A picture may be worth 1,000 words of story-telling, but an informational graphic can sometimes convey hard data as well as any research paper. “Explanation Designer” Nigel Holmes developed a reputation as one of the best graphic makers in the business during a stint at TIME magazine and has since published books of valuable factoids, including The Smallest Ever Guide to the Internet. Holmes will share his craft as a lecturer at the PINC Conference in Sarasota on December 8, but he spoke with SRQ in advance of his trip.

When you are taking a complex idea and trying to make a self-explanatory graphic, what do you try to zero in on? Holmes: 1. Who is the audience? When I'm explaining something for people who know the subject, or for an academic audience, the result will be different from explaining something for a general reader or viewer. 2. What's the main story or point of the graphic? People are busy; get to the point quickly! 3. Although it's somewhat frowned upon within the data field, I do take the look of the finished piece (its aesthetics) seriously. If it is attractive, people are more likely to read it, whether the graphic is for an academic journal or a general reader publication. Whenever possible I try to bring a smile to the audience. Of course, I will never do this with certain subjects: death, war, guns. 

Why do pictures make it easier for people to understand complex statistics or scientific theories? Because pictures immediately draw you in. There will be words in the graphic, too, but you can't help looking at the pictures first. In the same way that a verbal metaphor can help the understanding of a complex piece of text, a visual metaphor greatly helps the reader to grasp the meaning of a complex scientific experiment or an obscure economic principle.

How do you believe information graphics have changed or will continue to change journalism or academia in the future? The main change since I started doing published graphics in 1964 is that we use a computer to make them. It's so much easier, faster and there's no need for an elaborate drawing board and drafting tools. The computer and the web have led us to be able make pictures move, to add sound and to sequence images to tell the story of the data, or the different stages of an event, or whatever is being explained. In the future, as more and more print-based media outlets disappear, all graphic designers will have to know how to code (for all digital platforms: desktop and mobile) because that's where their work will appear.  

Picture from cover of Nigel Holmes' "Designer's Guide to Charts & Diagrams"

Learn more about PINC here

Purchasing a new pair of shoes is easy—walking in them is another story. Meet Vionic, a brand that uses supportive orthotic technology to give these shoes a sassy attitude, pain-free. With this ankle bootie you’ll achieve the height you need while having the ability to wear them as long (or as little) as you like. Slide them on during a long day in the office or a night out on the town to elevate your look. Pick up a pair at Happy Feet located adjacent to the Ellenton Outlets, and brace for the cooler winter weather style.

Happy Feet Plus, 5905 Factory Shops Blvd., 941-721-6463.

After a full week of indulging in home-made Thanksgiving food, nothing is better than diving into a light, citrusy meal. Chef Klaus Roessler from Roessler’s Restaurant prepares seared sea scallops with a citrus-braised Belgium endive. The little bits of heaven get pan seared and cooked to perfection for a bite that will melt in your mouth. A tasty combination of thinly sliced Belgium endive reduced in fresh orange, honey, thyme and tarragon shower the scallops giving this sweet delicacy an added herbaceous kick. “The combination of light, refreshing flavors from the citrus and honey is reminiscent of Florida,” says Chef Roessler. “They accent the scallops without overpowering their delicate flavor.” Popular among guests, the finishing touch of citrus will win you over. 

Roessler’s Restaurant is a member of Nosh, the SRQ magazine content marketing program for local restaurants. 

Roessler's Restaurant, 2033 Vamo Way, Sarasota, 941-966-5688.

The Career Resource Center at State College of Florida, Manatee-Sarasota (SCF) gave students an opportunity to “focus on success” during a Business Career Forum at SCF Venice. Representatives from local companies presented stories of student interns and employees who stood out in the workplace and offered tips on finding a career to love. Nearly 50 students attended the event and took time to network with representatives after their presentations, which included Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County, Suncoast Business Technologies and Venice Area Young Professionals. 

State College of Florida

Berlin Patten Ebling, PLLC has announced that Steven W. Ledbetter, a real estate and estate planning attorney, has joined its team of experienced lawyers to manage the Venice office. Ledbetter has extensive experience handling residential and commercial real estate, along with business succession planning. Ledbetter has been practicing law since 2002 and his practice has included work in a wide range of focus areas. Ledbetter was admitted to the Florida Bar in 2007, the State Bar of Texas in 2003 and the State Bar of Oregon in 2002. 

Berlin Patten Ebling Attorneys

The Board of County Commissioners awarded nearly $40,000 in Neighborhood Initiative Grant Program funds last week to help partially fund neighborhood-initiated improvement projects, which includes a historically oriented trolley tour narrated by residents in Amaryllis Park, and upgrades to LED light fixtures in the Arbors, to name a few. The funds were awarded to projects that focused on improving neighborhood character and environment. The program, which has helped Sarasota County neighborhoods since 2002, requires neighborhoods to match at least 50 percent of project expenses. While some neighborhoods match funds through cash and donations, others opt to garner credit through $15 per hour of volunteer labor. Projects can be proposed within one of five themes, including character, leadership, safety, environment and health.  

Sarasota County