Visual Communication Quarterly

Aims & Scope

Visual Communication Quarterly (VCQ) is an international, peer-reviewed journal of theory, research, practical criticism, and creative work in all areas of visual communication.

Our goal is to promote an inclusive, broad discussion of all things visual, while also encouraging synthesis and theory building across our fascinating field of study.

We define "visual" in the broadest sense of the word -- from dreams and cognitive theory through gesture and geography, as well as issues concerning visual ethics, visual ecology, representation, visual media in all forms, and visual behavior.

Methods range from tightly controlled quantitative studies through critical analysis, essays, qualitative scholarship, and creative art.

We also print numerous single images and portfolios as well as multimedia work on our Web site, a rarity among academic journals.

View Aims & Scope

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Metrics & Ranking

Impact Factor

Year	Value
2025	0.5
2024	0.40

SJR (SCImago Journal Rank)

Year	Value
2024	0.246

Quartile

Year	Value
2024	Q3

h-index

Year	Value
2024	22

Journal Rank

Year	Value
2024	18779

Journal Citation Indicator

Year	Value
2024	33

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Abstracting & Indexing

Journal is indexed in leading academic databases, ensuring global visibility and accessibility of our peer-reviewed research.

• Scopus
• Google Scholar
• Web of Science

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Subjects & Keywords

Journal’s research areas, covering key disciplines and specialized sub-topics in Social Sciences, designed to support cutting-edge academic discovery.

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Most Cited Articles

The Most Cited Articles section features the journal's most impactful research, based on citation counts. These articles have been referenced frequently by other researchers, indicating their significant contribution to their respective fields.

• Trauma exposure and post‐traumatic stress disorder among photojournalists

  Citation: 66

  Authors: Elana, Roger, David

• Examining the Effects of Photographic Attributes on Sympathy, Emotions, and Donation Behavior

  Citation: 66

  Authors: Marta, Cynthia-Lou, Paul, Daniel

• Visual Agenda-Setting After 9/11: Individuals' Emotions, Image Recall, and Concern With Terrorism

  Citation: 64

  Authors: Shahira, Sooyoung, Wayne, Yonghoi

• Visual Propaganda in the Age of Social Media: An Empirical Analysis of Twitter Images During the 2012 Israeli–Hamas Conflict

  Citation: 61

  Authors: Hyunjin

• The Politics of Photography: Visual Depictions of Syrian Refugees in U.K. Online Media

  Citation: 53

  Authors: Annabelle Cathryn

• Feminist Self-Imaging and Instagram: Tactics of Circumventing Sensorship

  Citation: 44

  Authors: Magdalena

• The role of screen size in viewer experiences of media content

  Citation: 41

  Authors: Maria Elizabeth, Matthew, Robert D., Cheryl Campanella, Theresa Bolmarcich

• Keeping Your Readers' Eyes on the Screen: An Eye-Tracking Study Comparing Sans Serif and Serif Typefaces

  Citation: 40

  Authors: Sheree

• Taking and Using

  Citation: 35

  Authors: Luc

• Photojournalists' and Photo Editors' Attitudes and Perceptions: The Visual Coverage of 9/11 and the Afghan War

  Citation: 35

  Authors: Shahira

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