Basics of Infographics
An infographic is a data visualization tool that uses images, graphs, and charts to communicate complex information quickly and effectively. They have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to present information online, as they are more visually appealing than traditional text-based articles. Though they may seem simple, there is a great deal of thought and planning that goes into creating an effective infographic. If you are thinking about creating one yourself, or just want to learn more about the process, read on below.
what is an infographic
An infographic is a graphical representation of information or data. They are often used to explain complex information or data in a simplified way. Infographics are useful because they can help people understand information quickly and easily.
Oftentimes, infographics include images, charts, and graphs to make the information more visually appealing and easy to understand.
infographic creation process
The process of creating a static infographic start with a knowledge of how many steps (or stages) you want to showcase in your design. The different stages shown within an infographic are usually some fashion of statistics that are paired with a custom graphic or icon.
There are many different ways to create an infographic, two popular ways are using something like Canva or a vector-based software, such as Adobe Illustrator.
Canva is a user-friendly graphic design software that offers a wide variety of pre-made templates, which makes it ideal for creating simple infographics.
Adobe Illustrator is a vector-based software, which means that you can create graphics that can be scaled to any size without losing quality. This is ideal for creating more complex infographics with multiple layers and detailed graphics.
Whichever route you choose to go, there might be a small learning curve to get accustomed to the software. However, both Canva and Adobe Illustrator have a wide variety of tutorials available online to help you get started.
The Drawback of Online Infographic Templates
One potential drawback of using online infographic templates is that the designs can often be quite generic. If you’re looking to create a unique infographic, you might not be able to find the right template.
Additionally, a lot of online infographic templates are geared towards simple designs, which might not be suitable if you want to create a more complex infographic.
If you’re not comfortable with using graphic design software, online infographic templates can be a great way to get started. However, if you want more control over the design of your infographic, you might need to create it from scratch or use a vector-based software. This is where an online infographic creation service may come in handy.
creative online infographic services
There are digital infographic generators and online infographic services that will do all the heavy lifting for you. These services may range in pricing and oftentimes are more expensive than using an online infographic template.
Online generators aside, one of the fastest ways to have an infographic designed is to find an online graphic design agency or freelancer. A company or individual that is familiar with color theory, design layouts and has a strong understanding of how to craft an effective call-to-action will save you a lot of headache and time in the long run.
An important note: Make sure you’re familiar with the company’s or individual’s design style before you commit to working together. This will ensure that you’re on the same page and that you’ll be happy with the end result.
Choosing the Right Infographic Designer or Agency
Not all designers are created equal and it’s important to take the time to find someone who’s a good fit for your project.
When you’re narrowing down your list of potential designers or agencies, there are a few key factors you’ll want to keep in mind:
- Do their designs reflect your company's branding
- Do they have experience designing infographics
- Do they have any testimonials or reviews from past clients
- Are their prices in line with your budget
where to place infographics
A large consideration that you should contemplate before having an infographic designed or commissioned is the final placement of your infographic.
There are a few popular places to showcase infographics:
- On your website (either as a blog post or on the sidebar)
- As part of a guest blog post on another site in your industry
- As an attachment in an email newsletter
- On social media sites
Determining where and how you will place your final creative design is going to determine the sizing and scale of each element. For example, maybe you need a horizontal infographic for your blog sidebar and a vertical infographic for an email attachment. Getting the dimensions and format down first will not only save your budget (in revisions) but also give the designer a better idea of what they’re working with.
infographics for websites
Quite often, infographics can be integrated into a website design as part of a blog post or on the sidebar. If you’re working with a web designer to create or update your site, make sure your infographic is responsive and can be viewed on mobile devices.
If infographics are created for a specific brand, repurposing specific elements of the overall infographic design (like icons or unique illustrations) can be a great way to add some visual interest to your website or mobile app.
email infographics
When it comes to email, infographics can be used in a few different ways. The most common is to attach the infographic to an email newsletter as a PDF or image file. You can also link to the infographic from your website or blog in the email for recipients who want to view it online.
Some companies will even create animated GIFs from their infographics and use them in place of a traditional email signature. This is a great way to add some personality to your emails and make sure that your branding stays front and center.
social media infographics
Social media is a great place to share infographics because they are so visual and easy to consume. When sharing an infographic on social media, make sure to:
- Use eye-catching headlines & taglines
- Use proper format/dimensions for each platform
- Use hashtags to reach a wider audience
- Tag relevant users or brands in your post
Creative infographic design ideas
When it comes to design, there are endless possibilities for what your infographic can look like. Some infographics represent a step-by-step process, while others compare and contrast two different ideas. No matter what type of infographic you’re looking to create, there are a few design elements that you’ll want to consider:
Layout: How will the various elements be arranged on the page?
Color scheme: What colors will be used in the design?
Fonts: What typeface will be used for the headline, subheadings, and body copy?
Icons: What icons or other visuals will be used throughout the design?
The best way to get started is to take a look at some examples of well-designed infographics and see what elements you like. Then, you can start to put together a basic sketch of your own design or share your ideas with a designer. Some websites that might get you brainstorming are; Shutterstock, Dribbble, Behance and Envato Elements, to name a few.
If you search “infographics” on any of these sites, you’re bound to find some creative and unique examples to help get your own design juices flowing.
final infographic design thoughts
Remember that an infographic is a data visualization tool that uses images, graphs, and charts to communicate complex information quickly and effectively. The key to creating a successful infographic is to incorporate graphic design principles , use high-quality visuals, and make sure the final product is easy to understand. With a little planning and creativity, you can create an infographic that’s both informative and visually appealing.
If you have any questions about infographic design, or would like some help getting started, feel free to contact me, Jon, I’d be happy to chat about your project and offer some suggestions.
