Visual & Video Communications

Ragan Insider | Robby Brumberg

Infographic: 8 fresh graphic design trends for 2020

Brace for muted palettes, gradients, abstract illustrations and minimalist landing pages. Sorry, magenta, you can take the year off.

Ragan Insider | Beki Winchel

FedEx chief challenges NYT publisher to debate, Dunkin’ to end the ‘double cup,’ and the true cost of Starbucks’ bathroom policy

Also: Prince Andrew’s ‘catastrophic’ BBC interview, TikTok adds URLs to bios, how PR pros prefer to learn, and more.

Ragan Insider | Beki Winchel

Instagram expands hidden ‘likes’ test, Uber and DoorDash face contractor backlash, and an Italian bank gets ripped for password advice

Also: ‘Sesame Street’ livestreaming 50 years of memories, Black Friday looms on social media and worldwide, PR career advice from a talent expert, and more.

Ragan Insider | Beki Winchel

Disney says older movies have ‘outdated cultural norms,’ Facebook axes 5.4B fake accounts, and Michigan workers sue McDonald’s over ‘toxic culture’

Also: Marketers puzzle over which tactics yield peak ROI, Hostess debuts Twinkies cereal, and a solo PR practitioner shares a peek behind the curtain.

Ragan Insider | Beki Winchel

Carl’s Jr. jettisons ‘sex sells’ ads, Hyatt eliminates travel-size toiletries, and Microsoft’s diversity and inclusion report

Also: Juul to lay off 650 workers by year-end, Google will label slow-loading websites, Facebook offers payment feature, and the top PR and marketing trends for 2020.

Ragan Insider | Beki Winchel

Uber chief’s comments spark #BoycottUber return, Google takes heat for patient data collection, and Amazon’s digital ad power

Also: Is a freelance website a good place to pitch your services? Plus, Dean Foods’ bankruptcy, whether PR pros should work in the office or off-site, and more.

Ragan Insider | Beki Winchel

Goldman Sachs’ Apple Card statement falls flat, brands turn to stories to mark Veterans Day, and 72% of millennials and Gen Z follow influencers

Also: Cision executive’s light-bulb moment on metrics, Dallas Cowboys win warm and furry social media love, and Kaiser Permanente strike takes a hiatus due to CEO’s death.

Ragan Insider | Rob Reinalda

Metaphors and clichés: How imagery paints or taints our writing

Modern messaging relies on storytelling, and vivid language lies at the heart of the most compelling yarns. Here’s guidance on how to use playful, vibrant prose to superb effect.

Ragan Insider | Ted Kitterman

Lufthansa slams striking workers, when your company should speak out, and Starbucks’ new holiday cup

Also: Where emoji come from, Popeyes’ sandwich gets a soaring relaunch, tips for superlative word choice, mastering international messaging, and more.

Ragan Insider | Russell Working

IBM expert: Comms pros must become data scientists

Communicators must embrace their role as strategists, storytellers and scientists to succeed. Data is at the heart of it all.

Ragan Insider | Ted Kitterman

SoftBank tries to rebuild its reputation, Airbnb vaguely vows to verify listings, and how social media magnifies a crisis

Also: Krispy Kreme partners with a viral delivery guy, takeaways from Meredith’s Jill Davison, how PR pros see the future of communications, and more.

Ragan Insider | Ted Kitterman

Meredith’s Jill Davison: ‘No better time for us to have an impact’

The PR and communications veteran shares insights from her career with the audience at Ragan’s Future of Communications Conference. Despite the challenges, her outlook is optimistic.

Ragan Insider | Eileen Ryan

How to tell your brand story through distinctive photography

To stand out from the crowd, ask key questions to identify your organization’s purpose and personality. Let the answers focus your lens on creating compelling visual narratives.