[Freehand] A query to my German peers

[Michael Brady]

On Oct 19, 2005, at 1:07 PM, nina logan wrote:

> I'm wondering--we are repackaging our sister firm's
> brochure for the US market, and they use the word
> 'motifs' when discussing graphics...or so we believe?
> Is our "translation" (as it were) correct?
>
> I just want to make sure we're not replacing 'Motifs'
> incorrectly?
> Any help is most appreciated.

Typically, "motif" (no capital M) is used to refer to a visual,  
musical, or literary device or theme in a work, for example, the use  
of a shape or color in a painting, a repeated image in a poem or  
novel, or a particular combination of notes on a certain instrument  
in an orchestral work.

It can be used in a discussion of graphics, but it might sound  
affected or a bit unnatural, depending on how it is presented and how  
frequently it's used.

Can you give us a few examples of how it is used.

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Michael Brady
www.michaelbradydesign.com