Inktober 2024: Use Geometric Shapes for Engaging Drawings

Here’s a new tip for your #Inktober challenge:
Use geometric shapes!

Ask yourself this: Can I take part of an image and replace it with another object related to the message I want to communicate?

Geometric shapes can always be associated with another recognizable object that shares the same shape. This makes your images much more engaging for your audience.

Try using this technique in your next #Inktober2024 drawing!

Thank you,
Dario Paniagua
Visual Thinkers Coach

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Why Great Tools Can't Ensure Effective Graphic Recording

Great tools can't compensate for poor graphic recording.

Having the finest markers or the latest iPad is only part of the equation.

While these tools can assist, they won't miraculously turn a bad graphic recording into something exceptional.

A successful graphic recording relies on the skills, expertise, and creativity of the visual thinker using the pen or marker.

It's about capturing the core message, practicing selective listening, mastering layout, storytelling, and creating a visually engaging representation that the audience will want to engage with.

 

During July, August and September, I will be hosting an immersive one-day training session exclusively for a small group of aspiring visual thinkers who aim to become professional Graphic Recorders.

 

You can choose from several available dates to join us.

 

This training adopts a disruptive approach, moving away from the traditional dependence on markers, templates, and icons. If you're ready to try a...

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Graphic Recording Fails: Lack of Sequence

 

A short and concise tip that will surely help you think about how you organize your graphic recording maps.

 

We can have two types of sequences in a visual map: A sequence that refers to time: One thing happens before another.

 

A sequence that refers to levels of importance: We may want our audience to read one piece of information before another.

 

If a map doesn't have at least one of these two sequences, people don't know where to start reading and end up reading nothing.

 

I will teach all this and much more in a one-day immersive training here in Italy.

 

Thank you,

Dario Paniagua
Visual Thinkers Coach

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Graphic Recording Fails: Explanations instead of Stories

 

Today's video talks about the difference between explaining and telling.

 

Your visual content competes with other visual triggers.

 

You may struggle to grab attention if you approach a graphic recording purely as an infographic.

 

Rational data alone isn't enough to generate interest.

 

A good graphic recording incorporates infographic principles but also storytelling and metaphors.

 

I will teach all of this and much more in a one-day immersive training here in Italy.

 

If you are interested, check the link.

Thank you.

Dario Paniagua
Visual Thinkers Coach

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Graphic Recording Fails: Overwhelming Information

 

Don't miss today's video because this is a common mistake that graphic recorders make: crowding information in an attempt to cover everything.

 

A complete map isn't one that contains everything said in an event.

 

When you crowd too much onto a map, it may seem complete, but it becomes unreadable.

 

If you do not provide these two variables—easy reading and easy understanding—no one will read it.

 

A complete map is one that contains the essential information and ensures your audience fully understands the message.

 

I will teach all this and much more in a one-day immersive training here in Italy.

 

If you are interested, check the link.

Thank you.

Dario Paniagua
Visual Thinkers Coach

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Graphic Recording Fails: Ignoring your Audiences

 

Today's video is about the audiences who watch our visual recording maps.

 

Every time you create a graphic recording, you have three audiences:

  • your client,
  • the event audience,
  • and those who will see your map afterward.

 

To effectively engage all three, you need to ask a series of key questions.

 

Let me preview one of those questions:

 

Is your map easy to understand for someone who didn't attend the event?

 

Many maps don't consider this audience.

 

I teach all of this and much more in a one-day immersive training here in Italy. If you are interested, check the link.

Thank you.

Dario Paniagua
Visual thinkers Coach

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Graphic Recording Fails: Lack of Planning

 

You can risk doing a graphic recording without any planning, but not knowing key information beforehand leaves little time for thinking and creating.

 

Why is this important?

 

Without planning before an event, there's minimal time for thoughtful creation during the performance. This leads to repeatedly relying on the same icon library in all your graphic recordings.

 

As a result, the current event map may resemble previous ones, even if the topics and speakers are unrelated.

 

If your portfolio looks repetitive, it's a sign that you are not planning your graphic recordings effectively.

 

I teach all of this and much more in a one-day immersive training here in Lecco, northern Italy.

 

Thank you.

Dario Paniagua
Visual thinkers Coach

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