some crucial elements to focus on:

	Who is the advertisement targeted at?
	What does the image try to convey to the audience?
	How is the information presented? What colors are used? Are there any highlights or repetitions?
	Does the image use any humor, celebrities, or cultural references to make the point?
	Is there any text within the picture? If so, how does it work together with the image to create an intended effect?
	Who are the characters of an advertisement? Where are they?
	What are the implications behind the words used in the picture?

✅ How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper: Step by Step

Now, we’ll focus on the paper itself and how to structure it. But first, check out the list of topics and choose what suits you best.

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

There are a lot of artworks and advertisements that can be analyzed and viewed from different perspectives. Here are some essay topics on visual analysis that you may find helpful:

Analyze Gustav Klimt’s The Kiss (1907-1908.)
The theme of humanity and The Son of Man (1964) by René Magritte.
The use of visual elements in Almond Blossom by Vincent van Gogh (1888-1890.)
Identity and Seated Harlequin (1901) by Picasso .
Explore the themes of Paul Klee ’s The Tree of Houses , 1918.
Objectives, activities, and instructions of Pietro Perugino’s fresco The Delivery of the Keys to Saint Peter .
Reflection on social issues of the time in Two Fridas by Frida Kahlo and Untitled by Ramses Younan.
Analyze the importance of Mural (1943) by Jackson Pollock.
The political message in John Gast’s painting American Progress (1872).
Describe the visual techniques used in Toy Pieta by Scott Avett .
The interpretation of the painting Indian Fire God by Frederic Remington.
Explore the historical significance and aesthetic meaning of Ognissanti Madonna by Giotto di Bondone .
Analyze different interpretations of The Three Dancers by Pablo Picasso .

Photography:

The idea behind Lindsay Key (1985) by Robert Mapplethorpe.
Explore the mythical appeal of Robert Capa’s photograph The Falling Soldier (Spain,1936) from Death in Making photobook.
Describe Two Boys with Fish (2018) from Faith series by Mario Macilau.
Kevin Carter’s Starving Child and Vulture (1993) as the representation of photojournalism.
The story behind Philippe Halsman’s Dali Atomicus , 1948.
Describe The Starving Boy in Uganda photograph by Mike Wells
Analyse the view of a historic disaster in San Francisco photograph by George R. Lawrence.
The statement behind Eddie Adams’s photo Shooting a Viet Cong Prisoner .
How is Steve McCurry’s perception of the world reflected in his photo Afghanistan Girl .
Analyze the reflection of Ansel Adams’s environmental philosophy in his photo Moon and Half Dome (1960).
Describe Girl on the Garda Lake (2016) by Giuseppe Milo.
Combination of internal geometry and true-to-life moments in Behind the Gare Saint Lazare by Henri Cartier-Bresson .
Modern art and Couple on Seat by Lynn Chadwick (1984.)
Analyze the biblical context of Pieta (1498-1499) by Michelangelo.
The use of shapes in Louise Bourgeois’ Spider (1996.)
Analysis of the symbolism behind The Thinker (1880) by Rodin.
The historical meaning of Fountain (1917) by Duchamp .
Analyze the Miniature Statue of Liberty by Willard Wigan
The combination of Egyptian culture and classical Greek ideology in statue of Osiris-Antinous.
Reflection of the civilization values in emperor Qin’s Terracotta Army .
The aesthetic and philosophical significance of Michelangelo’s David .
Explore the controversial meaning of Damien Hirst’s sculpture For the Love of God (2007).
Analyze the elements of art and design used in The Thinker by August Rodin .
Symbolic elements in the Ancient Greek statues of Zeus .
Depiction of the fundamental aspects of Buddhism in The Parinirvana of Siddhartha/Shakyamuni.

How Volkswagen : Think Small (1960) ad changed advertising.
Analyze the use of figures in California Milk Processor Board: Got Milk? (1993) ad campaign .
Analyze the use of colors in Coca-Cola — The Pause that Refreshes (1931.)
Explore the historical context of We Can Do It! (1942) campaign.
The importance of a slogan in 1947: A Diamond Is Forever by De Beers.
Examine the specifics of visual advert: dogs and their humans.
Describe the use of visual techniques in Kentucky Fried Chicken company’s advertisement.
Analyze the multiple messages behind the print ad of JBL .
Discuss the methods used in Toyota Highlander advertisement .
Elucidation of people’s dependency on social networks in the advertising campaign Followers by Miller Lite.
The use of the visual arguments in Schlitz Brewing Company advertisement .
The role of colors and fonts in Viva la Juicy perfume advertisement .

Visual Analysis Essay Outline

You can use this art analysis template to structure your essay:

The picture shows the main steps in writing a visual analysis essay: introduction, main body, conclusion.

How to Start an Art Essay

Every analysis starts with an introduction. In the first paragraph, make sure that:

the reader knows that this essay is a visual analysis;
you have provided all the necessary background information about an artwork.

It’s also important to know how to introduce an artwork. If you’re dealing with a panting or a photograph, it’s better to integrate them into the first page of your analysis. This way, the reader can see the piece and use it as a reference while reading your paper.

Art Thesis Statement Examples & Tips

Formulating a thesis is an essential step in every essay. Depending on the purpose of your paper, you can either focus your visual analysis thesis statement on formal elements or connect it with the contextual meaning. 

To create a strong thesis, you should relate it to an artwork’s meaning, significance, or effect. Your interpretation should put out an argument that someone could potentially disagree with. 

For instance, you can consider how formal elements or principles impact the meaning of an artwork. Here are some options you can consider:

Focus on interpreting how formal elements and principles give meaning to the artwork.	In , the village is painted with dark colors, but the brightly lit windows create a sense of comfort.
Comment on the overall organization of an art piece.	Van Gogh’s swirling sky directs the viewer’s eye around the painting.
Another option is to relate the painting to the other artworks you have studied or seen before.	If we compare Munch’s to van Gogh’s  , we can see that a similar swirling technique was used to paint the sky.

If your focus is the contextual analysis, you can find the connection between the artwork and the artist’s personal life or a historical event.

How to Write Visual Analysis Body Paragraphs

Body paragraphs of formal analysis consist of two parts—the description and the analysis itself. Let’s take Klimt’s The Kiss as an example:

	The painting shows an embracing couple concealed behind a large golden cloak. Two distinct parts constitute the image. First, the part of the cloak covering the man has a repeating geometric black and white motif. Meanwhile, the second part of the cloak, covering the woman, has flowers and circles on it.
	The author uses predominantly warm shades such as gold and bronze brown. Spatial flatness using two-dimensional patterns was deliberately employed except at the couple’s exposed skin. Klimt was heavily influenced by the art of Japan, ancient Egypt, and Byzantine Ravenna, which preferred two-dimensional perspective styles to emphasize human subject matter.

The contextual analysis includes interpretation and evaluation.

	Gustav Klimt’s  is the reflection of tenderness and passion Klimt was working on   during his Golden Phase. Within the paintings of that period, Klimt treats the human figures as two-dimensional. They are also all surrounded by flat, brightly composed, and highly ornamental decorations.
	is a very significant piece for several reasons. It represents the apex of Klimt’s Golden Period and shows his distinctive style. The piece is also a fantastic example of the Art Nouveau movement.

Visual Analysis Essay Conclusion

When you work on the conclusion, try to conclude your paper without restating the thesis. At the end of your essay, you can present an interesting fact. You can also try to:

Compare an artwork to similar ones;
Contrast your own ideas on the piece with the reaction people had when it was first revealed.
Talk about an artwork’s significance to the culture and art in general.

📑 Visual Analysis Essay Example & Citation Tips

In this section of the article, we will share some tips on how to reference an artwork in a paper. We will also provide an essay example.

How to Reference a Painting in an Essay

When you work on visual analysis, it is important to know how to write the title of an artwork properly. Citing a painting, a photograph, or any other visual source, will require a little more information than citing a book or an article. Here is what you will need:

Size dimensions
Current location
Name of the piece
Artist’s name
Date when artwork was created

If you want to cite a painting or an artwork you saw online, you will also need:

The name of the website
Website URL
Page’s publication date
Date of your access

How to Properly Credit an Artwork in APA

Works you see in person	Works you see online
[Description of material].  Example: Picasso, P. (1905). [Oil canvas]. Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City, NY.	[Description of material]. Example: Picasso, P. (1905). [Oil canvas]. Metropolitan Museum Of Art, New York City, NY. The Met (n.d.). Retrieved from:

How to Properly Credit an Artwork in MLA

Works you see in person	Works you see online
or description. Example: Monet, Claud. 1882, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago	or description. , URL. Example: Monet, Claud. 1882, Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago.

How to Properly Credit an Artwork in Chicago Format

Works you see in person	Works you see online
Example: Bacon, Francis. . 1953. Oil on canvas. 153cm x 118cm. Des Moines Art Center, Iowa.	Example: Bacon, Francis. . 1953. Oil on canvas. 153cm x 118cm. Des Moines Art Center, Iowa. Accessed July 24, 2020.

Finally, here’s a sample visual analysis of Rodin’s sculpture The Thinker in APA format. Feel free to download it below.

Many people believe that works of art are bound to be immortal. Indeed, some remarkable masterpieces have outlived their artists by many years, gaining more and more popularity with time. Among them is The Thinker, a brilliant sculpture made by Auguste Rodin, depicting a young, athletic man, immersed deep into his thoughts.

You can also look at the following essay samples to get even more ideas.

The Protestors Cartoon by Clay Bennett: Visual Analysis
Visual Analysis – Editorial Cartoon
Visual Analysis: “Dust Storm” Photo by Steve McCurry
Visual, Aural, Read & Write, Kinesthetic Analysis
Schlitz Brewing Company Advertisement: Visual Arguments Analysis

Thanks for reading through our article! We hope you found it helpful. Don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

❓ Visual Analysis FAQs

To write a visual argument essay, you need to use rhetorical analysis. Visual rhetoric is directed at analyzing images and extracting the information they contain. It helps to analyze the visuals and the arrangement of elements on the page.

A well-though contextual analysis will include:

1. formal analysis, 2. some information about the artist, 3. details on when and where the piece was created, 4. the social purpose of the work, 5. its cultural meaning.

It is better to include pictures in the introduction part of your paper. Make sure to cite them correctly according to the format you’re using. Don’t forget to add the website name, the URL, and the access date.

To analyze means not only to describe but also to evaluate and synthesize visual information. To do that, you need to learn about visual elements and principles and see how and why they are used within artworks.

