PROCESS INSTRUCTIONS (time required: 2 to 4 hours over a one week period):
This is the final sketchbook assignment and it combines all of the techniques and theories you have learned this term. In this assignment, you are your own public relations assistant. You need to promote yourself for different reasons– to get hired, to get signed on a contract, to increase visibility for your online store. (Note: This is the final individual sketchbook assignment and it combines all of the techniques and theories you have learned this term.) Imagine your ideal visual resume, in 3-5 years. This is a way to create a visual inventory of the responsibilities and career goals you may have for yourself.
Rhetorical Situation:
- Purpose: Tell a complex informational story about your skills and accomplishments.
- Audience: Potential employers, internship mentors, talent scouts, social media followers
- Context: Print or Web page that shows the information about you “in one view” using data visualizations and qualitative data
Create a visual skills résumé (infographic) that combines multiple visuals forms combined together to tell a complex story. This graphic could be a “projected” resume, to help you set goals for the future.
Your display must include five (5) visual forms from the following:
Choose two from this list (qualitative):
- A categorization graphic such as a mind map, concept map, affinity diagram, or organizational chart
- An explanation graphic with appropriate labeling (timelines, diagrams, etc.)
- A flow chart or process graphic describing a process
and at least three data visualizations (quantitative):
- A table (can display nominative or ordinal info)
- Two or more graphs displaying quantitative information (pie chart, bar graph, fever chart)
The final graphic must be digital. You can photograph/scan/paste your sketches ink the images digitally OR use stock images and graphic assets. For examples, refer to Randy Krum’s post on Infographic Resumes. Google graphic resumes. If you use a graphic resume generator, you must cite it and explain why you used it.
Detailed Process steps:
First, think about the rhetorical situation. Who do you want to convince about your skills or assets? What qualitative information can you make to explain who you are? Brainstorm using a mind map, affinity map or flow chart. Use two of these forms in your final.
Next, think about your skills in a quantitative sense. Calculate or estimate numbers to explain your experiences. Generate at least 3 different types of data visualizations (pie chart, line chart, bar chart) to put in your image.
Design the key message. Perhaps it can be a tagline, or a statement about your skills, where you’re from, your values. What sets you apart from others? What visual elements support this message? What will be the primary image that will grab the initial focus? Perhaps use an action or posed photo with annotations of your skills in an explanation graphic format? Maybe annotate with key statistics or quotes about your expertise? Think about color, iconic and sensational imagery to draw the eyes throughout the different details of your story.
What is the call-to-action? Do you need to create a logo, note references, or add social media links so people can follow or contact you?
Finally, create 3+ thumbnails sketches of your potential layouts where these elements are arranged to support the story and capture readers’ cognitive thread. Experiment with placement of the different elements and sizing. Decide what you like best and arrange your elements into a well-balanced, legible, and pleasing visual. Save the result as one high-resolution image.
Please upload pictures of the following:
- 3+ thumbnails of your layout ideas
- Final high resolution digital infographic CV
- contains at least 3 data visualizations: table, line chart, bar chart, and pie chart
- contains at least 2 qualitative visuals: mind-map, flow chart, org chart, affinity diagram
- an explanation graphic (a large primary image with text and annotations)
- aesthetic elements– icons, colors, gestalt grouping, fonts
- key message and call to action
Fill out this checklist AFTER you have completed your assignment and posted it in your Portfolio Blog:
