In today’s fast-information, short-attention span society, infographics have become a critical visual communication tool. This workshop highlights the key elements needed to create effective infographics while providing insights into creative storytelling, transitioning numbers to visuals and the role an intended audience plays in infographic design. The workshop begins with an introduction to fundamental graphic design theory focusing on layout, typography and colour theory best practices. The second portion teaches participants how to derive visual hooks from qualitative and quantitative data and features a hands-on section where participants will be shown how to utilize PowerPoint (2013 or higher) for creating infographics.

Topics:
● Using graphic design to improve communication
● Basic principles of composition
● Colour theory for digital and print
● Effective typography
● Sourcing images and icons and attribution best practices
● Credible vs viral visuals
● What makes a good infographic?

Audience:
This workshop is suitable for communicators, knowledge mobilizers, program managers analysts and anyone who wants to understand effective visual communication strategies and/or implement them.

Instructor:
Julia Krolik is a scientist, creative director, entrepreneur and award winning artist. Formally educated in the sciences, her work has taken numerous turns and includes research involving micro/molecular biology, statistics, geospatial analytics, public health, water quality and hydrogeology. As an exhibiting artist, focusing on science, art and new media, Julia has created works for CBC, the Ontario Science Centre, the Toronto Urban Film Festival, Chicago’s Third Coast Festival and the ScotiaBank Photography Festival. Her diverse background enables a rare cross disciplinary empathy and she continuously advocates for both art and science through several initiatives. Julia is the founder of Art the Science, a Canadian nonprofit organization dedicated to facilitating cross-disciplinary relationships between artists and scientists through artist residencies in science laboratories. Through her consulting agency Pixels and Plans, Julia works with private and public organizations, helping them with outreach, data visualization and knowledge mobilization, often utilizing creative technology and skill-transfer workshops.