Basic semiotic theories are taught in most art schools as part of a contextual studies program, but many students find it difficult to understand how these ideas might impact on their own practice. Visible Signs tackles this problem by introducing key theories and concepts, such as signs and signifiers, and language and speech, within the framework of visual communication.

The fourth edition of Visible Signs includes new interviews with industry professionals and updated exercises, as well as a necessary new chapter on fake news, propaganda, diversity in ?neutral' communication (like emojis), and issues related to social media representation.

Introduction
Chapter 1: Components. What is Theory?; Agreement; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 2: How Meaning is Formed. Categories of Sign; Value; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 3: Reading the Sign: The Reader; Convention and Motivation; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 4: Text and Image: Digital and Analogue Codes; Advertising Writing; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 5: Official and Unofficial Language: Habitus; The Production of Legitimate Language; The Competition for Cultural Legitimacy; Unofficial Language; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 6: Politics of Semiotics: fake news, propaganda, diversity in 'neutral' communication (like emojis); Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 7: Junk and Culture: Dirt and Taboo; Rubbish Theory; Rubbish as a Resource; Portfolio; Exercises.
Chapter 8: Open Work: Information and Meaning; Openness and the Visual Arts; Openness and Information; Form and Openness; Portfolio; Exercises.
Glossary
Bibliography
Index

David Crow, until his sudden death in 2022, was Pro Vice-Chancellor and Head of Camberwell, Chelsea and Wimbledon Colleges of Arts, University of the Arts, London, UK.