Building infographics is something that has eluded me since I first started blogging more than a decade ago. But that is not the case anymore, thanks to Visme.co. Visme’s cloud-based app makes creating infographics a snap, along with presentations, flyers, charts and reports. Here is my first effort at an infographic:
Building infographics origins
Over the years, I have taught myself how to use photo-editing applications like Photoshop, Paint.net and GIMP, and desktop publishing applications, like Ventura Publisher, Pagemaker, QuarkXpress, Microsoft Publisher and InDesign. I used them to make graphic designs and a variety of publications. I tried to teach myself Illustrator, but I have never been successful with it or similar programs. Because of this, creating infographics always seemed daunting. I was always jealous of those who could create compelling infographics. But for all these years, I have just had to sit on the sideline and wish.
But, after launching my business, I received an email from a rep at Visme. She offered to give me access to a premium account so I can use it and write a review of it. Because of my longtime desire to be able to create infographics, I jumped at the chance to try out the product. After exchanging a series of emails, I was ready to go.
Building infographics using a template
When I logged into Visme, I had the option of building an infographic from scratch or from a template. I opted to use a template. One detailing SEO Principles caught my eye. I decided I would use it. The infographic template stood out to me for a couple reasons:
- It dealt with search engine optimization, which is the industry I am in, and
- It was a relatively simple design that would not be too taxing to tackle.
Here is what the original template looked like:
If you look at the finished product, you will notice my main points are totally different. Consequently, I could not use the information in the subheads. However, coming up with the main points and highlights was not a problem. I do this stuff everyday.
Visme makes building infographics easy
What I like about Visme is that it brings everything together in one place. The selection of icons are amazing. The shapes and icons are what helps make for stunning, visual infographics, along with typography. It is so nice to have everything right there to build your infographic.
I have used a number of online graphic editors that are not necessarily designed for infographics, but allow you to create them. They are OK in a pinch, but it becomes very difficult to gain any speed because it is a challenge to find the appropriate design elements. You generally have to enter a search term to find what you want from a pool of thousands of icons and elements instead of having them categorized so nicely with Visme.
Additionally, Visme gives you complete control over the placement, size and spacing of the text, the icons, the shapes, and the design elements. This was one of my frustrations when trying to create a newsletter in a word processing document like Word or WordPerfect. Yes, you can do it, but I want absolute control over the placement of everything on a page and in a publication. Visme gives you that control with its product.
Visme is definitely worth a look
I realize I built a simple infographic from a template and not from scratch. However, I am really pleased with the product. I look forward to creating more detailed infographics as the need arises.
What excites me is that Visme allows designers to create interactive infographics. You can animate any of the objects and assign actions, like links, pop-ups, etc. You can even add video or audio, and you can embed content, like Maps, polls and forms.
As I continue to work my way around Visme, I will also be able to make
- Graphs and charts;
- Flyers (and other print products);
- Scatter plots; and
- Publish survey results.
While I was given access to Visme at no charge in order to try the product and write a review, I was under no obligation to write a favorable one. It just so happens I like the product. Had I not liked it, I would have declined the offer to write a review.
I am not an affiliate for Visme, meaning I do not make a commission if you were to subscribe to the service. I really like what Visme can do, and if you are building infographics, graphic design products, slide presentations, and other visual products, then you will definitely want to consider Visme.
Update 1/Presentations: I have been asked by a nonprofit group to create a slide presentation for when its members go and speak in the community. Guess what I am going to use? Did you say Visme?
Update 2/Social Media Graphics:Â I have started using Visme to create social media graphics for clients. The wide variety of templates have served two purposes:
- They have allowed for the creation of instant social media graphics, which reduces the amount of time needed to produce sharp, professional designs, and
- They serve as inspirations to create my own designs.
The more I use the service, the more I am really digging it.