🔍 References

Art History: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
Visual Analysis: Duke University
Writing a Formal Analysis in Art History: Hamilton College
Contextual Analysis: Pine-Richland School District
How to Analyze an Artwork: Student Art Guide
Introduction to Art Historical Analysis: Khan Academy
Guidelines for Analysis of Art: University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Elements of Art: Getty.edu
Formal or Critical Analysis: LibreTexts
Analyzing a Photograph: University of Oregon
Picture Composition Analysis and Photo Essay: University of Northern Iowa
Visual Analysis Guidelines: Skidmore College
How to Analyze Sculpture: NLA Design and Visual Arts: WordPress
Visual Rhetoric: Purdue University
Formal Visual Analysis: The Elements & Principles of Composition
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45 Photo Essay Topics

Most academic writing assignments involve just that – writing. But in the case of a photo essay, the assignment becomes one of both writing and photography. A photo essay is simply an essay that uses images instead of (or in addition to) words to tell a story or make a point.

A good photo essay will capture your audience’s attention and tell a story that resonates with them on an emotional level. To create a successful photo essay, there are a few things you should keep in mind.

This detailed guide will walk you through the essential steps of creating a photo essay and provide you with 45 photo essay topics to get you started.

What Is a Photo Essay?

A photo essay is a written piece that uses images to tell a story or make a point. In other words, it’s an essay that depends primarily on visuals rather than text to communicate its message.

Photo essays are usually themed around a particular subject or topic and can be created for a variety of purposes. They can be used to:

Tell a news story
Raise awareness about an important issue
Share a personal experience
Document a place or event
Highlight the work of a specific artist or photographer

No matter what the purpose of your photo essay is, there are a few key elements that should be included in order to impact the audience to the best degree.

What Makes a Good Photo Essay?

A good photo essay will have a clear focus, with each image adding something new to the story. It should also be structured to make sense so that the viewer can easily follow along and understand the point you’re trying to make.

When choosing images for your photo essay, be sure to select ones that are high quality and have a consistent theme or style. This will help create a cohesive story that is visually pleasing and easy to follow.

It’s also important to ensure that your images are appropriately captioned and credited, especially if you’re using someone else’s work. This ensures that your photo essay is both accurate and legal.

Steps for Creating a Photo Essay

Creating a photo essay is a process that requires time, patience, and careful planning. Follow these steps to create a successful photo essay:

1. Choose a topic or theme

The first step in creating a photo essay is to choose the topic or theme you want to focus on. This can be anything from a place, an event, or even a person. Once you’ve decided on your subject, it’s time to start brainstorming ideas for your essay.

2. Do your research

If you’re documenting a place or an event, it’s important to do your research beforehand. This will help you understand your subject’s background and give you a better idea of what to include in your essay.

3. Gather your material

Now it’s time to start gathering the material for your essay. This includes both images and text. Remember, if you’re using someone else’s photos, be sure to get their permission first.

4. Choose a format

There are a few different ways you can format your photo essay. The most common is to create a series of images that progress in a linear fashion, such as from left to right or top to bottom.

Another option is to arrange your images more abstractly, such as in a grid or collage. This can help to add visual interest and variety to your essay.

5. Edit your material

Once you have all of your material gathered, it’s time to start editing. This includes both choosing which images to use and writing the accompanying text.

For the images, you’ll want to select those that are the most visually appealing and that best support the story you’re trying to tell. As you edit, also be sure to crop and resize your images as needed.

For the text, you’ll want to write a brief introduction and conclusion, as well as captions for each of your images. The goal is to provide just enough context and information to help viewers understand what they’re seeing.

6. Design your essay

Now it’s time to start putting your photo essay together. If you’re using a linear format, begin by arranging your images in the order you want them to appear. Then, add the accompanying text.

If you’re using a more creative format, start by playing around with different ways to arrange your images. Then, add the text once you’ve settled on a design you like.

7. Finalize and Hand it in

Once you’ve designed your photo essay, it’s time to finalize it and hand it in. Be sure to proofread the text for any errors and check the images to ensure they’re properly captioned. It is highly recommended to use a professional printing service to print your photo essay to ensure the best possible quality.

Understanding how to create a photo essay is only half the battle. The other half is finding a topic that you’re passionate about that will also interest your audience. To help get you started, here are 45 ideas for photo essay topics:

Photo Essay Topics About Places

Your hometown
A nearby city or town
A favorite vacation spot
An interesting landmark
A place from your childhood
A hidden gem in your town
The most beautiful place you’ve ever been
The most interesting place you’ve ever been
The strangest place you’ve ever been
A place that is significant to you for personal reasons
A place that is significant to your family
A place with a lot of history
A place that is in danger of disappearing

Photo Essay Topics About Events

A sporting event
A music festival
A parade or procession
A protest or demonstration
An annual celebration in your town
A once-in-a-lifetime event that you witnessed
An event that had a significant impact on you
An event that had a significant impact on your community
An event that is widely considered to be positive
An event that is widely considered to be negative
A controversial event
A natural disaster
A man-made disaster

Photo Essay Topics About People

The people in your neighborhood
The people at your job
Your family
Your friends
The elderly
A group of people with a common interest or hobby
A group of people from a different culture than your own
A group of people who are disadvantaged or marginalized in some way
A group of people who are often misunderstood
Celebrities
Politicians
Everyday people

Photo Essay Topics About Concepts

A photo essay is an interesting assignment that can help you express your creativity while also teaching you how to pay attention to detail, tell a story, and edit images. If you follow the steps outlined in this article, you’ll be well on your way to creating a successful photo essay.

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How to Choose an EE Topic (Visual Arts)

Choosing the EE Subject

It’s important to:

Choose a subject you are willing to dedicate many hours to, and
Understand what an EE in that subject is like. For example, science EEs look like longer science IAs and involve a lot of lab work, whereas English EEs are similar to long Written Task 2s and involve a lot of reading and analysis.

I knew I wanted to write a Visual Arts EE because I loved learning about art history. I’d previously enjoyed analysing artworks for an academic competition, so I wanted to take that interest further through my IB work.

