BEYOND THE LIMITS OF MEANING AND MESSAGE IN ILLUSTRATIVE WORKS OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS WITH THE THEME "NO DAY WITHOUT ACHIEVEMENT"

Goals: This research aims to gain a deeper understanding of how Junior High School students interpret the theme “No Day Without Achievement” through their illustrative works, and how the meaning contained in the works transcends conventional boundaries in conveying the message. Method: This research uses a qualitative approach with a semiotic analysis and visual criticism of three winning illustrative works that represented Riau Province at a national level. The primary data were obtained from documents related to the illustrative works, including the competition guidelines and descriptions of the works. Secondary data were obtained from direct observation when the works were exhibited in Jakarta, and from interviews with members of the organizing committee from the Indonesian Talent Development Board, in relation to the activities and theme of the competition, members of the jury, regarding the ideas and quality of the works, and media and illustrator experts, about the creativity and artistic aspects of the works. The analysis was carried out using semiotic theory and visual criticism to explore and understand the design elements contained in the works, including color, image objects, typography, and layout. Results: The research results show that there are signs in the icons in the form of images, typography, color, and layout; the indexes in the form of student activities are visualized with bright colors strengthened by verbal messages of “achievement” arranged through a picture window layout; the symbols of the illustrative works contain the hopes and challenges that must be faced to achieve victory. The contextual interpretation of design elements includes (1) Color, which shows the gap between aspiration and reality; (2) Typography, which combines the balance of education and personal character; (3) Image, which combines local culture with Western culture; and (4) Layout, which indicates the presence of mental and social pressure.