The document discusses webgraphics, which are interactive infographics that contain clickable areas. It provides an example webgraphic and explains how images are widely used in marketing because they convey messages visually. It then encourages readers to create their own webgraphics using open source images and software like Gimp. Instructions are provided on designing webgraphics and adding clickable links through image mapping services.

1. Can't Find the Perfect Webgraphic?
Create Your Own!
We've all seen infographics around the web, and I have several here on my blog
because they convey a concept or message in a very visually appealing way that
makes it easy to understand.
Something that is beginning to catch on is the
webgraphic.
Now, you may ask what is the difference between a webgraphic and an
infographic? The difference is that webgraphics are interactive, meaning they
generally have clickable areas embedded in them, so you can look further into
the subject matter shown. Infographics contain information in picture format
minus clickable links.
Here's an example of a webgraphic:
Go ahead and explore the clickable areas in the above image!
"Use a picture. It's worth a thousand words." ~Arthur Brisbane

2. That's why images are so widely used in this age of modern technology because
more people will click on an image faster than they will just a lot of descriptive
text.
Take a look at social media today. Images are shared and even go viral in some
instances due to the fact that they tend to convey a message in such a way that
we instantly "get it" rather than having to read a paragraph or two of text to see
the same message.
Video is also widely popular because we as a society have become so attuned to
visual stimulation.
Why is it important to utilize images in your marketing/blogging/advertising,
etc.?
You will be able to appeal to a much wider audience.
People share what speaks to them. Images can convey one message, but many
different meanings depending on a person's perspective. That's why it is
imperative to utilize images that portray and enhance your message.
Create Your Own Webgraphic
Many times when searching for an image to use in a blog post, or for an ad, I
might find something that exactly portrays the message I'm intending, but the

3. image is copyrighted. I'm sure you've run into the same thing. I try to be
careful about that, as I don't want to infringe on someone else's work.
So, being the creative individual that I am, I started doing my own and
embedding my own watermark in them. I decided that was more fun anyway. :-
)
There are many different sites where you can obtain open source images,
vectors, and clipart that you can utilize for creating your own images.
Here are just a few:
stock.xchng
xooplate
Vector Portal
Open Clip Art Library
Once you have an idea of the webgraphic you want to create, you will need an
image manipulator software. There are quite a few to choose from, some
free/open source and others you can purchase.
Gimp (love this program!)
Adobe Photoshop (on my list to purchase just because!)
Adobe Illustrator (use this often)
Inkscape (great for working with vectors)
DrawPlus (just discovered this one today!)
Microsoft Publisher (not as intuitive, but will work for something quick)

4. Microsoft PowerPoint (use this often for quick projects to add text, shadows, etc.)
There are others that you may have heard of and use, but the idea is to
channel your creative energy and start doing your own images, images,
infographics and webgraphics, so you don't have to worry about stepping all
over someone's image license.
My husband and I have a huge collection of digital photos that we've taken over
the years, and I have begun pulling out some of those to use as backgrounds
for different projects. I'm sure you have a lot of photos that you could use.
The large picture on this page is of our grandson, but it worked with the quote.
:-)
The last thing you will need to do after you've created your image is to map it,
meaning you will need to acquire some html code in order for you links to be
accessible when you add the image to your blog post, article, etc. A great FREE
service to utilize for this purpose is Image Maps.
Now that you have a list of tools you can use, go ahead and get creative! Most
importantly, have fun!
Create your own webgraphic, or any image you can imagine!
You never know...yours might be the next image to go viral!
And, if you find you're really good at it, you can sell your images to image
sharing sites and create another source of income! We'll save that for another
post! :-)
Leave a comment and let me know the programs you use to create! I love
learning about other great programs and software.