Brainstorming Ideas

For a Visual Arts EE, you can write about virtually any topic using any approach. This intimidated me because I had NO clue what to write about. So, I looked at what sort of questions have been addressed in past essays. I’ve compiled a few popular approaches here for you:

I began by researching various movements in art history, followed by looking into art from different countries and cultures. Then I dove into specific aspects of artwork such as lighting and lines. Finally, I researched artists I liked. This last step was the most important to me because it was what I found most interesting.

Narrowing Down your List

I circled my favourite topics and looked for connections between them. For example, I liked Edward Hopper’s artwork, which relies heavily on lighting and coincides with my fascination for American history and art. One of the questions I came up with was: “How does the use of lighting in Edward Hopper’s work evoke emotion in his audience?” Through making further connections, I shortlisted three other subjects I was eager to study—colour in Munch and Hopper’s paintings, sensuality and controversy of the Vienna Secession, and emotions in post-Chinese Cultural Revolution art.

Selecting the Final Question

My supervisor urged me to choose a question that was both challenging and personally fulfilling. Though I found the Hopper question interesting, I was familiar with Hopper’s work and could answer it before even writing the EE. Upon reflection, I realized I wanted to use an artistic lens to explore an aspect of my Chinese background I’ve never learned about before. Thus, my final question was: “How have contemporary Chinese artists’ responses to the Cultural Revolution evolved from 1976 to the present day?”

In the end, I thoroughly enjoyed the Extended Essay process from start to finish, especially the synthesis of academic research and first-hand data collection (I surveyed 300 people and interviewed a gallery owner!). My findings also helped inform my IB Visual Arts pieces.

The brainstorming process might seem overwhelming because there are just so many topics to choose from! Create mind maps, discuss your ideas with others, and only shortlist topics that you really like—you’ll soon find that you have a direction. And remember, it’s okay to change your question later on!

IB Visual Arts EE examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent can the interior design of hospitals provide a healing aspect for patients, in what ways has mark rothko's exploration of primary emotions challenged traditional arts, want to get full marks for your ee allow us to review it for you 🎯, an exploration of values visible in painter’s yi hyeong-nok’s works completed during the second half of 19th century, political messages in pablo picasso's "guernica", to what extent does the street art in downtown athens, greece politically and socially charge the city, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how did pablo picasso develop intimacy with the original audience and the impact on the contemporary audience through his artworks during his blue period, to what extent did the mughal architectural style influence the hindu temple architecture of india, to what extent was gaudi's iconographic program on the example of the basilica of the sagrada familia different from gothic solutions on the example of the seville cathedral, to what extent can artificial intelligence create original fine art, to what extent did hilma af klint’s artworks (1906-1922) bridge science and spiritualism, how do andy warhol and thierry guetta's artwork demonstrate the controversies between intertextuality and plagiarism in pop art culture, to what extend does gender impact omani artists, to what extent did edvard munch apply formal elements of art therapy such as color,shape, and repetition to create symbolism and purpose in the scream, how did zofia and oskar hansen’s architectural vision of przyczółek grochowski estate translate into practice and with what effect, to what extent has the indian culture influenced the architect gajanan b mhatre in the design of the empress court in mumbai during the british colonization, an exploration into the theme of motherhood in art during the early weimar republic, as seen through the works of otto dix and käthe kollwitz, how does frida kahlo portrya her devotionb to communism, the influence of nature on caso batlo by architect antoni guadi, "how did the dynamic style of zaha hadid's original abstract paintings introduce her unique architectural design of the jockey club in hong kong"..

Presentation Ideas for Students: Easy and Unique Topics

Presentations at school are not just an everyday task: they are your chance to show you are a bright student and demonstrate your vision. Adding some creativity and your personal touch to your presentations will provide an extra level of interest and help your presentation remain in people’s memories.

You don’t need to be a techie, either. Software packages such as PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Canva are easy to use and provide many colorful devices to make your ideas visually striking.

To create this article, we invited experienced presentation designers and effective presenters to share tips and original ideas for presentations that will help students succeed. So, choose an interesting topic from our list and create a presentation using the tips from our experts!

List of Topic Ideas for Different Categories

As you already know, the right topic needs to appeal to you, fit the occasion, and hold the interest of your audience. Here's a more detailed checklist of the characteristics of the best presentation topics:

Engaging: Captures and holds the audience’s interest throughout the presentation.
Relevant: Relates to trends and topics in your field of study or work.
Researchable: Information and resources are available to support your claims and arguments.
Brief and Concise: Easily understood by the target audience with no convoluted ideas or overused terminology.
Original: Offers a fresh perspective or approach, distinguishing it from common topics.
Appropriately Scoped: Well-suited for the allotted presentation time; not too broad or too narrow.

Thus, when selecting presentation topics for students, consider these factors to create an excellent presentation. You can also explore what a good essay topic looks like to get more inspiration and ideas for your presentation.

So, check out our list of 100 PowerPoint presentation topics for students, which has been thoroughly structured to make it easier for a school or university student to choose a topic!

10-Minute Presentation Ideas

You must pick your subject carefully if you have 10 minutes to make an impression. It has to be brief and compelling. Here are ten short and memorable ideas for presentation topics:

The Future of Renewable Energy Sources
The Psychology Behind First Impressions
The Rise of Artificial Intelligence in Everyday Life
Minimalism: More Than Just Decluttering
The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health
Brief History of the Internet
How to Start a Small Business
The Basics of Personal Financial Management
The Importance of Voting in Democratic Societies
The Benefits of Daily Physical Activity

If you need help creating a great topic, consider consulting expert writers. The PowerPoint presentation writing service can provide engaging presentation examples for students. Moreover, experienced authors will help you with any part of your presentation if required.

