Proposal Writer's Guide to Making Graphics

Section writers come to a proposal team with expertise, customer, and service knowledge, but the task of designer is rarely in their wheelhouse. It can be daunting to be told to provide X number of graphics, up to one a page. Even in the event of a rich reuse library, graphics need tailoring, and for technical sections, a start from the bottom up.

To get started, follow the guidance below to forge a graphic you can be proud to submit.

1. Identify the Steps: Break down the process into clear, sequential steps, keeping wording brief (i.e., assess initial requirements and goals with [customer]).

2. Napkin Elements: Use shapes like rectangles for processes, diamonds for decisions, and arrows to show flow. Merely sketch the idea, leaving style to a later step. Utilize a white board, a simple PowerPoint slide, or a napkin from the table you sit at now reading this.

3. Connectivity: Ensure a logical flow between steps, connecting them with arrows or notes to artist describing relationships. Consider logical flow such as left to right, top to bottom. A graphic must indicate order.

4. Annotations: Add labels/headers/numbers to each step for clarity

5. Engage an Artist for Format Consistency: Maintain a consistent style and color scheme for a cohesive look. An artist will corral the sketch to meet required format rules and be understandable. If the artist pushes back or has a suggestion, listen. Professional proposal artists bring added value from their exposure and experience.

6. Whitespace: Allow for sufficient whitespace to avoid visual clutter. Despite how demanding the space limits are, 508 compliance is essential and should be valued by all bidders. This requires clear readability, adequate color contrasting, no italics, reasonable line spacing. More on 508 Accessibility to come.

7. Review: Double-check for the content's accuracy and clarity and its relationship to supporting surrounding text.

8. So What: Before a graphic is complete, ask yourself or your team, what the Reviewer will assess is the "So What" value to them and the customer. Adjust content accordingly to make that answer clear.

9. Congratulate yourself. That's one.