Go Big To Go Simple

Deborah DeLue • April 25, 2024

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking

The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES. Vol. 5 No. 9

April 26, 2024

One of the greatest strengths of applying visual thinking in your work, life and projects is the power to convey complex ideas and information in concise, simple, easy to understand drawings. However simplification can be challenging.

As Mark Twain famously said, "I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead." which highlights the challenge and value of simplification. It takes more effort and thought to convey ideas concisely than to elaborate at length.

One of the ways you can learn to simplify your drawings is by adding constraints. This week we are diving into why larger markers and pens are not just tools, but transformative allies for visual thinkers. Plus, we have an engaging activity that challenges you to innovate within constraints.

Why Go Big
with Your Tools?

Larger markers and pens are a staple for visual thinkers for several reasons:

Increased Visibility: The bold lines created by larger tools are easier to see from a distance, ideal for presentations or educational settings.
Enhanced Fluidity: These tools facilitate smoother, freer whole-body drawing movements, helping you express ideas more naturally.
Simplification: When used on smaller canvases, larger markers can force you to simplify complex ideas into more digestible visual elements. This constraint is a powerful way to distill and communicate the essence of your thoughts.

Using a big marker can force you to simplify your design.

If you're new to using larger markers, particularly those with a chisel tip, you may be surprised to learn they are very versatile and can make a wide variety of line widths depending on which part of the marker you use. If you're interested in learning more check out this video from Neuland Marker.

Embrace Constraints for Creativity

Let's experiment with how constraints can foster creativity using larger drawing tools.

Materials Needed:

- Large markers or pens

- A sheet of paper

- A timer

Instructions:

Choose Your Constraint: Opt for a limitation, like using only one or two colors, or employing basic shapes like circles and lines.
Set a Timer: Limit yourself to 5 minutes to visually interpret a concept such as "Growth," "Change," or "Capacity."
Create: Within the time constraint, use your large marker to capture the essence of the concept on a small piece of paper.
Reflect: Afterward, consider how the size of the tool and the space impacted your approach and outcomes. What did you have to do differently? How did you decide what to include and what to leave out? What might you do differently next time?
Rinse and Repeat and Repeat and Repeat: Carry a larger pen or marker and small notebook with you. When you have an extra five minutes such as waiting for an appointment or meeting to start, pull out your materials and practice this technique.

This exercise will help you experience firsthand how larger tools and thoughtful constraints can dramatically shift your creative process.

Adopting larger markers and pens not only enhances the clarity and impact of your visual communication but also encourages simplicity and focus in your creations. Challenge yourself to think big, yet simple, and see where these tools can take your visual thinking!

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