Graphics

As humans, we process visual data more effectively than any other form of data. This is why it is so important to create and use good visuals in your document. As I’ve mentioned, in addition to professional writing, I’m studying commercial photography. I like to think of designing graphics the same way that I would as composing an image, and over the past 3-4 years, I have learned how to do this very effectively. Here are 4 tips I like to give out to people when they ask me for photography advice—but in terms of graphic design.

Always carry a camera: It’s essential to be able to capture the things that inspire you—no matter how minute. Sometimes, the way the light hits a trashcan on the side of the road can grab my attention and give me inspiration! The same goes for design. If I like the composition on a poster or label, I take a picture. I also have a Pinterest board with designs that catch my eye. When I interned as a media intern several years ago, I would bookmark Web sites that I liked. This has been helpful in both explore different styles and developing my own.

Consider your surroundings: The context of an image matters and can help or take away from the story you may be trying to tell. In terms of graphic design, I consider the other elements of the document. Do I already have too much? Does this get information across the way that I want it to? Are the other colors, if applicable, that I’ve incorporated going to look tacky with the graphic? Is this distracting? It’s important to ask yourself questions before, during, and after the design process.

Create your own purpose: I mentioned in my blog about research that it can be difficult to motivate yourself to do a project if you don’t feel a pull towards the subject. I’ve found myself in plenty of ruts when handed a photography assignment that I had no interest in or inspiration for. In these cases, this also goes for design projects, I first turn to evaluate myself. I try to think about why I don’t feel connected to the subject and try to link at least 1 aspect of the assignment to where I’m at during that point in time. Sometimes, designing a graphic may feel like a chore or you may have absolutely no inspiration for the project. In this case, go through your mind and try to find some kind of connection to the subject.

Forget the money: We are often under the impression that we must have the best equipment to create beautiful art, but that simply isn’t true. Once, I covered the walls of my room with aluminum foil because the lamps that I had were not bright enough and I did not have reflectors. In the end, I made a beautiful portrait. Although having access to better design programs can be tremendously beneficial, there are so many free resources that you can use to create beautiful graphics. We didn’t always have programs like Adobe Illustrator.

Although these are not world-renowned tips, I hope that they are able to help you to some degree in your designing process. In the end, all you need is passion to create and a willingness to explore different options.