Writing Visually

"writing can be a challenge, especially for artists and designers who tend to be more visual than verbal."

This opener really caught my attention. As visual thinkers it is easier for us to express ourselves with images rather than just spelling it out. When were running around mostly concerned with the way things look its hard to actually take the time out to write down exactly what you want to say. I have always known I relate better to anything visual, so it is easy for me to jump the gun and just start making things that look appealing. The goal of this book is to explore how written communication can have a positive influence on our visual work and help us better understand the process of visual communication. Not only does writing help generate lateral thinking but equally as important, it serves as a reference tool when the project is completed.

The book explains that writing as a form of idea generation can overtime become stronger and lead to clearer communication, not to mention having a concrete check once the project is over to make sure everything you wanted to say was said. One thing i do find that I fall short on in my projects is the execution, having a final product that says what I intended it to in the beginning. Personally I know i get sidetracked and my ideas change constantly throughout a project because I dont have that concrete message/idea spelled out. I know if I can consistently use the tools they talk about in the article I can start to make consistent design that reflects exactly what I intended at the start. Some of these methods include mind maps, concept maps, free writing, brain writing, word lists, outlines and reflective writing.

Mind maps can be helpful because of the unexpected connections that are made. It lets you come to a new concept or idea you would not have orinarily placed with your topic. It is also interesting to make mind maps with others on the same topic and compare where they went with it. overally its a great way to generate numerous ideas. Concept maps are like mind maps execept they allow for a more thorough investigation of the realationships and meanings between two concepts. I like making maps and lists but I think free writing is the hardest to actually make yourself sit down and do. Brainwriting is the written equivilent of traditional brainstorming. This is used for team projects to collaborate on as many ideas as possible. I am a huge list person. I use it everyday as a way to simplify the important things. I do also enjoy the feeling of acomplishment that comes with drawing that line through something that is finished. For design concepts though I think lists are a great way to generate words and start to zone in on which ones are more important/relevant than others. Outlines are structures that help organize information. Again, when designing anything its so easy to get sidetracked (maybe thats just me?) but i think making an outline is a great way to set small goals and acomplish what you want on time.