If you’re like most technical communicators, you likely take pride in your ability to use the written word to clarify life’s ambiguities. But words alone seldom communicate as effectively as visual elements do. Just ask any Egyptian historian. Pictures bridge communication barriers where words often fall short. The global reach of today’s communication makes adding images more important than ever.

Although today’s digital tools eliminate much of the heavy lifting, it does take a certain degree of drawing know-how and technique to create great visuals. While bitmap editors provide tools for photo manipulation, vector graphic programs are perfect for creating the intricate detail needed for complex mechanical plans or content-rich diagrams.

For many technical communicators, producing effective graphics may not come naturally. Often the only way to develop these skills is to make the investment and learn the tools and techniques. However, the efforts you make virtually guarantee that your professional marketability will increase and your business opportunities will broaden.

You don’t need to be Rembrandt or Picasso to produce information graphics that communicate effectively. In fact, you don’t need to be an artist at all. From a creative perspective, it simply helps to be well-organized and have a clear strategy in mind to produce an effective graphic. Knowing a few basic drawing techniques for livening up dull, flat graphics can also help.

Most simple techniques typically include:

• Adding perspective, depth, and dimension to simple shapes
• Emulate lighting, shadow, and reflection effects for interest
• Use color for emphasis, balance, interest, and visual organization
• Apply advanced graphic effects such as blending and transparency for realism

Graphic applications can liberate you from the clumsiness of WordArt and elevate you beyond those little colored circles and squares. You’ll find everything from free downloadable programs to high-priced pro-level illustration programs. At the free end of the spectrum, Inkscape leads the open source graphics movement with sophisticated features. The moderately priced CorelDRAW Graphics Suite bundle includes bitmap, vector, and capturing software and is highly intuitive. Adobe Illustrator tips the scale as the highest-priced vector graphics tool with a complex toolset and interface. Their ease-of-use and learning curves vary as widely as their price.

When it comes to upgrading or adding new drawing skills, your zero-to-hero learning curve will depend largely on your motivation. Having new skills will improve your versatility as a technical writer, communicator, trainer, or business professional. As a technical communicator, your ability to wear multiple hats will help you accomplish your tasks more effectively. In fact, most potential employers or clients will expect you to have multiple communications skills and knowledge of the latest digital tools.

So, what does it take to learn to communicate graphically? You have a range of options to choose from. Most do-it-yourself or trial-by-error strategies mean it may take you years to master your graphics toolset and there’s no guarantee you’ll achieve your learning objectives. Books can help, but require good study habits and a certain degree of self discipline.

Instructor-led, hands-on courses are always a good choice. Learning in a classroom environment will give you the benefit of guided learning from an experienced user. If you’re looking to ramp up quickly or update existing skills, workshops often take less time and teach on many levels.

Regardless of whether you need to create block diagrams or photo-realistic architectural renderings, having the skills to communicate using both text and graphics will greatly improve your competitive edge and puts you a step ahead of those who don’t. The investment is well worth your time and effort.