Get your message across with graphics and photography

till display

Everybody knows that your marketing message will be enhanced by the creative use of graphic imagery. A competent graphic designer will be able to communicate your message to your market.

But have you ever wondered what is the best way to make the graphic communicate the message?

The above picture provides an answer. And it is … make the graphic the message or put the message in the graphic.

I was working with a well-known international credit agency who were pitching to a large bank. They were trying to convey to the bank the message that they would save money if they took them on. So I put the message on a till display or cash register. Some people were skeptical at first, saying that the cash till gave a negative message of spending money and would imply the opposite. But I was adamant about it. The message was powerful enough and the graphic provided context – much better than an image of dollar bills, for example.

The point is that the message fits into the image in an everyday way.

It’s an obvious one but it nearly always works. There is one thing I have loved doing over years and years of Photoshop usage. It’s getting a picture and incorporating an idea, a message, some copy, some type, an icon, a headline or a symbol into it. There’s something about it that instantly captures the attention.

Tags: competent designer, creativity, design, dollar bills, graphic, graphic imagery, graphics, imagery, images, marketeers, Marketing, message, negative message, photography, Photoshop, pitch, spending money, symbols, type

This article was posted on Wednesday, February 13th, 2008 at 9:41 pm and is filed under Design, Marketing, Photoshop.
You can follow any responses to this article through the RSS 2.0 feed.

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16 Responses to “Get your message across with graphics and photography”

Brian Yerkes, on February 13th, 2008 at 10:14 pm, said:

Rob,

I agree with your thoughts on that graphic. The subject in the image is taken from everyday life and that is what works so well for your graphic.

It grabs you much more than a stack of dollar bills would have.

Did the company go with your graphic?
Dwayne Charrington, on February 17th, 2008 at 4:54 am, said:

I’m a firm believer in this myself. Putting the text into the graphic makes it stand-out a bit better and grabs the users attention.
Rob Cubbon, on February 18th, 2008 at 11:28 am, said:

Yes, Brian, the company used the graphic and the feedback was positive. It’s an interesting subject, one I’m sure I’ll return to on this website.

Thanks for you comment, Dwayne.
dui, on September 15th, 2008 at 9:09 pm, said:

i almost always put a graphic to the right corner of the article and let the text wrap around it. i think it just makes the page look more interesting. those with ads, however, say they get less click rates on the ads because the viewer is drawn to the graphic. interesting…
Rob Cubbon, on September 16th, 2008 at 11:29 am, said:

Interesting point about graphics and ads, dui. I think that’s another challenge for the designer to get the viewer to be interested in the editorial and the advertising equally.
How to market yourself #4: What to write on your blog or website | Freelance Graphic Designer London, on January 1st, 2009 at 3:53 pm, said:

[...] I’ve written tutorials for Photoshop and Illustrator, blog posts about delivering advertising messages with graphics, articles about web and print production. Other subjects I’ve written about have been solely [...]
How to market yourself #4: What to write in your blog or website | Freelance Graphic Designer London, on January 1st, 2009 at 3:55 pm, said:

[...] I’ve written tutorials for Photoshop and Illustrator, blog posts about delivering advertising messages with graphics, articles about web and print production. Other subjects I’ve written about have been solely [...]
Jason, on May 19th, 2009 at 11:15 pm, said:

You have to use attractive graphics to keep looking and for you to send the right message. Good article
Rob Cubbon, on May 23rd, 2009 at 9:13 am, said:

Yes, Jason, I’m constantly on the look out for fresh ways to put a message across with graphics, typography and imagery.
Alexa Militon, on June 11th, 2009 at 5:24 am, said:

Attractive graphics design can attract viewers.
When doing advertisements what’s most interesting part to see is the unique and attractive Graphics.
Rob Cubbon, on June 17th, 2009 at 1:19 pm, said:

Absolutely, Alexa, we’re all trying to find amazing and clever graphics in order to attract viewers.
Nikita, on June 20th, 2009 at 9:33 am, said:

I agree that incorporating idea in graphics is very-very important. I know this for sure as I’m working in stock photography
Rob Cubbon, on June 22nd, 2009 at 12:45 pm, said:

Yes Nikita, we’re all working hard to find those great graphic ideas that marry a great image with a message.
AVE crife, on December 19th, 2009 at 7:58 pm, said:

good plan, will come back anon, great site congratulations!
James, on March 24th, 2010 at 1:37 am, said:

a very powerful way to increase your bottom line when it comes down to it.
Rob Cubbon, on March 24th, 2010 at 12:38 pm, said:

I agree, James

Graphic and Web Designer London UK