I’m currently deep into designing a complex healthcare equity infographic, and it’s really reminded me how important the early content-prep stage is. The clearer the content, the smoother the design process—and the more powerful the final visual becomes.
At ThinkLink Graphics, we lead projects like this all across Canada. From graphic recording and action sketch videos to rich pictures and infographics, we’re known for helping organizations make sense of big, complex ideas through visual storytelling. One thing I notice a lot is that clients aren’t always sure how to get their content ready before we dive into design. That’s why I like to share the simple process I use to get everything infographic-ready—it makes things smoother for you, for me, and for the final result. Plus, there’s something really fun about seeing your ideas jump from words to visuals—it’s like giving your content a little personality.
Before we dive in, a quick refresher on what an infographic actually is:
An infographic is a one-page visual that shares data, facts, themes, or ideas in a clear and engaging way. Some are packed with charts and numbers. Others are more story-driven and summarize themes from a project, research, or meeting (sometimes called storymaps, rich pictures, or visual summaries).
Let’s look at some examples:
In this example, Liisa Sorsa, uses colourful visual summaries with text to create a concise, story-driven graphic that highlights how content and information is in relationship with one and other.
In this example, Devon Kerslake (hi!) uses a bold black and white palette for impact and style. Honestly, infographics don’t always need full colour to organize information and guide the eye. Graphic recorders are able to use size, scale, composition, and pattern to convey a lot of meaning.
Ready to create an infographic together? Let’s walk through the simple steps we use to help people get their content ready—so your ideas can shine in a clear, visual, and engaging way!
Step 1: Get Clear on Your Audience & Purpose
Before anything else, I ask: Who is this for, and what do you want them to take away?
Think about:
- WHO you’re speaking to
- WHAT graphic style or layout might resonate with them
- Whether an infographic is the right format for the message
Try not to cram everything onto one page. If your infographic is about next year’s organizational priorities, it probably shouldn’t also include your org structure or board bios—those can be separate visuals.
Once you know the purpose, try sorting your content into three buckets:
- Critical to know
- Helpful to know
- “Nice to know” (better suited for a website or report)
Step 2: Edit Your Content Down
Aim for 150–300 words, or even less if possible. Infographics work best as visual executive summaries—they pique curiosity and guide people toward fuller resources rather than explaining everything.
And a little tip from experience: try to have your content as close to final as possible before design starts. Adding new material mid-layout usually means reworking the entire structure.
Step 3: Identify 3–5 Main Headings
Look for 3–5 major themes that represent the core of your story. These become the main sections—the pieces you want readers to understand at a glance.
Order matters! Western audiences typically read left-to-right or top-down, so map your headings in the flow you want them to follow.
Step 4: Create Sub-Headings
Under each main heading, sort your supporting ideas and turn them into sub-headings. These keep your message structured and easy to follow.
Step 5: Add Details & Brainstorm Visuals
Each sub-heading will have some supporting details. Now’s the time to choose what’s essential and what can be simplified or represented visually.
Remember:
Not everything has to be written out.
Infographics shine when they use imagery, icons, and visual metaphors to express ideas quickly and beautifully.
If visuals don’t come naturally to you, don’t worry—that’s exactly what an infographic designer is for. You bring the content; we’ll bring the visual magic.
Finally, let’s enjoy an example by ThinkLinker Delaney Cox, showing how infographics, visual storymaps, and rich pictures do far more than present information—they elevate it, helping people connect with meaning and emotion beyond words.
