Dialogue Pictures for Corporate Communication
How can complex topics such as work processes, future visions, or economic relationships be presented in an understandable and entertaining way? Malte Knaack demonstrates how dialogue and hidden object pictures can achieve exactly this in corporate communication.
Dialogue Picture vs. Hidden Object Picture
While hidden object pictures focus on the playful aspect and invite the viewer to go on a visual discovery journey, dialogue pictures support discussions about complex topics. Dialogue pictures often illustrate work processes, future visions, or abstract topics like economic relationships. Interestingly, dialogue pictures can also be hidden object pictures and vice versa. Both styles are particularly advantageous when communicating large and complicated topics. The human brain retains images better than words, which increases the effectiveness of dialogue and hidden object pictures.
Crucial Elements
The key elements of a dialogue picture vary depending on the topic. Some things can be depicted scenically, while others require metaphors. Malte generally prefers scenic depictions as they introduce a human element and are more entertaining. To illustrate complex concepts, Malte likes to use metaphors.
Since dialogue pictures are often very extensive, Malte uses a drawing technique he masters quickly and can easily make adjustments within. Despite this, the scenes can vary in tone, whether serious, humorous, playful, wild, or calm. A conscious choice of colors and the use of drawing pens ensure a harmonious overall image.
Usually, the client already has specific requests for scenes to be shown. Often these are still abstract ideas without a concrete visual concept. Before starting, Malte goes through this list with the client and makes suggestions on how each aspect could be visualised. It's also checked whether the overall message of the image can be sufficiently conveyed, if something is missing, or if something can be omitted.
For smooth collaboration, interested companies should consider the following questions beforehand::
· Where will the hidden object image be used and what do we want to achieve with it?
· Who do we want to address?
· What is the main theme of the image and which situations in the company are related to it?
The Creative Process Behind Malte's Dialogue and Hidden Object Pictures:
1. Briefing: The Starting Point
Each project begins with an intensive briefing where the client's wishes and ideas are recorded in detail.
2. Planning Discussions: Clarifying the Vision
In subsequent planning discussions, the briefing is refined, and the purpose of the dialogue picture is discussed.
3. Elements and Scenes: The Building Blocks
Together with the client, all necessary elements and scenes are identified and compiled to comprehensively represent the theme.
4. Sketch: The First Draft
Malte creates an initial sketch showing the basic layout and structure of the illustration.
5. Correction Phase 1: Refining the Layout
The client can adjust positions, sizes, and arrangements of elements to further refine the image.
6. Line Drawing: Detailed Development
Based on the sketch and corrections, a detailed line drawing is created.
7. Correction Phase 2: Final Details
The client can make further changes to the details and discuss the color scheme.
8. Coloring: The Final Look
After approving the line drawing, the illustration is coloured to give it the final touch.
9. Final Correction Phase: The Last Check
Before the image is finally approved, the client has one last opportunity to make changes.
Projects
Greenpeace Switzerland
A wonderful project was a hidden object image for Greenpeace Switzerland that depicts a vision for a green and social future of Switzerland. The idea was to illustrate an ideal green society in detail and to inspire reflection, rethinking, and discussion..
Jysk
Another challenging project was a dialogue picture for Jysk, created under a tight schedule and involving many different aspects. Thanks to close collaboration and efficient feedback, the challenge was successfully met. Without appearing too serious, it depicts the company's vision and internal values. Both abstract concepts and concrete actions were to be represented. Specific employees of the company were meant to recognise themselves. In many small scenes, it illustrated how everyone in the company contributes to a successful customer journey. The illustration was unveiled at the company's large annual meeting.
Germany's wild birds of prey
In the special exhibition "Germany's Wild Birds of Prey", the Museum der Westlausitz Kamenz presents the world of our native birds of prey. In addition to an excursion into global biodiversity, the exhibition focuses on native breeding bird species, their habitats, hunting strategies and population trends.
To add a playful, educational element to the exhibition, Malte illustrated a hidden object picture in which 17 different species of birds of prey are hidden in their natural habitat.
The prerequisite for this was a landscape in which all of these habitats can be seen, from reed beds and coniferous forests to the Alps and the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The different species of birds of prey breed and live everywhere, which the viewer first has to search for in a display size of 3.50 x 2.40 metres. Even though the picture is colourful and playful, the birds and their nests had to be depicted true to life in terms of plumage, colour and proportions.
Bremerhaven
Together with Marco Barrios, Malte created a fascinating panorama of the maritime city – rich in detail, lively and full of stories. Over 40 sponsors are immortalised in it, demonstrating their close ties to the region. The motif appears on posters, puzzles, hidden object books, postcards and merchandise. The proceeds support the ‘Kinder stark machen’ (Empowering Children) initiative, which helps children from disadvantaged families. The large hidden object picture was officially handed over to the city at SAIL in Bremerhaven.
FAQ: Common Questions on Dialogue Illustrations
What are dialogue and hidden object illustrations?
A hidden object illustration is a densely detailed scene with many elements. A dialogue illustration actively communicates complex corporate topics through visual storytelling.
Why do they work so well in corporate communication?
They make complex concepts accessible and engaging, aiding memory retention and encouraging participation and discussion.
For which applications are they best suited?
Ideal for change communication, vision sharing, onboarding, training, workshops, and town hall meetings, literally anywhere dialogue and clarity are needed.
How is such an illustration developed?
Typically includes briefing, planning, rough layout, revision rounds, refined line art, coloring, and final approval. Always in close client collaboration.
What impact do they deliver?
They enhance identification, spark engagement, and stay memorable. People take time to explore the image and spark conversation.
Their versatile applications make dialogue and hidden object pictures a valuable resource for any company that wants to clearly and creatively communicate its business processes and visions.
If you are interested in using dialogue or hidden object pictures for your corporate communication, please feel free to contact us! Also, browse our category for further inspiration.