Contrast

This set of drawers shows a poor use of contrast. First off, the design is impractical and kitchsy to the point of total ugliness. Why this furniture would ever be desired is unknown to me. Here, the contrast lies in the shape, color, and intention of the item. The contrast in shape between the fully functional drawers and the apparently chewed away section of the piece tells a story of a beaver or lumberjack. Although one may find this contrast cute, it makes the dresser appear top-heavy, which it may in fact be in real life. It also is designed far too tall to allow for this chewed away section, to the point that the young girl posing with the piece cannot even reach the top drawer. The white section mocking raw wood is done with faux texture that seems irrelevant and unattractive. The function of this item of furniture is to hold materials, likely clothing. The cut away section removes a key storage area making the item larger than needed and therefore less functional. This poor use of contrast in shape and size create its uncomfortable contrast in function of design. 

This example uses contrast in a very smart way. The first thing the eye notices is the faint contrast in color under the woman's eye in the photo. Although this is faint since it is composed of text, it contrasts anything we would ever see in advertising. Not only is it  flaw, but it is a marker of domestic violence, and the message of the ad. If we add in the next contrast, her non-smiling face, we make the immediate connection between her and domestic violence, despite its subtlety. Her distant stare also contrasts what we normally see in advertising. Although this contrast is a bit less tangible, it is highly effective in capturing the viewers attention and interest. The contrast in color we see in the red numbers at the bottom right corner also subtly yet effectively direct the viewers attention.