[techtalk] Tech-Talk: GRAPHICS: Creative Images Using Text

Thu Sep 7 14:39:00 PDT 2017

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 This Week's Tech-Talk: Graphics

1. VIDEO ... Creative Images Using Text
2. ARTICLE ... Creative Images Using Text
3. COMMUNICATING ... Do you have a story?

NOTE: To view the VIDEO, click here<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hISYnRqfIYFugFuUbvkKmXtZ_ae2GrYObBBhs_-PeCvbY0dKJaQU1ANhV-3ZCegMUwBkTMZOqo6T2qkpo-4v33lualNUIJo0rIyy2YisUCH9rxsodeMXkgRxEG0tpnWRw_17hthT4B4sWrcbYLHsBu-IZc9C6jx_G6Y7fi8vbdYUPOGz7Oa4985bf9YrXJeuoPrlOaiZAcg=&c=FQd3C-oNMYuYfvK-MxywX6OFoknx1SNUFQ3bNhDRFgslM2tD1vRX9w==&ch=8CiSoQOv6bjljFjf5S9sVsWepkt39cYroZtd-pQN0l7C7bfD6W_eXw==>. Enter the User Name and Password!

Tech-Talk: GRAPHICS: Creative Images Using Text

Would you agree that "pictures say a thousand words"? Well, let's be really literal and show you a way that images can be made out of words. It's a cool effect, right?

You can use this free tool online to creatively design a communication message that is engaging and fun! This effect captures attention and starts the mind going.

You've probably seen these... they're called "word clouds". They look like a collage of text. You can do this with ease and imagination on a site called www.WordArt.com<http://www.WordArt.com>. We'll show you how to get stared below.

[word art]

A word cloud is a visual way of displaying a bunch of text -- as an image. Some words are larger than others to draw emphasis -- and others are in the background to help support the idea.

For example, to the left is one we created regarding getting the word out for relief efforts in the wake of the flooding in Texas.

Story: Memories of a Game

She was having trouble reading. She was smart as a whip, wanted to go into 2nd grade, but just didn't seem to "get" the idea of long and short vowels.

So, we played a game that had her finding physical things for each vowel sound and putting them together in piles around the house. It worked! She started sounding out words.

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/1aa796f0-79a0-4a33-a8fc-6a789131b4e0.png]

Now here's where the WordArt comes in. Every year I create a book for her in Shutterfly. It's a review of the fun times we've had together over the past 12 months. I look for pictures of her and the experiences we've had to support a story that I write.

What better way to show this fun learning experience than to create a WordArt picture from the things she had found to represent the vowel sound (vase, flute, doll) ... encased in a heart showing the love I have for her. It will be a page in the book.

What Could YOU Do with a Word Cloud?

You could use these types of images to add a visual pop to your messages.

·     In Education as… a “getting to know you" tool (using words that describe who you are), improve vocabulary (make it a game), or in creative writing.

·     In Marketing materials… to give a punch to key ideas in flyers and promotional items ... maybe a give-away t-shirt, cap or mug.

·     In Social Media posts… to reinforce your message to followers.

·     In Presentations and Handouts… to point out multiple elements or concepts.

So how do you create this graphical representation of words? There are several tools on the web available, but we're going to take a look at an easy, yet flexible website called https://wordart.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hISYnRqfIYFugFuUbvkKmXtZ_ae2GrYObBBhs_-PeCvbY0dKJaQU1ANhV-3ZCegMBPrG0glGvPItdRq-L2DnpuxTeYzDyquq5GnlBYdv-Son6-TvkxEHxLZCCGIpdpBDbvUNIfy3PVU=&c=FQd3C-oNMYuYfvK-MxywX6OFoknx1SNUFQ3bNhDRFgslM2tD1vRX9w==&ch=8CiSoQOv6bjljFjf5S9sVsWepkt39cYroZtd-pQN0l7C7bfD6W_eXw==>.

WordArt.com

www.wordart.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hISYnRqfIYFugFuUbvkKmXtZ_ae2GrYObBBhs_-PeCvbY0dKJaQU1ANhV-3ZCegMBPrG0glGvPItdRq-L2DnpuxTeYzDyquq5GnlBYdv-Son6-TvkxEHxLZCCGIpdpBDbvUNIfy3PVU=&c=FQd3C-oNMYuYfvK-MxywX6OFoknx1SNUFQ3bNhDRFgslM2tD1vRX9w==&ch=8CiSoQOv6bjljFjf5S9sVsWepkt39cYroZtd-pQN0l7C7bfD6W_eXw==> is an online tool where you can create captivating images with a set of words. They can be made as a random "cloud" design (as in the top image below), or created in a shape that goes along with your message (like in the examples: world and puzzle piece).

