Information graphics, or infographics, are visual representations of data, information, or knowledge. They can help communicate complex ideas, simplify information, and engage audiences. But how do you develop your skills and portfolio as an information graphic designer? Here are some tips to help you get started.
Before you dive into creating infographics, you need to learn the basics of design, data, and storytelling. Design principles, such as color, typography, layout, and hierarchy, can help you create visually appealing and effective infographics. Data literacy, such as data collection, analysis, and visualization, can help you understand and present data in meaningful ways. Storytelling skills, such as narrative, structure, and context, can help you craft engaging and informative stories with your data.
THIS IS KEY! 1. Knowing how a Program works does NOT make one a Designer. 2. Learn the basics of art. Color theory, perspective, layout design, composition and positive and negative space. 3. Every project has a hierarchy, learn to know what it is.
Along with the design aspects, know which data you're using to put together the graphic and how they work together. You can have the most beautiful graphic in the world, but it won't mean anything if the data is comparing apples to oranges.
There are many tools and software that can help you create infographics, from simple online platforms to more advanced applications. Some of the popular tools include Canva, Piktochart, Adobe Illustrator, Tableau, and D3.js. Each tool has its own features, advantages, and limitations, so you need to explore and experiment with different options to find the best fit for your needs and preferences. You can also use a combination of tools to create more complex and interactive infographics.
Your Best Bet to knowing which tool to use is: 1. Know what the outcome is [how do you want to present the information 2. know the limitation of each program so you are not stuck wasting time 3. When you know the limitations of most programs you can use more than one to create the project. It will save time and give you more Design Options.
The other piece to the right tool is also knowing how your audience will be viewing the graphic. - Is this going to be seen in as a quick one-slide PowerPoint item being delivered to the board of directors? - Is this going to be in a magazine where you are limited to the dimensions of the page? - Is this going to be a scrollytelling item where the viewer will continue to scroll down the page and new information will be generated as it progresses?
One of the best ways to improve your skills and portfolio as an information graphic designer is to find inspiration and feedback from other sources. You can browse online galleries, blogs, books, and magazines that showcase infographics from various fields and genres. You can also join online communities, forums, and social media platforms that cater to information graphic designers and enthusiasts. You can share your work, get feedback, ask questions, and learn from others.
Like any other skill, information graphic design requires practice and challenge to grow and develop. You can practice by creating infographics for personal projects, hobbies, or interests. You can also challenge yourself by participating in online contests, hackathons, or challenges that prompt you to create infographics based on a theme, topic, or data set. You can also seek opportunities to create infographics for clients, organizations, or causes that you care about.
You MUST learn New Techniques, Technologies and way to do business to remain relative in your Profession! 1. Learn a New way to accomplish a Project different than you would have done 2. Work to Duplicate some else's project. 3. Us an unfamiliar program to Design a project.
Your portfolio is your showcase of your skills and achievements as an information graphic designer. It is also your way of attracting potential employers, clients, or collaborators. Therefore, you need to build a portfolio that reflects your style, strengths, and goals. You can use online platforms, such as Behance, Dribbble, or your own website, to display your infographics. You can also include a brief description of each infographic, such as the purpose, process, and tools used.
This is a tricky subject. Some Designers are focused on specific markets. Aim directly to those and promote you style and particular niche. Other Designers as myself work within different markets. You MUST Display your versatility. Some companies delve into different demographics and markets. 1. Know who you want to do business with/for. 2. Focus on Advertising your Strengths.
Building your portfolio shouldn't be solely focused on those items created for a client. Yes, the majority of items should have a tangible goal attached to them, but for those just getting started your best projects from school will help generate the conversations. My personal experience with this has been to have my client relevant work at the front (projects I've done for work) and then my fun/practicing projects at the back. This way you can show your breadth of skills, and not just those projects you've had to create for work.
Information graphic design is a dynamic and evolving field that requires constant learning and adaptation. You need to keep up with the latest trends, technologies, and techniques that can enhance your infographics. You also need to keep exploring new ways of expressing and visualizing data, information, and knowledge. You can take online courses, attend workshops, read books and articles, or follow experts and influencers in the field.
Never stop learning! There are new technologies and ways of doing things being released every day. - Join webinars to hear how others are dealing with problems and solving them - LinkedIn Learning, Treehouse, MasterClass, and other learning platforms have a ton of valuable information to learn from. - Find quick tutorials on Pinterest! Create a board where you can save those items you find interesting and practice. Those new techniques will come in handy on future projects.