Nuts and Bolts: Word Cloud Art.
Nuts & Bolts – Word Cloud Art
Word Cloud art is very popular and still trending. A Word Cloud or Tag Cloud is simply a weighted list of terms displayed visually, originating from actual word clouds, which are a technological representation of related terms like keyword metadata or tags. They’ve now crept into the art world and resonate with people as they are quite literal and can be mesmerizing. A variation on word clouds is using different colors, sizes and fonts. As typical, with a traditional word cloud, more popular terms are larger in size. Some clever word clouds are fashioned in the shape of a related object.
There are many word cloud generator tools. Note these are purposeful for a variety of reasons like workplace presentations, classroom education, marketing and as we’ve discussed here artwork. You can also use desktop programs to create your own word cloud and use shaping tools. Since most desktop software do not have the ability to layer and place text, we suggest the following modification: You can create your own word cloud to emulate those created by generators, using creative software such as; Photoshop and Illustrator. The savvy artist is capable of layering lines of text into shapes and visual art which give the impression of word clouds.
Important to know that, however you create your Word Cloud art, as with all forms of art, your submissions must meet GCU’s submission guidelines.
Here are some tips, dos and don’ts when creating Word Cloud art for greeting cards that we hope are helpful to you:
– Don’t randomly and haphazardly put text all over the card front
– Limit the number of colors of text. Usually two, sometimes three is visually all the eye can focus on.
– Keep font choices down to two or perhaps three. See: https://gcucommunity.com/2014/02/13/tips-and-tricks-pairing-fonts/
– Use font styles to cause visual changes within the same font family such as; italics, bold, uppercase, lowercase lettering.
– Varying font sizes is also a way to create visual impact.
– Be sure to make a new and unique design.
An additional note: If a word cloud generator tool is used, be sure to not only read through the Terms of Use for resale, but be prepared to provide links to the TOU in your Notes to Reviewer.
The key is to create balance and harmony while not stepping over the line into chaos.
This type of style needs to have some text which clearly makes a statement while be supported by the rest of the words on the page.
Typography rules still apply. See: https://gcucommunity.com/2018/03/07/dash-of-inspiration-typography-the-golden-rules-2/
Here are some generated word clouds which work:
Here are some examples on GCU that work:
See this related post on GCU’s submission guideline for Typography: Font Combination:
https://gcucommunity.com/2013/05/27/dash-of-inspiration-typography-font-combination/
GCU Community Manager
GCU Community 
An additional note: If a word cloud generator tool is used, be sure to not only read through the Terms of Use for resale, but be prepared to provide links to the TOU in your Notes to Reviewer.
This is very informative and inspiring, thank you!!