Toilet Symbols

This visual metonym uses simple female and male 'stick people' to represent the word 'toilet'. Although they do not physically show a toilet in the image, as an international symbol it is universally recognised and understood.

FedEx Express

In this logo, the visual metonym of an arrow symbol, used within the design above (betweeen the E and x) is used to make reference to the fact that the company moves and delivers things, and that the viewer will see the connection between the symbol and what the company does. I think this is a clever, simple and effective piece of design work as the arrow is a recogniseable international symbol.

Underground symbol

Here, the designer uses a blue bar going horizontally through a red circle. On the map of the underground, the stations are represented by a red circle and on the each particular station's name would be written across the blue bar. The symbol is also known as the roundel, and is the graphic identity for the Underground. I think it is a visual metonym because people are familiar with the image and through way of association, can make connections with this and the Underground.

Keep Calm And Carry On

A visual metonym is a symbolic image that is used to make reference to something with a more literal meaning. By way of association the viewer makes a connection between the image and the intended subject.

This poster uses the visual metonym of the crown of King George VI, with the words 'Keep Calm And Carry On' as a way of portraying a message from the King to his people that all capable measures to defend the country were being taken during World War II. In 1939 the British Government's Ministry of Infromation were commissioning propaganda posters to be displayed in the UK. However, this poster was almost unseen by the public as it wasn't officially issued, and was found 50 years later. It uses a white image and type to make them stand out from the bold red background which signifies importance for people to read. The crown symbolises royalty, and the viewer can make a connection between that and the intended subject, which is the message from the King.