Why is information graphics still a second-tier job in the area of graphic design?
Firstly, because most people can’t do information graphics and don’t understand what is involved in making them. They are therefore relegated to the bottom of the pile, and dashed off without much thought. Most art directors (at magazines and papers that do not have information graphics directors) won’t spend the time conceiving good information graphics, so they make as many excuses as possible for why information graphics should not appear in their magazines. Secondly, there are relatively few information graphics produced that can compete at the same level of visual excitement with other forms of graphic design (illustrations, posters, book jackets, etc). So information graphics do not have the same place at design conferences, in design competitions, and within design organizations. I don’t like design competitions much, but the results of them are one indication to editors that someone is recognizing your work. In many cases, the best information design is the workhorse of the des
