Tree Map in a Minimalist Poster
Data visualization charts can create chaos when graphics are too busy, colors are overwhelming, and readability is nonexistent. Raw data can be boring, dry, and confusing.
People shy away from numbers, math, and statistics due to school-age related trauma. Data visualization allows them to process information in their prefrontal cortex without the feeling of, "it's all math." It grabs their attention and sticks in their memory for recall later.
A tree map is used when numbers (data) need to demonstrate hierarchy and quantity. An example of such is seen to the left. Southern California is beautiful, expansive, and full of traffic...everywhere. New residents come to the state daily with no idea what awaits them. A simple tree map can help.
Eleven counties make up the Southern California area with Los Angeles County making up the bulk of the population. The map shows population numbers as well as interesting facts in an easy to digest color palette and bare minimum, sans-serif write up.
Shapes of Type
Creating an image utilizing only text serves as a challenge to the beginning designer. The Adobe Illustrator artboard lay blank...until the moment the proverbial lightbulb lit up.
In 2020, all professional sports were suspended in the U.S. Thankfully, ESPN and Eclat Media Group struck a deal to bring exclusive, English-language coverage of the most popular sport in South Korea: the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). South Korea provided an escape and allowed many to be exposed to a league they did not know existed.
Stories of Korean fried chicken and beer, fans chanting with team cheerleaders, and interviews with former and current MLB players who played in the KBO made for a story that captured the imagination. The Korean language (Hangul) was on every ad and uniform seen by the ESPN audience and this was how inspiration hit.
The professor liked the idea of using Hangul and excitedly granted permission. Vowels and consonants stirred in my brain until the Hangul Snowman was created. The professor enjoyed it so much, he asked permission to use it for future teachings.
A rare highlight of 2020, this creation allowed for a new creative process. The snowman receives credit for beginning a journey into graphic design and typography that has since turned into a passion.
