Using Graphic Design and Humor to Get a Serious Point Across

Transcript of Using Graphic Design and Humor to Get a Serious Point Across

Digital Media Arts College, Boca Raton Florida

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Using Graphic Design and Humor to Get a Serious Point Across

http://www.dmac.edu/blog/using-graphic-design-and-humor-to-get-a-serious-point-across/

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In today’s world, and especially while watching TV, we’re surrounded by messages from advertisers. Art directors may take a non-conventional approach to getting their point across. Copywriters write scripts and ads based on emotional attractions. With that beings said, designers and animators are expected to create elements that are often times whimsical and light-hearted in an effort to sell more product for the client. But how do you know when you’ve crossed a line? Where do you begin putting your ideas down on paper or on your drafting board? In this article we present you with some tips that may come in handy when facing a project that’s challenging.

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First, take yourself out of the equation: When it comes to creating for products such as pharmaceuticals, life insurance, hospitals etc. These can be very sensitive areas to cover. If you’re dealing with a conservative company, you may not want to design their assets using things like neon colors or loud prints and elements. The big thing is taking yourself out of the equation. Save the riskier designs for the right client. Don’t get discouraged with critique. Although what you’re creating is a direct reflection of you, it’s not a direct target at your design skills. It’s important to remember to stay positive and always try as close as possible to give the client what they want. They know their business better than anyone. Listen and don’t take direction as anything more than getting closer to the client’s vision. If you’re having any design dilemma, let you Art Director know.

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Listen to your Art Director, Account Executives, and the client’s needs: The Art Director, or the Account Executive may be your team's lead. You can best be sure that if they are the lead, they will undoubtedly know what the client is looking for. Follow their direction. Ask questions. If you’re unsure of something talk to your team about it. Remember that you are creating for the sake of the client and nothing more. By relying on the team lead, you are not only going to be a lot closer to giving the client what they want, you’ll be saving yourself time from having to visit the land of revisions.

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When in Rome, do as the other designers have done: If you’re faced with creating something that requires you to use humor or some other way to take a serious topic and present it in a non-serious way, then research is in order. Look at what the company has done before. Pay attention to their color swatches, their text placements, and their call to action or tag. The more you look at what they’ve ran within the past the better you’ll be in the future.

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Next, look at their competitors, and any designs that are similar to their field or vertical. This will give you more clues on how to approach their elements for getting the point across. Campaigns such the one about an Overactive Bladder took a whimsical animation of a woman’s bladder and made the disease easier to talk about or to relate to. When the right graphics meet the right message happens, you have an effective ad that is memorable, facing a carefully planned campaign. What you have is marketing magic even with a critical topic.By keeping these things in mind, you’ll not only be creating more effective products, you’ll have a lot less stress in doing so.

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If you’re thinking of a career in Graphic Design, Motion Graphics or Art Direction, feel free to reach out one of our staff at our Digital Media Arts College in Florida.

http://www.dmac.edu/academics/bachelors/BFAGD.aspx

http://www.dmac.edu/