Good Higher School Presentation Ideas

School presentations for high school students can be a perfect way to introduce exciting topics and help them broaden their educational horizons. Here are ten PowerPoint presentation topics for higher school students:

The Effects of Global Warming on Our Planet
The Evolution of Pop Music
Understanding the Stock Market
The Science of Habit Formation
Exploring Career Options in Technology
The Role of the United Nations in World Peace
The Influence of Advertising on Consumer Behavior
Teenage Mental Health: Understanding and Support
The History and Impact of Comic Books
Cybersecurity: Protecting Yourself Online

Business Topics for Presentation at University

Business presentations must be informative, explaining industry trends, strategies, and innovations. Here are the ten most impressive business slideshow ideas for students:

The Impact of E-commerce on Traditional Retail
The Role of Social Media in Modern Marketing Strategies
Startup Culture: Evolution and Impact
Corporate Social Responsibility: Examples and Outcomes
The Future of Work: Remote vs. In-Office
Blockchain Technology in Business
Global Economic Trends and Their Impact on Local Businesses
Customer Relationship Management: Best Practices
Business Ethics in the Age of Technology
Mergers and Acquisitions: Strategy and Outcomes

>> Find more business research paper topics for presentation at StateOfWriting!

Medical and Nursing Topics for Presentation

Medical and nursing presentations usually focus on today's issues, innovations, and new or best practices. This list covers ten interesting topics for presentation for healthcare professionals and students:

The Role of Telemedicine in Modern Healthcare
Advances in Robotic Surgery
The Impact of Mental Health on Physical Well-being
Ethical Dilemmas in Nursing Practice
The Importance of Patient Education in Chronic Disease Management
Breakthroughs in Alzheimer's Disease Research
Handling Medical Emergencies in Remote Areas
The Evolution of Nursing Roles in Healthcare
Strategies to Combat Antibiotic Resistance
Patient Safety and Quality Improvement in Hospitals

Unique Management Topics for Presentation

Good management is at the heart of a successful enterprise. The following ten creative presentation ideas explore leadership, strategy, and operational effectiveness:

Leadership Styles and Organizational Impact
Change Management: Strategies for Successful Implementation
The Importance of Emotional Intelligence in Leadership
Project Management Techniques for Efficient Workflow
Cross-Cultural Management and Its Challenges
Corporate Governance and Accountability
Managing Remote Teams: Tools and Tips
Innovation Management in Companies
Crisis Management: Case Studies and Lessons Learned
Performance Management and Employee Development

Interesting Psychology Topics for Presentation

Psychology is a human science that seeks to understand the mechanics of our minds and behaviour. Here are ten topics to do a presentation on psychology that are sure to captivate and educate any audience:

The Psychology of Motivation and its Impact on Success
Cognitive Biases and Decision-Making
The Effects of Stress on Mental and Physical Health
Child Development: The Role of Nature vs. Nurture
The Influence of Personality on Lifestyle Choices
Psychological Techniques in Pain Management
The Impact of Social Media on Teen Self-Esteem
Memory Formation and the Mechanisms of Forgetting
The Role of Therapy in Treating Anxiety Disorders
The Psychological Effects of Color on Mood and Behavior

Best Biology Topics for Presentation

Life comes in many forms, and biology is the science that explores them all. Here are ten easy topics for presentation on biology:

The Genetic Basis of Inherited Diseases
The Role of Microbiomes in Human Health
Conservation Strategies for Endangered Species
The Process and Implications of CRISPR and Gene Editing
Plant-Animal Interactions and Their Ecological Impact
Marine Biology: Deep Sea Ecosystems and Their Mysteries
The Biology of Aging and Longevity
Biotechnology in Agriculture: Innovations and Ethics
Behavioral Ecology and Animal Communication

Good Physics Topics for Presentation

Physics helps people understand the general laws of the Universe. Here are ten unique topics for presentation in college:

The Theory of Relativity and Its Applications
Quantum Mechanics: Principles and Paradoxes
The Physics of Black Holes and Neutron Stars
Advances in Particle Physics and the Large Hadron Collider
The Role of Physics in Renewable Energy Technologies
Nuclear Fusion: The Future of Energy?
The Science of Thermodynamics and Its Modern Applications
Astrophysics: Exploring the Composition of the Universe
The Physics of Sound and Music
Fluid Dynamics in Nature and Technology

Chemistry-Related Topics for Presentation

Chemistry is central to many innovations around us and our daily experiences. Let’s explore ten presentation topic ideas explaining chemistry from practical applications and theoretical research:

The Chemistry of Everyday Life: Soaps and Detergents
Organic Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Development
Nanotechnology in Chemistry: Materials and Applications
The Role of Chemistry in Environmental Conservation
Catalysis and Its Importance in Industrial Processes
The Future of Materials Science with Polymers and Composites
Biochemistry: Proteins and Enzymes at Work
The Chemistry of Food and Flavor
Electrochemistry and Its Applications in Energy Storage
Chemical Safety and Toxicology in the Modern World

Tips for Creating Powerful Presentations

Shaping the perfect presentation is vital to persuade the audience to listen. Mastering the art of presentation can impact your success. Our experts have kindly provided basic advices for a successful presentation:

Know your Audience: Match the content to your audience's interests, level of knowledge, and expectations.
Lead with a Hook: The story or compelling start that helps you capture attention and achieve the tone you want for your presentation.
Use Visuals Wisely: Relevant visuals can support and enhance your message – but must never overshadow it.
Practise Makes Perfect: Rehearse your speech beforehand many times to deliver it more fluently and confidently.
Make Your Presentation Interactive: Add questions, interactions, and active engagement with your audience to keep them interested.

