Ask the designer: How important are images in my design?

Images can be one of the most important parts of any design. From banners, to decals, to street signs, image is the best and most efficient way to get your message across. The human mind interprets and remembers images or pictures faster and longer than just words alone.  It's all in how we process the information. When some one looks at a cut out decal of Nike or the Air Jordan logo they can instantly make associations and get ideas. With words you have to break down the syllables and letters to get a good understanding of what it is that you are looking at. So images can get the message across when you don't have time for reading.

It is also important that you choose images that relate to what it is you are advertising. Some one making a construction sign wouldn't want to put a Christmas tree as their primary image. It just sends mixed signals to the viewer and will ultimately lose them. So if you are making a safety sign telling people not to touch the spinning blades, I would put a picture of a fluffy cat on it.

So the lesson here is that we want images to catch people's attention, and to use images that will clearly state what we want. Plus every one likes to look at pictures.