Constructing meaning

I think that this chapter was a good reminder of one of the primary reasons behind art. Art can be made for the sole purpose of being aesthetically pleasing, but when an artwork has a meaning or underlying message, it can prove to be a very strong communication tool. I like how it talked about figuring out who your audience is so that you can target them more specifically and hopefully clearly convey your message. It cautioned the use of stereotypes and cliches, because over time these tools lose their effectiveness, but suggested that a shift that upsets our expectations regarding such mechanisms can make the message more memorable. I also found the section on DRAMA to be helpful. It suggested personifying the idea, focusing on essentials,and seeking significance as ways to increase the strength of your work. Overall i think the chapter was insightful and did a good job of reminding us of important techniques to include in our work.