And how you can too!
By Mallory Busch | @yeamal
But what if it's just you?
They tell the facts.
They tell the whole story.
And they tell them without bias.
Pro Tip: You gotta read the NPRviz blog about these maps (from which these pictures were taken)
(Icons aren't always advisable for percents –– filling that last yellow icon exactly 40% required calculating the surface area in Illustrator and manually creating a unique icon)
Pro Tip:
Font Awesome has easy downloadable icons you can use for free instead of designing your own
When you report with data, you undertake the responsibility to use it correctly.
Sometimes going for 'simple' bar charts is best, when it means your audience won't get confused.
Semi-filled, dissimilar icons, comparing a group of 14 to a group of 10
Turning part of a video into a series of gifs for Tumblr can tell the story in another facet –– while also promoting the story through social networks.
Snapchat is also great for behind-the-scenes coverage. But when possible, go for silent stories. You don't want the person scrolling on their phone in the coffee line to feel like they need headphones for the story. Same goes for Facebook video.
Pro-tip: a cheap stylus will go the distance in allowing you to draw better pictures
(USA Today Snapchat)
Flowcharts: Explaining Complicated Laws the Lawmakers Don't Even Understand
Pro Tip: If you think your charts will help your community audience, provide a PDF version and a download link for them. That way, they can print your chart out at home or work and refer to it as needed.
But make sure it works on mobile too. You can use JavaScript to edit which text appears on which screen size, so the mobile can present a less-complicated chart.
Pro Tip: No matter how you pronounce "gif," someone will always insist you are pronouncing it incorrectly.
So to achieve a similar effect, try slideshows. Or videos. Or an external hosting platform.
Try a screenshot instead :)
Knowledge of social media, code, video, design and illustration strategies will give your imagination a boost.