Information graphics and iconography have invaded your life, for better or worse, filling your subconscious with factoids, charts and graphs. Search for information graphics or “infographics” in your browser and you’ll be flooded with a surge of knowledge, all cleanly represented by obscure data visualization points and catchy icons.
It’s interesting to know that infographics have been around since the late 1800’s, but have only resurfaced in modern culture in the past five to ten years. Now, everybody and their brother wants an infographic. But data visualization, like all of what we do here at Room 214, is an art form. So we decided to go back to the basics.
For our most recent infographic for Verizon Wireless, we decided to take a step backward. We brought out the construction paper, X-acto knives, glue sticks and started our tidy mess. Actually, that’s a lie, our desks looked as though the 80’s just exploded on them, which in our opinion, is pretty tubular.
Take a look at the finished infogaphic for Verizon here: Verizon Wireless New Years Infographic
Like all infographics, we started with concepts, sketches and a better understanding of where each cut would take us. We learned that paper is a delicate creature, to change your X-acto blades frequently, and to keep the glue stick caps tightly fastened. We also learned that cut paper is a beautiful medium, that it operates much like vector shapes in Adobe Illustrator, with planes and layers, and that even after countless papercuts, it was a worthwhile first step.
One of the most important notions to understand about art, is that it is all about process. The process of a piece dictates the end result, all while utilizing a host of techniques and knowledge. You have to embrace this process, or you will surely fall short of your next Jackson Pollock, or Matisse.
Our process was relatively unknown, and resulted in five total steps, all of which were exciting and new. With the cut paper under our belt, we now had to focus on photography, lighting and finally, post production. This included a smattering of supporting illustrations and text, which more or less tied together the body of this infographic. Photography and lighting were relatively simple, thanks to our fabulous Video Producer, Jen Casson and one of our skilled designers, Austin Redd. The total process, although drawn out, was enlightening.
With another infographic in the bag, and another successful win for Room 214, we became aware of our triumphant defeat of the construction paper world. The same world ruled by toddlers and a surprisingly large number of designers alike. The art of cut paper is growing, as people realize that it is a viable medium, and is one that hinges on rather complex understandings of both illustration and design.
Here at Room 214, we are always interested new challenges, pushing our understanding of what’s possible, and continuing to work more constructively together. We are proud of our new cut paper infographic, and look forward to what the future holds, however many paper cuts, or super glue accidents there may be.
via:http://www.capturetheconversation.com/room-214/cut-craft-meets-concept-room214?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CaptureTheConversation+%28Capture+the+Conversation%29
No comments:
Post a Comment