A pictograph is a graphic representation of something. It is used in ancient times as a means of writing. Pictographs are direct representation of tangible or visible things. For example, I can daw a picture of a cow. That cow on paper could be a pictograph of a real cow. However, if the symbol already represents an idea, it's called an ideogram. For example, if I want to illustrate love, I can draw a heart shape. I can't see or touch love. I know that the human isn't shaped like in the drawing. However, I know the symbol represents the idea of love.