[wordart examples]

To get started, go to www.wordart.com<http://r20.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001hISYnRqfIYFugFuUbvkKmXtZ_ae2GrYObBBhs_-PeCvbY0dKJaQU1ANhV-3ZCegMBPrG0glGvPItdRq-L2DnpuxTeYzDyquq5GnlBYdv-Son6-TvkxEHxLZCCGIpdpBDbvUNIfy3PVU=&c=FQd3C-oNMYuYfvK-MxywX6OFoknx1SNUFQ3bNhDRFgslM2tD1vRX9w==&ch=8CiSoQOv6bjljFjf5S9sVsWepkt39cYroZtd-pQN0l7C7bfD6W_eXw==>. (You don't have to create an account to begin, but you may want to eventually so that you can save your designs and access/modify them later. There's no charge for it or the basic functions.)

·     Click the green Create Now button on the Home page. If you have an account you'll be taken to your "My Word Art" page where you can click on any design to modify or choose the Create button to start a new Word Art. If you don't have an account, you'll be directed to a page to get started.

·     The screen is divided into sections for your input. On the left are your customization choices. On the right is your Word Art "work in progress."

TIP: Every time you want to see what your choices will look like, click on the "Visualize" button. Your changes will appear.

[customize your word art]

Let's look at the options in the sections on the left.

Words - The most important part of the design of course are the Words/Phrases you pick. Type words in the Text area, or use the Import words link to upload a CSV file or paste text from a Word or Excel document.

·     Size - The default for all words is set to small, or 1. Increase this number for your more prominent words to be displayed larger.
·     Color - Although you will select colors for your whole design in a lower section, you can specify a specific color for certain words.
·     Angle - The default is set to Random. This usually creates a more creative design.
·     Font - Again, the default font is set in a lower section, but for certain words you may want to differentiate the design with a bolder font.
·     Repeat - Choose to turn this on or off for each word. TIP: If you have it turned off for all words, you'll need to add many more words for a full design effect.
·     Other options include using Uppercase, Lower case or to Capitalize each letter.

[shapes]

Shapes - If you want more than the standard "cloud" type design, you can pick one of their outlines or images or upload your own.

Although images can be fun, it’s best to keep them clean and simple to highlight the words you want to display.

Fonts - Choose from clean lines, or fun and funky options.

Layout - Select a standard Horizontal, or explore Vertical and other Random choices.

[Layout]

[colors]

Colors and Animations - Choose the shades of color for your graphic. Default colors are suggested. If you're using a shape in your design you can check the box to "use shape colors."

To customize your color palette, mouse over any of the colors you want to replace and click the [X] to delete them. To add more, use the drop down window to open the color picker. Place your mouse in the color box and when you find a color you like, click the Add button. Repeat this to continue to add more.

TIP: Animations are only available when you share a link with someone, not in the downloaded version.

Download and Share - There are several options available, but the straight download as a PNG image (standard quality) is what you'll want for most documents, web pages and social media.

You will see your design take shape in the window on the right. To apply changes, click the large Visualize button at the top.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you don't like the way your words are laid out, keep clicking the Visualize button for different arrays.

Once satisfied:
·     Give your design a Name at the top
·     Click the Save changes button and
·     Download your image.

[download and share]

TIP: If you like an image layout, but still want to see more options, you can download and keep playing with it, or use the Duplicate button next to the Save changes button to create new versions.

[http://files.constantcontact.com/ee1208b4001/f8f1ecc8-4884-4c21-8ed0-cf647e6db944.png]

Communicating: Writing & Presenting
Make your message into a story.

Everybody loves a story, right? It makes our ears perk up. We listen more carefully. We "buy into" the message being presented more easily.

So, why not look for ways to incorporate stories in all that you do. Stories sell.

Whether you're a teacher selling a child on the idea of reading; a team member selling a concept you want your colleagues to embrace; or a program specialist selling an upcoming event in a flyer or social media ... presenting your key message in a story can make a big difference.

You saw us using this technique in the tip above.

We chose a story to help you feel the possibilities of this online tool. Sure, we could tell you all the cool bells and whistles of word clouds (which we did)... and give you ideas of when and where to use them (which we also did) ... yet telling a story with the tip hopefully helped you really "get it" and remember it.

[innovation]

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Technology Development Consultant
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