Water Cycle Infographic
For the Infographic Challenge in my Illustration class, we were tasked with designing an infographic on one of four topics: the water cycle, adaptive radiation, ocean depth, or the solar system. I chose the water cycle because I found most existing infographics to be bland, cluttered, and difficult to engage with.
My goal was to create a visually striking design where the imagery could stand alone while still clearly illustrating each process. By prioritizing clarity, flow, and visual appeal, I aimed to make the water cycle both informative and engaging for audiences of any age.
Digital painting and designing
To create this infographic, I digitally painted a landscape in Procreate, aiming to move away from the sterile, overly clinical look of traditional water cycle graphics. I wanted a visually intriguing yet thoughtfully composed backdrop that would seamlessly integrate the necessary information.
Rather than following the traditional linear format, I opted for a circular design, creating a more striking, balanced layout that allows the viewer to enter the cycle at any point. However, I emphasized precipitation with a lightning strike, as I found it to be a natural focal point and an engaging way to lead the viewer into the rest of the cycle.
I designed the arrow elements in a slightly desaturated blue—a color choice that still clearly reads as water while providing enough contrast for optimal legibility across all viewers. This subtle adjustment ensures the arrows remain visually integrated with the landscape while standing out enough to effectively guide the reader through the cycle.
