How I Create Beautiful Graphics For Instagram Using This 1 App
DAY 27 OF THE 30-DAY BLOGGING CHALLENGE
How to use Word Swag
Are you on instagram? If you're reading this post, you probably are, but are you using Instagram Stories? And if you're using IG Stories, do you know how to create pretty graphics that make you look professional and stylish? Today I'm showing you how I make all my beautiful Instagram Story graphics that I get compliments on over and over again.
Seriously, you guys asked, and I'm delivering. I'm giving you a step by step guide with images on exactly how I execute my graphics (and it's not as hard as you think). This tutorial may seem like a lot of steps (and if you're doing this for the first time, it might take a little while to find your groove), but once you have your colors and fonts nailed down, it's super simple.
So, let's dive in!
Step 1
Open Word Swag App
If you don't have the Word Swag app, you can download it in the app store on your phone.
I like to keep all my phone & video editing apps together, so I've put them in a tile on my phone, so it's easy to find.
Once you download it, go ahead and open it up.
Step 2
Go to your Library
Select the photo in your phone library that you want to share. Depending on how you plan to format the post, the image might be the focal point, or it might be a backdrop.
I will show you how to darken and blur the image if you want to add text to the post in a later step. For Instagram stories, I like the first "slide" to share the intent of what I'm posting about, and provide a call to action or teaser.
In today's tutorial that I'm sharing with you, the purpose of the post is to get the reader to click over to my blog to see the full post.
STEP 3
FORMAT YOUR IMAGE SIZE
When you're selecting images to share on your Instagram stories, try to find vertical photos as most people will view the picture from their phone, which has a vertical screen. You can manually crop the image or select a variety of different pre-set cropped sizes in Word Swag. There's a setting designed explicitly for IG stories, which will be your best bet. However, you can also zoom in and out within Instagram to change how large you want the picture to be if you choose not to format in Word Swag.
STEP 4
CHANGE YOUR TEXT
Everyone's wording will look different, depending on what you're sharing. I like to start the first "slide" in stories with the day of the week displayed at the top.
When stories carry over from one day to the next, your message can get lost, so I like to separate them with a "title-page" sharing what day it is and what I want my reader to know.
STEP 5
change the color of your text
Changing the color of your text is a great way to customize your stories and carry your branding colors through so people start to recognize your business or brand.
I want my brand to have a very classic and professional feel, but with a little pop of color here and there.
I started using the chartreuse color (hex #ccc00c) for my day of the week heading so it would catch your eye as your swiping through Instagram stories. Plus, it's unique, so when people see it, they start to recognize it and know it's me!
STEP 6
adjust the image
Before I add more text, I like to adjust the image since I'm using it as a backdrop.
First, I darken the picture, white text will be easier to read over a dark background. You can also lighten the image or add a filter.
I usually go one shade darker then blur the image so I can still see some detail of the picture, but it's not distracting from the words. Depending on how busy the picture is, you can blur it more or less. Simple images don't need to be blurred as much, photos with people in them or lots of detail usually need to be blurred more.
STEP 7
ADDING TEXT
Now that the background is darker and blurred, you can add text, and it will be easier to read and edit.
You start by tapping "Add Text" at the top and write your new message. I know it sounds lazy, but I like to do voice to text if it's more than a few words. Just make sure you always proof-read. Some of the autocorrects it comes up with are crazy!
It will default to the same font you used previously, but you can change that which brings us to the next step.
STEP 8
FIND A STYLE
There are lots of great fonts that come with this app. I have a few that I repeatedly use (I'll include a list of favorites at the end of the post). I like to mix several types of fonts in my stories; it looks pretty and keeps it interesting.
Once you pick a font that feels good, you can play around with the style. The numbers at the bottom of the screen will allow you to try different configurations. The dice on the right side will re-shuffle and give you new options. Some fonts will have more style options than others. With the "Classic Cover" font I'm showing you there are lots of options.
Keep clicking through until you find the one you like. Now that you've picked a style, you can adjust the size by pinching the screen to zoom in and out.
TIP: Try to find a few fonts you like and use them consistently, so your posts have a similar feel. It's ok if they're not all identical every time. Some variety is great, but too much is confusing to the reader.
STEP 9
SAVE & DONE!
If you want to add any additional text, repeat step 7. I might change the font or make it smaller, so it feels different. I usually follow the rule of 3 when it comes to mixing fonts or colors, anything more than that is busy looking. Don't worry about sentence structure, this is a blurb, and you want to keep the words to a minimum, no one is going to stick around forever to read it. Try to use teasers or ask a question that's enticing enough to make someone want to click! Example-
"Just hit publish on the blog- wanna know more about my all-time fav pattern? "
Did that make you curious and want to click through to see what I was talking about? I'm a sucker for catchy titles that make me want to know more.
HERE’S A CHEAT SHEET Of MY FAVORITE FONTS.
Some of them will have lots of style options within the font. Keep in mind you can always change the color, make the font more transparent and angle or rotate the text to make it look different.
WHATS NEXT?
What did you think, are you going to try Word Swag for next Instagram Story? Make sure to follow along on my stories to see how I use them and hopefully gain some inspiration! Please drop a note in the comments below if you need clarification or have questions!
Happy Creating!