there are three basic kinds of line-shapes: straight lines, incomplete arcs, and closed curves.
An incomplete circle is an arc. There is no such thing as an incomplete arc.
A curve is an arc. A closed curve is a circle.
of the three primary colors, red has been shown to have the most significant attention-grabbing effect on humans.
True. So, based on this:
Why is just the 'o' in the
Schlotzskys logo red? Why not the capital letter 'S' instead? It is a larger letter, and not to mention, the first letter of the name. Why not the 'z'? Why is the whole name not red?
What about Mobil? Why the 'o'? Why not the 'M'? Why not the whole name?
I could ask similar questions about an untold number of company logos.
how sinister is it that red arcs and circles are common in advertising? professional advertising and marketing people spend their lives coming up with the most efficient way to get peoples attention and focus.
I see them mostly on company logos -- and, on signs - that specifically identify an organization -- not so much as general markings on the average miscellaneous tapestry of advertising.
Also, they are TOO common. For years now...
Anyone who is "worth their salt" in advertising
does not hang on to the same concept
for years on end while it floods the world scenery with increasing acceleration and density. Instead, they try to find other new and interesting concepts that may be used to create an image of
uniqueness - not the kind of "same-ness" that is present "at every turn" in the world today by the proliferate use of these symbols everywhere.
And, if it serves to destroy the uniqueness of the image of everyone who uses these symbols in their logo -- why the increasing acceleration and density?
Why?
Because the symbols are being used to transmit something about the identity of the organization - to those who would understand what it means...
advertising is insidious, to be sure, but its methodology is no shock to anyone educated in art and design and cognizant of the ulterior motives of for-profit organizations, or any other organization seeking prominence in the mind of the public.
I understand what you are saying; however, I do not believe that such a proliferation exists simply because of "art and design"...
There has to be a whole lot more to it than simply drawing the attention of an onlooker...
If the effect of using these symbols in advertising is so great - that everyone on the planet is using it - to the point of flooding the whole planet with it --- then, wow --- there is a whole new conspiracy idea...