The idea that ‘a picture is worth a thousand words’ runs throughout Western culture. Its usage within media and advertising can be traced back at least as far as 1913; ironically to an advert in a US newspaper that contained no images. When it comes to your products and services, is it enough to just have images, or do you need to invest in illustrator training courses to capture the imagination of your visitor?
Images reach people on an emotional level in a way that words themselves can’t. The human mind reacts differently to visual stimulus because our brains can decipher image elements instantaneously. Our ability to decode language, verbal or written works differently. This happens in a linear, sequential way and the process takes longer to complete. This is why courses from web design training to flower arranging use visuals as part of the course. Numerous studies have been completed on the nature of the information that is processed by the brain. These studies, going back as far as the 1970s’ conclude that in the region of 90% of the information that is transmitted to the brain is visual and that this information is processed 60,000 times faster than text. This is one reason why images are generally a part of web design courses. By hooking concepts onto an image, not only can your customers’ brains process the idea faster and more effectively, but they are also more likely to remember the key points you were trying to get across. In terms of you trying to sell a product or service, this means you are more likely to stick in the mind of the customer, and have that customer want to explore your site more fully.
But, it is not enough to simply pepper your website with random images from an illustrator training course in the hope that they grab and keep the attention of your visitor. While an image may grab attention, its relevance and quality are what keep that visitors’ interest flowing. The images you use need to tell your story, convey your message and speak directly to your customer segment. There are some exceptional stock photographs and images out there, so from a quality perspective it’s just a matter of choosing carefully. However, a stock photograph or image is just that, stock, anyone can use it – and if they are free, this really does mean anyone. So, the image you thought was great to advertise your counselling service could be being used on another site to help sell puppies, or something you would like to be confused for even less. The answer to this is to create your own images and photos, however, in doing this you do need to readdress the question of quality, and that is where good illustrator training courses come in. By undertaking the right Adobe illustrator course, you can learn the skills you need to create stunning and unique images that speak directly to your audience.
Many people are put off the idea of trading stock images for ones they create themselves because they fear they don’t have the skills required. Good quality illustrator training courses are about teaching you to use the skills you have, and focusing on getting the basics right. It is better to be able to create a basic image, after Adobe illustrator training, that directly relates to your business than to rely on a complex stock image that is being used by just about anyone.