Ann Goulian

Mr. Busch
Graphics 3 1A
5/9/2019
Design Analysis

For this analysis I chose a powerful surreal design of the earth melting atop a realistic ice
cream cone. In this image we see a typical ice cream cone, but on top, instead of the usual
chocolate scoop, we see what is clearly a distorted version of the earth. The blue “ice cream” is
melting down the side of the cone in long slow drips. The cone is set on a dark background that
has a radial gradient. There is light emanating around the ice cream but the further away you get
from the sweet treat, the darker the background becomes so that when your eyes reach the edge
of the image, it is black.
This image is portraying a very clear message. Different elements are used to portray this.
The most distinctive features are the details of the ice cream. Any elementary educated person
could look at this image and quickly determine that that is the earth. You can see the blue of the
oceans and the green and neutral tones of land. Another distinctive element of this design is the
cone. The contrast of the surrealism of the melting earth to the stark normalcy of the ice cream
cone reminds us that this issue is very real and it is in our hands. It nudges us to the
understanding that everyday changes can be made to help eradicate the problem, because of the
“everyday” connotations that come from an ice cream cone. The colors of this piece are very
purposeful. The colors of the earth and cone are straightforward but the gradient of the
background is up for interpretation. The halo of light coming from the earth is a reminder of the
beauty and irreplaceable nature of the earth. The darkness that comes outside the halo shows us
how we are not treating the earth with the care that it deserves and therefore the earth’s halo
cannot extend to the edges of the image. The fact that the artist chose to use a long and skinny
cone with a single scoop of ice cream gives the viewer the impression that the earth is
vulnerable. The ice cream seems precarious and small atop the rather large cone. The single
scoop is symbolic of the fact that there is only one earth and so if it “melts away” then there will
be nothing left.
The designer clearly created this work as propaganda to remind people of the dangers of
global warming. This is clearly expressed through the literal melting earth atop an ice cream
cone, something that is so generically ​human​. This image has indeed been used on posters
promoting environmental awareness.
First looking at this image you see something that is familiar, relatable, and real, but upon
further examination you see that it is in fact a surreal piece. The ice cream is recognizable as the
earth and the fact that it is melting gives a clear and concise message. The halo of light from the
radial gradient gives a subtle nod to the beauty and singularity of the earth. Because of the
piece’s subtly, relatability, and familiarity yet its ability to convey an important message I do feel
that this is a good design.