Infographics Infographics are used by brands and businesses to tell a story. A very specialized story, that feature the client’s message within a universally appealing and compelling graphic image. Successful infographics get picked up by the media because they fit the narrative of the publisher, are visually interesting and provide useful information. Designer and Illustrator Kevin Akers got his start as an in-house designer for the public relations firm, Burson-Marsteller. He has created successful infographics for a number of clients. Here is a peek into the process....
Illustration style
Concept sketch Pandora Radio wanted to create an infographic to tie-in with the Valentine’s Day holiday. Promoting two of their on-line stations, it was decided to contrast the LOVE SONGS station with the LOVE STINKS station. The creative direction of the initial concept was to juxtapose a romantic balladeer with a hard-core rocker. Within the heart shape would be the musical differences that define the two types of songs.
Concept sketch Illustration style The corporate communications department loved the idea! However, the marketing folks wanted us to get rid of the musicians (because Pandora is all about the user, not the musician) and use a clip art style of illustration that tied into their other marketing efforts. The concept changed to a LOVE plant (with champagne, smiley faces, acoustic guitars and roses) versus a LOVE STINKS plant (with Jack Daniels’ bottles, electric guitars, skulls and prickly thorns!)
For the final infographic, the client asked us to really simplify the illustration and focus on the key musical differences of the two stations offered by Pandora.