Tips for Creating Powerful Presentations

To be effective with presentations, you must know your audience, have a killer beginning, use stage-appropriate visuals, practice, and use a strong engagement hook.

Elevate Your Presentation to Leave a Lasting Impression

To sum up, picking interesting presentation ideas for students and adding a touch of creativity to them can turn school assignments into memorable experiences. You can also use visual aids or UK writing service to make your presentation eye-catching and showcase your unique perspectives and insights. Your efforts will impress and inspire those who listen.

6 Tips For Finding The Best Essay Topics
Business Research Topics: Selected by Experts
This is Not Your Parents'/Grandparents' College Education
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My Summer Experience as a SWE Intern at Microsoft

Serena akpoyibo.

August 9th, 2024 1

Hi everyone! I’m Serena, a rising 4th year at Rochester Institute of Technology with a major in Computer Science and a minor in Psychology. This summer I was a returning intern at Microsoft as a software engineering intern with the JavaScript and TypeScript Tooling team. In this blog post, I will be covering what it was like to work on language tooling and my overall experience as an intern at Microsoft.

Image of Serena in front of the Microsoft sign

What I Worked On

Over the summer, I worked on a toggle feature for inlay hints (that is additional information about source code that is rendered inline) in Visual Studio. The inlay hint feature supports multiple languages including Python, JavaScript, TypeScript and Razor. My project also involved working on a new settings page on the Tools/Options window for this feature. To complete this project, I had to ramp up on how the Language Server Protocol (LSP) works as well as researching on how a similar feature was integrated into Roslyn (a .NET Compiler Platform for C# and Visual Basic) and Visual Studio Code.

I majorly worked out of the Redmond office. During this summer, I worked closely with my mentor to understand the problem space and how the existing code base worked in relation to inlay hints. This also meant the start of my project was slower than expected. I had anticipated some unfamiliarity with the space I was working in but being thrown into multiple repositories at once felt unsurmountable at the start. With the help of my mentor, I was able to set out weekly deliverables to break the project into smaller chunks of exploration. In addition to this, I met with my manager weekly to give status updates and talk about my internship progression in general. The success of my internship is noted in all the conversations I had regarding development and inlay hints in its entirety. These conversations were cross-team efforts with the Visual Studio Editor team in the second half of my internship. The discussions shaped a lot of what the feature turned out to be (from the choice of a dropdown over checkboxes to the string choices of the settings) and were essential as this feature is going to be available in the next preview of VS! They also ensured I challenged not only my thoughts as a developer but also my introverted personality. I was pushed out of my comfort zone frequently to talk to various engineers off and on my team regarding various aspects of the project. Outside of my project, I got to sit in on triaging bugs and working through feedback tickets on the tooling experience which was insightful to see the connection between users and developers. I also attended multiple intern events, especially those organized for the Developer Division (DevDiv) interns and DevDiv Blacks at Microsoft (BAM) interns.

What I Learned

For the past 12 weeks, there’s been a steady flow of new information and while I was at Microsoft last summer, being on a different team brought new insights into what is possible and what happens at Microsoft. Some takeaways I’ve had from the summer have been:

The Language Server Protocol. From working on this project, I got to understand the connection between LSP and the individual language servers as well as the client (Visual Studio Editor).
The balance between experimenting and seeking help. Over the summer, I tried to find the perfect time to reach out for help and what I learned was there wasn’t a one size fits all solution. For each roadblock I hit, it took a different length of time to solve it and even if sometimes it was a simple fix, it was a fix I wouldn’t have come to without outside help. Other times, mulling over the problem for a couple of hours would get me a solution and new insights. An example of a roadblock I faced was in implementing the settings page. I was using a complex, outdated implementation for pages as a guide and got stuck when certain parts just did not translate to my scenario. After a couple of tries at making it work, I reached out to the Editor team and found out that was no longer the way they implemented new pages and was given a simpler page as a guide. Everything flowed more seamlessly from there on out. Without reaching out, I would have been stuck on that for way longer with no way forward.
Code reviews are not personal. Seeing all the comments come in for my first PR made me think “did I do anything right?”, and I had to work through realizing comments didn’t immediately equal the work I put out was trash or an indictment on my skills. Most of them turned out to be questions for clarification or optimization comments which didn’t mean my approach was wrong but there was a better way to do it.

What I Enjoyed

I enjoyed meeting other DevDiv interns and gaining insight from them on what their teams worked on. I also participated in the Intern Networking Program which was an easy and fun way to meet other engineers across Microsoft and learn about what’s happening in other teams and organizations. Connecting and participating in BAM events also really made my time here enjoyable – seeing a community of people that look like you and with whom you have shared identities is always something I look for in spaces I find myself in and finding that community in Microsoft has been great!

Outside of work, exploring the Seattle area (and enduring the weather here) has been interesting. Also having time to get back into some of my hobbies (reading and consuming an unhealthy amount of reality TV) has been appreciated. In all, the connections and time to take in a new city have been the highlight of the summer.

What’s Next

I accepted this offer last Fall and was very curious about what team and project I would end up working on, what the team dynamic would be, and how working alone on a project would be. I came in knowing next to nothing about language tooling but as I leave, I’m grateful for the experience, the work I got to do, and the people I’ve met along the way. I’m heading back to school for my fourth year and I’m leaving still curious about all the possibilities in this field. I had an amazing summer, and I hope I get to stay in touch with the people that helped make this a great experience!

