The Use of Graphics
Unless you are writing an essay–and the prompt indicates no graphics–images should be utilized. Not only can graphics make your work more visually appealing, but they can also transmit information in another method. Graphics can take complex information and simplify them as well as highlight important pieces that you want readers to take away from the work. On the other hand, these touches can positively influence the tone and feeling that wouldn’t be otherwise conveyed at a glance.
Types of Graphics
Info-graphs
Examples: Content graphs, pie charts
These are often visual breakdowns of the information trying to get portrayed. They are great ways to convey and simplify it into something that can be digested at a glance. It is important to keep the graphic as simplistic as possible (not too many words or numbers).
Data Visualization
Examples: Data charts, Map, Timeline
Data visualizations are another form of infographics. However, they are specifically visual representations of data (aka number-based). They reinforce the numbers within the work and act as a way to highlight these. It is important to keep words to a minimum and have the numbers do the work.
“Callout”
Examples: Quotes, Percentage, Headlines
Not all graphics are images. These “callout” sections are representative of this. They separate large bodies of text and create visual separations. It’s important that these are a different colour or type of text compared to the others as well as enough empty space separates them from the other portions of the text.
Illustration
Examples: Designs created by graphic designers, “vector art”
Illustrations can be positive additions to highlight the topic of the work. It is important to ensure that the designs are consistent.
Brand Design
Examples: Logo, Company Name
These graphics are representative of you. They can help ensure the tone of the work as well as emphasize that the writer/company is highlighted and well-known.
Photographs
Examples: Stock photography, professional/images of your business/product/self
These photographs are important for adding to the personalization of your work. They can introduce new readers/users to who you/your company are. They should also align with your message and be a true representation of the tone you are trying to convey.
A word of caution: make sure to use high quality. Poor quality photographs can harm your representation (as well as SEO). For stock photos, make sure you don’t add too many or overused photos because it can make your work feel less authentic.
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