36 Lessons on Making Better Graphics

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Creating a blog post because my tweets are on rolling 60 day autodelete. This post is taken from a previous Twitter thread titled, “36 Lessons on Making Better Graphics”. It was inspired by a conversation between Matthew Kobach and Jack Butcher.

Origins of Visualize Values

  • Jack was burned out from his corporate role.

  • Jack wanted to help make intangible ideas tangible through the use of graphics

  • No one else was interested in this area at his agency and he figured out how to scale it 

The Power of Visuals

  • Visuals help create a relationship between two ideas instantly

  • Humans process visual information better than text information

  • Your visuals are a filter and catalyst for working with the right audience 

  • Lead with visuals

  • People understand ideas in different ways

  • Visuals help people agree on an idea but find their own meaning

  • Create something that is memorable enough to stir a feeling or behavior 

Do More with Less

  • Jack only makes images in black and white which forces him to make decisions that help increase creativity

  • Design isn't adding things, but taking things away

  • Is there something on the canvas that can be taken away, but still be communicated? 

Why Businesses Should Use Visuals More

  • It's an alternative to a text-heavy B2B case study

  • Customers better understand solutions through visuals

  • Visuals help add context to ideas 

Mistakes People Make When Designing

  • They're too focused on stylistic decisions early on in their career

  • Make one decision to save yourself a thousand decisions.

  • Complexity is a sign of insecurity in your work 

Motivation and Creative Block

  • Motivation comes in waves. Ride it when it happens.

  • Willpower is a state of mind

  • Sometimes you aren't inspired when you are doing creative work and just need to grind it out 

Metaphors, Analogies, and Symbols

  • Great UI makes tech accessible. Great design makes ideas accessible.

  • Visuals metaphors work with a neutral point of reference

  • Use symbols that are inherently prescriptive 

The Power of Twitter

  • Twitter is a reverse influencer. It's unlike any other social network in that it's open.

  • You can be an intern for anyone on the internet. Find something and reorganize it for a new perspective. They'll do your marketing for you by sharing.

  • Test with Twitter and turn high performing content into other content

  • Twitter is great because it forces you to write as simplistic as possible

  • Am I writing too little to take a shortcut or does this idea make sense? 

Communicating Ideas

  • Our ability to communicate is hamstrung by our speaking ability

  • Don't be worried when people steal your stuff, be worried when they don't

  • If everyone is nodding in a room after a presentation, it means they understand your idea 

Working with Clients

  • Your purpose is to make your client's purpose become a reality

  • Choose the right client to work with. One that is high integrity and strong belief system

  • Create demand, don't respond to it. If you have a skillset, people come to you. 

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