Today’s the day when lucky Americans get the chance to buy the world’s most amazing camera smartphone. Yes, it’s Nokia Lumia 1020 sales launch time! To celebrate this, and to showcase the stunning tech inside this imaging masterpiece, we commissioned designer Jing Zhang to create a Nokia Lumia 1020 infographic. But it’s not just any infographic, it’s one of her much loved Imaginary Factory series. To see for yourself why they’re so popular, click here to get a closer look out her latest work below and discovery 41 reasons why nothing comes close to the Nokia Lumia 1020.
We love this infographic almost as much as the Nokia Lumia 1020 itself, so to find out more about it’s creator and how she works her magic, we hooked up with Jing Zhang in London. Here’s what she had to say
You’ve been an illustrator/typographer/designer for last five years? How did you get into this field and what do you like best about your work?
I settled in London in 2007 with the initial intention to pursue a glamorous career in Fashion Design. Unfortunately, there was a recession after my graduation in 2008. But thanks to support from my family and my then boyfriend (now husband) I was able to work as an unpaid graphic design intern in a small company. During this difficult time, I got commissioned by Computer Arts magazine to work on a cover. For many graduates, it was more like a gift from heaven rather than a job. It also reinforced my determination of becoming an illustrator, which is what I do now.
Your Imaginary Factory collection of infographics looks great and is lots of fun. What inspired you to start creating them?
Thank you very much. When I was a child, I always liked a toy called ‘Polly Pocket’. It’s a pocket-sized case which becomes a house when it’s open. There were several ‘characters’ living inside. It was the miniature world that fascinated me. You can find the same sort of influence from my other projects too, such as the Resort type.
Many of them focus on different types of tech. What is it about the inner workings of gadgets that you find so interesting?
It will be the combination of facts and fictions. The made-up technical points should be based on some several facts. But it can’t be too factual as it would become a technical manual. It has to be an obvious joke everyone could get. Also it is interesting to understand how it works in the first place, and transform it to a visual fiction.
Your infographic for the Nokia Lumia 1020 gives a wonderful insight into the smartphone’s inner workings. What process do you use to create such a detailed illustration? And what do you think makes a good infographic?
Thanks! To start with, I used Cinema 4D to create the 3D environment. Once the angle and perspective has been set, I can start illustrating with Adobe Illustrator.
I think a good infographic needs to be informative and creative. A good amount of illustrations will help people easily absorb information. There must be a balance between information and supporting illustrations.
You’ve showcased 41 reasons why nothing comes close to the Lumia 1020. What are the five reasons you find personally most impressive? And why have you chosen them?
I am very impressed with these five features:
1. The way you can reframe your photos
2. The 41-megapixel sensor
3. The six lenses for sharper images
4. The dual capture, which saves images in multiple resolutions
5. The ability to set the Exposure Value (EV) for brightness
I love photography. All these new features are brilliant for camera lovers.
The new model also has a high pixel camera as well as good lenses that make it convenient to walk around with, instead of carrying a chunky SLR camera.
A fascinating insight into a fascinating designer and her way of working. We think her infographic rocks, but what about you? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.