In today’s context where pictures are worth more than a
thousand words, an infographic is one of the most popular methods of data
representation. Infographic design is an effective means to combine art and
analytical data where formal information transforms into an exciting narrative.
For anyone involved in marketing, graphic designing or owning a business in
Nigeria, there is significant potential for a boost in your brand's appeal if
you possess competency in infographic designing.
The application of infographics is growing very fast in
certain areas such as education, marketing or digital communication in Nigeria
due to relevance of effective data representation and presentation. But where
does one seek such skills? There are countless established and online platforms
where Nigerian designers and those aspiring to be part of this society can
obtain information and support. Here, we highlight some of the best sources for
learning infographic design in Nigeria with both national and international
resources.
Why Infographic Design Is Essential for Nigerian Creatives
Infographic design involves the use of graphics and data to
present information in an understandable and attention-catching manner.
Recently, in Nigeria particularly in the business world, marketers and
educators have adopted infographic design as a way of making their points understood
by the target consumers. In business, when reporting on market trends,
educational data or your business performance an infographic will enhance the
probability of people understanding your message comprehensively and taking the
necessary action.
It is very important also in building the company and brand
image. Nigeria remains a competitive market for any organization seeking to
venture into the business, and this organization requires a classic visual for
their brands. This opens the door for Nigerian graphic designers to learn how
to design infographics to suit clients from Nigeria and other parts of the
world.
Top Resources for Learning Infographic Design in Nigeria
1. Coursera – Online Graphic Design and Data Visualization Courses
There are many free online graphic design courses available
on Coursera today which provide knowledge from the most essential concept of
designing to the complex concept of data visualization. Most of them are
programs from such schools as the California Institute of the Arts and the
University of Colorado Boulder.
What You’ll Learn:
- Advanced methods of data presentation
- Specialized skills in the tutorials on infographic design
With Coursera, Nigerian students can then acquire these
skills from the experts without necessarily having to travel.
2. Udemy – Infographic Design for Beginners
Another site that is suitable for Nigerians who would like
to learn how to design infographics is Udemy. The course “Infographic Design
for Beginners” is quite helpful if anyone wants to start creating an
infographic of their own regardless a beginner in design.
What You’ll Learn:
- A step-by-step guide on how to design meaningful basic
infographics
- List of software that can be used for, creating an
infographic.
The course is relatively cheaper and highly flexible since
it is asynchronous and thus convenient for the working professional or a
student in Nigeria.
3. Canva Design School
Canva is a tool that lets you design infographics even if
you are not a design expert with no design software to use, it is free. The
Canva Design School offers you tutorials as well as freebies so that you can
easily create an infographic.
What You’ll Learn:
- Techniques and helpful tips for creating infographics using
features of Canvas drag-and-drop tools.
- Successful strategies of visual communication
- System templates that come with the software to help you to
design faster
Small businesses, NGOs, and startups in Nigeria use Canva
because it is among the best tools that are within your reach and can enable you
to design quality visuals without necessarily paying a designer.
4. Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH), Lagos
For formal education seekers, Yaba College of Technology
(YABATECH) is one of the most recognised institutions to study visual design in
Nigeria now. The school has fields of study in graphic design and visual
communication to allow the students practical experience in software and
skills.
What You’ll Learn:
- Thorough familiarity with public relations fit and finishing
- Visual communication design
- Possibility of working with standard tools of the industry
YABATECH has a specific recognition for Graphic Design
Certification and Real Life Learning which might explain why many young
Nigerian aspiring designers look forward to being trained at the institution.
5. Nigerian Universities Offering Graphic Design Programs
Some universities in Nigeria include the University of
Lagos, and Ahmadu Bello University where graphic design forms parts of their
arts and communication studies. providing a general understanding of the
concepts of visual communication design, students have a chance to focus on
such rather specific topics as data visualization and infographics.
What You’ll Learn:
- Techniques put in place in graphics design Anything that
enhances graphics design is considered an advance in graphic design.
- Data visualization principles
- Application of design in Nigeria marketing industries and
education
6. YouTube – Free Infographic Design Tutorials
If you are a fan of video tutorials, then YouTube is a gold
mine for free tutorials on infographic design. Most working designers give out
free tutorials on how to use platforms such as Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw,
and Canva, which are known to be favorites among Nigerian designers.
What You’ll Learn:
- Actual portrayal of the principle concepts of the arrangement.
- It is possible to have detailed practical tips on how to
create a beautiful infographic.
- Ways of implementing design trends in your practice
Best Practices for Learning Infographic Design
To make the most of these resources, here are some tips for
mastering infographic design:
1. Practice regularly:
If you are interested in designing, the more designs you do, the more
improved you will be. First, it is recommended to copy the existing infographics
to identify how the structure and flow should be; next, it is possible to start
developing unique ones.
2. Follow design trends: From the fields of Graphic Design and
Data Visualization, learn the new trends in how it is being presented. This
will help you keep your work current and therefore, contemporary.
3. Seek feedback: Further, give other people a chance to review
your work and offer feedback; make friends with other designers, tutors, etc.,
and show your results on Dribbble or Behance.
Conclusion
Infographic design is not a new art form in Nigeria, but
its importance increases annually as more organizations embrace Internet
marketing. For one, there are myriad online resources if you’re interested in
entering the field of design or if you just want to improve your company’s
communication design. As we have seen, from online learning platforms such as Coursera, Canva and Udemy to local learning institutions such as YABATECH, the options are endless for anyone willing to learn infographic design
in Nigeria. As always, the length is not as important as the breadth of the
coverage, so let’s keep learning and practicing. While using these resources
remain dedicated to honing your skills and appropriately
adapting them to serve your current setting within Nigeria’s thriving arts and
entertainment market.





