Visual Rhetoric poses a challenge for us to rethink meanings that can be derived from images according to Eyman. He sees visual rhetoric as a core factor that is essential in digital communication. Why? Because images function as arguments in their own rights. They are able to “persuade and construct knowledge” through arrangement, contrast, and color. Images not only reflect meaning, they produce it. A great example of this can be seen on websites. The smallest of websites can evoke authority and credibility if it presents itself visually appealing. I find this point interesting because Eyman is saying that visual design is not secondary to text, in a way, it is text.
Multimodality
Eyman also emphasizes that visual rhetoric should be seen as a multimodal system. In digital spaces, visual, words, and sound converge, This is how we are able to understand and communicate with each other. Each of those systems are an argument in themselves presented through visual logic (gif, animation, etc.). This puts new meaning in how creators see visual rhetoric. As a student, I need to be aware that how I design my webpage is a form of visual communication. Another interesting fact is that this teaches not only me, but others in like spaces that persuasion through visual rhetoric happens very quickly.
Power of the Visual
Eyman highlights that visual rhetoric holds great power. Because visuals shape not only how we understand and communicate, additionally, it helps what we see. This then brings the question of longevity. Images tend to disappear into obscurity. When designing, we need to remember that visual rhetoric needs to conform to aesthetically. This too brings persuasion and control. Visual rhetoric is not a supplement to digital writing. It is the foundation.
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