WWF Bluefin Tuna Overfishing - Essay Example

The spaces are arranged in a manner that makes the fishes look as though they are passing by the viewer. The lines are sharp, well-defined, thin, angular, and curved. The texture looks natural and real, reinforced by the colors and specks of light. The image has a combination of asymmetrical balance and radial balance. Asymmetrical because when you look at the image there is a sense of greater weight at the left side but then the central object, which is the biggest fish wearing a rhino mask, sustains the balance, creating a radial balance.

The emphasis is on the central object. It dominates the image by being darker, heavier, and spacious than the other objects—the other fishes. Ultimately, there is a great sense of unity because all the principles and elements perfectly complement one another to express the general message: help save the Bluefin tuna. The advertisement is made by UNICEF to raise awareness about Bluefin tuna, a species that is threatened by extinction. This advertisement is intended for particular groups of audiences, namely, those who are not aware of the issue and those who have the capacity to contribute to the cause.

The embedded text, saying “Would you care more if I was a Rhino”, suggests the lack of people’s awareness about Bluefin tuna. Well, we all know what tuna is. But most of us are not aware that there are a particular species of tuna that is endangered. The text certainly targets the emotion of the audiences by suggesting that these animals have been ignored for so long to the point of possible extinction. The text actually made the image more powerful and effective. It definitely carries the mark of UNICEF and further strengthens support for the cause.

The primary goal of the advertisement is to introduce to the world the plight of Bluefin tuna, a species that is marginalized by people’s excessive emphasis on the survival of endangered animals on land, like the rhinoceros. The advertisement is, in fact, successful in conveying its message; it is simple but emotionally and visually powerful. It definitely reaches its target audiences. Who would not feel compassion for a fish that wears a rhino mask just to draw the attention of the world?

The key strength of the advertisement is it's the simple, straightforward, and creative use of the elements and principles of design. The image is not imposing, but it delivers perfectly. The only weakness is how this and leaves the audiences wondering, “why a rhino?”