#visual communicator

[diving-llama]

PET PEEVE #25

when people tell you the same stories because they didn’t remember they’ve told it to you already.

yes, you told me this already. yes, in the exact same manner. yes, i remember when you said that thing to that guy that one time at that place.

this is also a sign of somebody who loves talking to people and freely share things about themselves. which is not me at all. perhaps that is also why it irks me a bit. b/c why can’t they just hold all their thoughts in and only share with a few, select friends?

what makes this even worse is when it’s not a great story. like not all stories are gold. some are just meant to be for the day. don’t carry it around all week.

[vandaalexandre-blog]

P r o p ó s i t o / P u r p o s e : Pré-Apresentação de Portfólio / Pre-Portfolio Presentation

D e s c r i ç ã o / D e s c r i p t i o n : Dança do Cumprimento / Greeting Dance

T e x t o / T e x t : “Olá!” / “Hello!”

[katieartisan-blog]

Kiki’s Rollerskate Jam - A quirky lil’ project - Illustration/graphics/motion

Katie Coogan-Mason © 2016

Portfolio on katiecooganmason.jimdo.com or find me on The Loop

[whatareallthephds]

Kate Baldwin, PhD

I am a Scientific Visual Communicator.  I translate the ideas of scientists into visual diagrams that help the reader understand complex concepts.  The training I received during my graduate program in Cellular and Molecular Biology helps me to deeply understand biochemical ideas, and I am familiar with the conventions in our field.  This, combined with an advanced graphic design skill set, allows me to quickly make figures and save my clients both time and frustration.

When I entered graduate school in 2005, scientific diagrams were already one of my interests.  A good figure can communicate some things better than pages of text.  Through graduate school, I honed both my scientific understanding and drawing skills.  Although I enjoy bench work, and particularly data interpretation, I found myself most eager to compile my data and ideas into simple images.  I started helping friends and colleagues in this capacity, as well as teaching communication concepts and graphic software tips.

The more visual communication I did, the more I knew it perfectly tapped into my best skills and that I loved it.  After defending my dissertation, I started a freelance business in July 2013.  I have been very happy with the work I have produced, and it feels good to make my customers happy.  Often I am able to produce a complex diagram in just a couple of days after a couple of short phone calls or coffee meetings with my clients.  I have been getting a lot of repeat business, but I am hoping to grow my client list so that this can become a long-term sustainable job.

To learn more or contact me, visit my website: www.K8Baldwin.com.

[bradwoodarddesign]

Graphic Designer + Drawing Skills = Better

Image Source: Scout Books

WARNING: If you are a graphic designer who is easily offended, suck it up and read this anyways.

There are too many people who believe that drawing isn't an important skill to have as a graphic designer. It is true that you can be a graphic designer and not be a talented drawer, but those designers who do know how to draw have such an advantage. Here is why:

Attention to detail: When you pick up a pencil and start sketching, you can't help but notice all the minute details that are easily overlooked when jumping straight to the computer. 

Free expression: Drawing allows you to break away from any limitations you may have with the tools on the computer. For some reason, when you get on the computer, it is easy to become complacent with whatever the program's tools pump out for you. Instead of putting in the extra effort to make the design look exactly how you want it in your mind, you settle for easier, instant solutions.

Speed: I don't care who you are, sketching with a pencil is always faster than a mouse. As a graphic designer you are required to work under tight deadlines, in which you need to work efficiently and quickly. Being able to sketch out your concepts and layouts quickly is crucial. Not to mention, when you sketch, you can breeze through crummy concepts, and arrive at the solution quicker.

Tip: Try using a pen instead of a pencil the next time you use your sketchbook, and see how many different concepts you actually come up with when you aren't erasing everything previous to the final.

Communication: As a graphic designer, you are a visual communicator. Clients need to be able to see, not only hear, what your ideas and concepts are for their design. Many times a digital version of a concept can look a little too finished to present initially to the client. A clear and well-drawn sketch of the concept can be an effective tool in working with clients.

I really could go on and on about the benefits of knowing how to draw, and daily sketching. Those beginning drawing classes in college really were aiding you in your dreams to become a graphic designer. Keep sketching! If you do, you will be a better designer.