Bloomberg Businessweek Election Issue [Date Accessed: 30 November 2023]
Tracy Ma, former Deputy Creative Director at Bloomberg Businessweek and now with The New York Times, presented an insightful talk about her transition from print to digital design. She emphasized the importance of visual storytelling, which she defines as a mix of decoration, emotion, and a cohesive thought and tone.
One of the highlights of her talk was the memorable experience she shared from her time at Bloomberg Businessweek. She explained how they used images and graphics to present facts, helping readers decode and understand complex topics. This approach cleverly engaged readers and provided valuable insight.
Bloomberg Businessweek Election Issue. Available from:https://dawn2021.orylab.com/en//life/foodie/g26925096/sashimi-art-japan/ [Accessed: 30 November 2023]
Tracy also gave us a glimpse into her daily routine, which is a blend of short-term, quick-turnaround projects like breaking news stories, and longer-term, in-depth packages. Tracy mentions that she keeps longer-term projects in the background but may shift her focus based on the news cycle and reader needs. Another significant takeaway from Tracy’s talk is her candid admission that not every project can be groundbreaking visual storytelling, but it’s essential to continue conveying valuable content to readers. Her down-to-earth approach and practical insights made her talk relatable.
In the transition from print to digital, Tracy discussed the challenges of acquiring new technical skills such as coding and web development. However, she pointed out that one fundamental skill remained consistent: empathy in storytelling. Understanding how readers engage with content and delivering a meaningful narrative is at the heart of her work, whether in print or digital.
Tracy Ma’s presentation was a fascinating journey into the world of digital design, visual storytelling, and the opportunities and obstacles of shifting from print to online media. Her insights offer a unique perspective on the creative process within a leading media organization, making her talk a valuable resource for anyone in the field.