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Question
Im not sure what category this is meant to be in but i was wondering what you call a word that it drawn what it is. for example, the word tall would be drawn as if it is really tall and the word shark would be drawn in the shape of a shark because im doing this for my A level Graphic design unit.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Hi, Chris--
Thank you for your question. This category is meant to be about writing for business and technical audiences as opposed to, say, writing for an English class or writing fiction. Business and tech readers want information in the vernacular they speak on the job; readers of novels are less interested in that and generally read for pleasure and to be entertained.
In my experience, business/tech readers comprise a demanding and sophisticated audience. They are more interested in efficient communication, and they put a premium on clarity. In my view, they are a much harder audience to write for than, say, one that seeks to be entertained. In the latter case, the writer, because s/he has control over the story line, usually has control over the audience. That is not true when one writes for a business/tech readership.
You asked an interesting question. It certainly fits within tech writing, given your mention of your "A-level Graphic Design Unit." Having no idea how to respond, I googled "drawing words" (which is also called "word mapping," as it turns out). My screen lit up, but much of what was there wasn't especially helpful.
However, you might be interested in hearing that there's even a book coming out entitled "Drawing Words and Writing Pictures" - link: http://mattmadden.blogspot.com/2007/06/matt-at-mocca-art-festival.html
I have pasted in below some other links which I hope you will find useful:
http://www.drawspace.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=38
http://dev.drawspace.com/
http://www.isketch.net/instructions/rules.shtml
I hope I've been helpful. If not, please post again. If I have, though, please consider giving feedback through the AllExperts rating system. Again, thanks for your most interesting question. I learned some things, too!
All best--
Warren
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Answers by Expert:
Warren D. Miller
Expertise
I believe I can answer nearly any question about business writing. That goes in spades if the target audience is a lay readership. I make my living writing and speaking. N.B.: I DO NOT ANSWER QUESTIONS MARKED 'PRIVATE' because I believe that knowledge should be shared, not hoarded. I also believe such questions are likely to be submitted by people trying to cheat. In addition, don't waste your time asking me to write something for you. You don't learn anything if I do that. I'm happy to critique something that YOU write, of course. That's the best way for you to learn how to write well.
Experience
My profession is business valuation, which means appraising businesses whose shares are not publicly traded. This requires in-depth knowledge about a number of disciplines, including economics, finance, strategic management, accounting, anthropology, statistics, and psychology. The left-brain part of me must conduct rigorous research and financial analysis. The right-brain side must then separate what matters from what doesn't and then explain it all in writing (and in everyday English) to people (usually business owners, but sometimes judges and juries) who do not have the expertise that I have been lucky enough to acquire over the years. I love what I do and consider myself fortunate to live in a country where I can do what I love doing and make a nice living doing it. I am glad to help with writing issues, but NOT, please, with any valuation, business consulting, or other non-writing questions.
Organizations
CFA Institute, American Society of Appraisers, Strategic Management Society, Academy of Management, Culver Legion, National Association of Scholars.
Publications
Besides two published books (search for "Warren D. Miller" on Amazon), I have written for the Harvard Business Review, American Fly Fisher, Business Valuation Review, CPA Expert, Academy of Management Executive, CFA Digest, Valuation Strategies, and others.
Education/Credentials
MBA - Oklahoma State U. (1991);
BBA - U. of Oklahoma (1975);
Chartered Financial Analyst designation (2006)
Accredited Senior Appraiser (2006)
Certified Public Accountant (1992)
Awards and Honors
Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year (2001) - American Institute of CPAs
Winner - Oklahoma Humorous-Speaking Contest - Toastmasters International (1971)
Past/Present Clients
Confidential.
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