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5 Tips for Writing Meaningful Thank-You Notes

Sally Susman

Showing gratitude can help build a work culture where people feel valued and respected.

Thank-you notes are a powerful professional tool for leaders. The author — a senior communications professional at Pfizer — shares her experiences learning about the power of thank-you notes from her high-powered mentor and seeing how it benefitted their business, professional relationships, and personal well-being. She also posits five principles of thank-you note-writing: Take time to reflect; thank those who are often forgotten; be specific; make it matter; and it’s never too late.

When I received a new bicycle from my grandparents as a kid, my mother wouldn’t let me out of the house to take it for a spin before I sat down and wrote them a thank-you note. I remember grumbling over this at the time, but thank-you notes have since become a passion of mine.

SS Sally Susman is Executive Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Pfizer and co-chair of the International Rescue Committee. She is the author of Breaking Through: Communicating to Open Minds, Move Hearts, and Change the World (Harvard Business Review Press, 2023). Connect with her on LinkedIn .

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COMMENTS

Visual Analysis Essay: Outline, Topics, & Examples
Here are some top visual analysis essay topics that you can choose from and begin the writing process. Make a review of your favorite Hollywood production and discuss the visual arts involved. Write about the use of color and action in TV commercials. Discuss how the brand name is displayed in digital media campaigns.
55 Best Visual Analysis Essay Topics for Students
A visual analysis essay is a type of academic essay that analyzes and describes an image, art, or any other visual work. It basically provides a description of a certain visual display in detail. If you are a student who is learning a course in History, Art, and English, then for your academic projects or assignments, you can work on any visual ...
How to Make a Visual Essay
Starting Your Visual Essay. Visual essays are a different format from written ones, but they require many of the same processes to make. Just like when you write, you will need to decide what you want to explain or argue. Choose a topic and then decide what kind of essay you are writing. Here is a list of types:
A Guide to Writing a Visual Analysis Essay: Topics Ideas and Example
The art world provides us with a huge variety of topics and directions that require study. Here we list some of the most recent and relevant topics for writing your visual analysis essay. Analyzing the use of color in Vincent van Gogh's "Starry Night". The symbolism of the mirror in Diego Velázquez's "Las Meninas".
How to Write a Good Visual Analysis Essay like a Pro
The main purpose of the visual analysis essay is to: Describe the piece of art, image, or other visual work. Examine the artwork from your point of view. Discuss the elements of visual display in detail. Give interesting facts about the art and the artist. Moreover, the language in the visual analysis essay should be descriptive.
How to Write Visual Analysis Essay: Guide for Beginners
Art Analysis Essay Topics. Explore these examples to gain insights and inspiration. Each topic is diverse yet common, providing a foundation for your essay on a similar topic. These visual analysis essay examples hold global significance and are utilized by students worldwide. Detailed Analysis of Gustav Klimt's The Kiss, 1907-1908.
How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Tips and an Example
Example of a Visual Analysis Essay: "The Solitude of Autumn" by Elena Vásquez. Introduction. The captivating allure of Elena Vásquez's "The Solitude of Autumn" invites viewers into a reflective exploration of solitude and the passage of time. Created in 2020, this oil on canvas painting masterfully captures the essence of autumn ...
Unveiling the Art of Visual Essays: A Comprehensive Guide
Similar to a finely crafted novel, your visual essay should possess a clear beginning, middle, and end. Introduce your topic, delve into intricacies within the body, and conclude with a compelling ...
How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: A Step-by-Step Guide
Write a draft essay. Follow your outline above to develop a complete essay. When writing the initial draft, focus on the substance instead of wanting to produce a specific style. Review the first draft by identifying weak points and addressing them to create a high-quality visual analysis essay.
Writing an Excellent Visual Analysis Essay Online
Visual Analysis Essay Outline. The most efficient way to increase the quality of visual analysis essays is to craft an outline. It's not only a brief representation of your paper but also the first result of your research. An outline will contain all the pieces of information you've collected during the investigation.
Visual Analysis Essay: Complete Guide With Examples
The body should originate from your thesis statement. Here is how to write a visual analysis essay body paragraph: Have a claim (topic sentence) Provide evidence. Provide a specific connection between your argument and the thesis statement. Ensure that you exhaust every element fully and its relation to the image in the body section. Conclusion.
Visual Analysis Essay: A Complete Guide for Beginners
For conducting a visual analysis essay of a photograph, follow these three key steps. First, closely examine the composition, lighting, and subject matter of the image. Second, interpret the emotions, themes, and narratives conveyed by the photograph.
Graphic Essays and Comics
A graphic essay (sometimes called a visual essay) uses a combination of text and images to explore a specific topic. Graphic essays can look like comics, graphic novels, magazines, collages, artist books, textbooks, or even websites. Graphic essays often first take the form of written essays and then have graphic elements added to enrich the ...
How to Write a Visual Essay
As a student, you may write visual essays on different topics, including history, social issues, and fine arts. You may be asked to submit your essay as a Word document or a .pdf document, as well as just a string of images in a video format. A traditional 1,500-word essay is equivalent to 10-12 pictures and up to 700 words of text.
Exploring the Picture Essay: Tips, Best Practices, and Examples
Exploring the Picture Essay: Tips, Best Practices, and Examples. April 18, 2023. Words by Jeff Cardello. A picture essay lets you harness the power of images to tell stories, evoke emotions, and convey a sense of place, time, and perspective. Picture essays drop viewers right into the action, letting them see things through the camera's lens ...
Visual Essays
All students chose to create their "essays" in Google Slides. Let's examine the different varieties in student responses. Exhibit 1: Ammon. In Ammon's visual essay over "A Worn Path," he includes a paragraph summarizing the main point he would make about fantasy versus reality in the story. In addition, he chose two images to ...
Visual Analysis Essay
The audience for the analysis is an audience with comparable knowledge on the topic. Students should define and explain any terminology or jargon used that may be difficult for a general audience to understand. ... Suggested Organization of Visual Analysis Essay. I. Introduction (1 paragraph) - should contain a hook (attention-grabber), set the ...
Ten examples of immersive photo essays
An immersive photo essay uses rich media and story design to capture and keep the reader's attention. Immersive content is typically free of the most distracting elements of the web, such as pop-ups, skyscrapers, and other intrusions on the reading experience. As a basic rule of thumb, immersive content respects the reader's attention.
CRAFT: Let's Get Graphic: A Look at the Visual Essay by Nicole Breit
The Video Essay. Video is a natural medium for personal narrative, and John Breslund is known as a pioneer of the visual essay form. This article includes a Q and A with Bresland and his collaborator, poet and essayist, Eula Biss, with links to some of their groundbreaking work including "Ode to Every Thing." 10. The Interactive Essay
How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay: Examples & Template
Visual analysis is a helpful tool in exploring art. It focuses on the following aspects: Interpretation of subject matter (iconography). An iconographic analysis is an explanation of the work's meaning. Art historians try to understand what is shown and why it is depicted in a certain way. The analysis of function.
45 Photo Essay Topics
Creating a photo essay is a process that requires time, patience, and careful planning. Follow these steps to create a successful photo essay: 1. Choose a topic or theme. The first step in creating a photo essay is to choose the topic or theme you want to focus on. This can be anything from a place, an event, or even a person.
How to Choose an EE Topic (Visual Arts)
Choosing the EE Subject. It's important to: Choose a subject you are willing to dedicate many hours to, and. Understand what an EE in that subject is like. For example, science EEs look like longer science IAs and involve a lot of lab work, whereas English EEs are similar to long Written Task 2s and involve a lot of reading and analysis.
IB Visual Arts EE examples
To what extent has the Indian culture influenced the architect Gajanan B Mhatre in the design of the Empress court in Mumbai during the British colonization. EE Visual Arts B. An exploration into the theme of motherhood in art during the early Weimar Republic, as seen through the works of Otto Dix and Käthe Kollwitz. EE Visual Arts B.
100 Presentation Ideas for Students from Slide Designers
You can also explore what a good essay topic looks like to get more inspiration and ideas for your presentation. So, check out our list of 100 PowerPoint presentation topics for students, which has been thoroughly structured to make it easier for a school or university student to choose a topic! ... You can also use visual aids or UK writing ...
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My project also involved working on a new settings page on the Tools/Options window for this feature. To complete this project, I had to ramp up on how the Language Server Protocol (LSP) works as well as researching on how a similar feature was integrated into Roslyn (a .NET Compiler Platform for C# and Visual Basic) and Visual Studio Code.
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Visual Analysis Essay - A Writing Guide with Format & Sample

