Let your sketches speak—but narrate them with power.
Designers are natural storytellers only our stories often begin with a sketch, a rendering, or a mood board instead of words. But when it’s time to present those visuals to clients or colleagues, the magic isn’t just in the image—it’s in how you speak about it. Your words give context, emotion, and meaning to what others see. The best designers don’t just show their work; they bring it to life.
Your clients can’t always “see” what you see. Avoid design jargon and describe what the image means how it feels, functions, and fits their goals. Translate texture into comfort, layout into lifestyle, and color into emotion. This is how you turn visual talent into persuasive communication.
Your hands are part of the story. When used with intention, gestures emphasize key ideas, show scale, or convey excitement. Keep them open, not crossed; expansive, not frantic. Like balance in a room, your gestures should support not clutter your message.
Behind every great design is a story: a spark of inspiration, a client’s dream, a challenge overcome. Pairing visuals with brief, memorable stories connects your audience emotionally. When people understand the “why” behind the design, they’re far more likely to approve, remember, and champion your ideas.
Visuals may catch attention, but words create connection. When you narrate your designs with clarity, confidence, and care, you bridge the gap between art and understanding. That’s where influence lives—at the intersection of vision and voice.
Images are so powerful and speak to the non-linear parts of our mind.
At this month’s meeting, our church board had a presentation on our “Step Up to the Call” Carpet Project, to be completed by the Sanctuary’s Centennial next September.
Georgine had two beautiful sample boards, a handout outlining the project and campaign to raise the funds necessary (compete with pledge envelopes!)
This was a very effective combo of pertinent information and graphics!
We play host to over a dozen weekly recovery groups, a relief nursery, for low income parents to be able to work, a diaper bank, monthly ‘Keynote concerts’ (the sanctuary has fantastic acoustics).
WoW! You’re a busy lady. Would love to know more about the ladyharp1 🙂
I have coached several artists/creatives in the last 15+ years. Working with them has taught me and reminded me of the importance of adapting the way I present information. For some clients, I needed to find visual anchors to help them grasp the concepts we worked on. I think we all need to remember that visuals and words are powerful communicators.