Even if a picture shows a cat that looks exactly like a real cat—same fur, same face, same eyes—it’s still just a sign. It’s not the actual cat. It only makes sense to us because we already know what a cat is, and we’ve learned to connect that image to the concept of “cat” in our minds. Without that shared understanding, it would just be a random image. So even realistic photos or drawings aren’t just showing reality—they're part of a whole system of representation that helps us make sense of what we see.

The ‘system of representation’ means the whole way we understand, think, speak, and share meaning about the world. It’s not just about seeing something; it’s about how we interpret it and give it meaning through a layered, complex process.

Representation isn't just about copying what we see. It's about creating meaning using language and symbols that society and culture agree on.

It was a new perspective for me. I had assumed the red, green, and yellow color scheme, along with ingredients like tomatoes and peppers, would automatically signal “Italy” to everyone. But Barthes points out that this kind of symbolism is culturally constructed, and in this case, it reflects a specifically French interpretation of "Italian-ness." It made me realize how much meaning in visual media depends on the viewer’s cultural background.

Barthes says that reading the linguistic message mainly just needs language skills, like knowing how to read and understand French. But I think the look of the text—especially the font—also matters a lot. Different typefaces give off different vibes. For example, a handwritten font might feel friendly or personal, while a clean, modern font might feel professional or serious. So even though it’s still text, the style of the typography adds another layer of meaning. It’s not just what the words say, but also how they visually come across.

As graphic designers, we should always research the cultural history behind a symbol before using it in a project. You never know how someone from a different background might interpret it.

This section made me think about app icons and wayfinding design. If people don’t instantly recognize what an icon means, it fails as a symbol. That’s why user testing is so important.

This makes me think about how much power designers and media creators have.