What is a Visual Analysis Essay

Visual Elements for a Visual Analysis Essay

Principles of Design in a Visual Analysis Essay

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay - 7 Simple Steps

Step 1 - Gather General Information About the Artwork

Step 2 - Note Down the Characteristics of the Artwork

Step 3 - Visual Analysis Essay Outline

Step 4- Write the Introduction

Step 5 - Provide Detailed Description, Analysis, and Interpretation

Step 6 - Writing a Conclusion

Step 7 - Edit & Revise Your Essay

Tips on How to Analyze a Photograph

Tips on How to Analyze a Sculpture

Visual Analysis Essay on Advertisement

How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper on an Advertisement

Visual Rhetorical Analysis Essay Examples

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Keep reading

55 Best Visual Analysis Essay Topics for Students

Visual Analysis Essay Writing

Basic Elements of a Visual Analysis Essay

Key Design Principles of a Visual Analysis Essay

Steps for Writing a Visual Analysis Essay

Gather the main ideas and information

Explore the visual work

Perform an in-depth analysis

Craft a Visual Analysis Essay Outline

Introduction

Add citation

Proofread and Edit

List of the Best Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Amazing Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Great Visual Analysis Essay Ideas

Outstanding Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Impressive Visual Analysis Essay Topics

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Visual Analysis Essay Features

Elements of a Visual Analysis Essay

Composition

Elements of design

Focal point

Symbolic elements

Visual Analysis Essay Outline

Tips for Analyzing a Sculpture

Tips for Photo Analysis Essay

How to Write a Visual Analysis Paper

Visual Analysis Essay Topics Ideas

Example of Visual Analysis Essay

Bottom Line

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Writing Guide of Visual Analysis Essay for Beginners

What is a Visual Analysis Essay?

Visual Analysis Essay Format

How to Write a Visual Analysis Essay?

Visual Analysis Essay Examples

Visual Analysis Essay Topics

Tips for Writing the Visual Analysis Essay

Frequently Asked Questions

What should a visual analysis essay include?

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How to Write Visual Analysis Essay: Guide for Beginners

What Is a Visual Analysis Essay?

Selecting and Exploring a Visual Piece: Key Guidelines

Elements of a Visual Analysis Paper

Visual Composition

Emphasis on a Central Point

Design Elements

Surface Quality