About being a weirdo and what Visual Storytelling really is (to me)

I came across the term “visual storyteller” long after I actually started being one. Before that, I guess we used to call it having a “head in the clouds” or just simply being a “weirdo.” (:

If you google or ask some artificial intelligence what visual storytelling is, it’ll probably say something like: *“Visual storytelling is the process of communicating through visual media. Visuals in storytelling help with connection and make information easy to understand and digest. Media methods include illustration, enhanced graphics, videos, and even music. The power of visual storytelling can impact your audience by leaving memorable impressions about who you are and what you have to offer.”

Cool. Very neat and tidy. But to me, it’s always been something messier—more personal.

How It All Started

I’ve always had stories to tell, buzzing around in my head. The thing is, I wasn’t particularly good at telling them (fun fact: I stuttered as a kid, and even now, it still happens from time to time).

So instead of talking, I started drawing.

When I was little, I even ran my own newspaper called “Sieska.” It was full of made-up reporting pieces (usually horror or crime stories—because I somehow knew what sold best), crosswords, comics, ads for fake beauty brands, and fun animal facts (mostly about cats, thanks to my firsthand research assistant, Walek, my cat).

As a teenager, I spent (waaaaay too much) time listening to music and play little made up music videos in my head. My playlist? A wild mix of love metal, Grechuta, Debussy, and...well let’s be honest, love metal always won (HIM forever, please don't judge me). Maybe if I’d spent that time learning math like my dad wanted, my life would look totally different. But hey, here we are.

one of my first comic from "Móf" series that I used to post online

From Clouds to Craft

Fast forward to university, when I said goodbye to math forever and fully embraced my “head-in-the-clouds” mode. Studying at the Academy of Fine Arts introduced me to stop motion animation, video art, and illustration. Suddenly, all those scattered pieces started to come together.

For my master’s thesis, I dove into the anthropology of storytelling and how therapeutic it can be. (Side note: if you haven’t read Clarrisa Pincola Estés, do yourself a favor and check her out!)

Still, my storytelling was mostly intuitive until I joined a fantastic team of Instructional Designers at Lufthansa Systems Poland. Our job? Turning super-complex technical data into visually tasty, easy-to-digest graphics and videos. Suddenly, my artsy instincts weren’t enough—I needed structure. Enter Ruth Colvin Clark, Kirkpatrick’s Model, and lots of caffeine.

frame form short animation made for Lufthansa

In my later job as a freelance multimedia designer, visual storytelling became the central part of what I do. Whether I’m designing a complex visual identity for a family bakery, animating an explainer video about IVF research, or creating a music video for a European Solidarity Centre Christmas carol, telling the story is at the core of all of it.

my latest work: a music video made for European Solidarity Centre

My (Unapologetically Personal) Guide to Visual Storytelling

So here’s my no-nonsense, slightly biased guide to crafting a killer visual narrative:

1. Start with a Clear Story

• Define Your Goal: What are you trying to say, and why does it matter?

• Understand Your Audience: This is critical, especially in instructional design. Sometimes, we dream up these epic, Lord of the Rings-length scenarios, when all the client actually needs is a well structured PDF.

• Use a Narrative Arc: Structure your visuals with a beginning, middle, and end to create an actual journey.

  
  

2. Keep It Simple (Seriously)

• Less is More: Don’t clutter your visuals. Stick to what matters.

• Composition is Key: Use those "fancy" rules like the rule of thirds or leading lines—they work for a reason.

• Focus, Focus, Focus: Make sure the main idea is impossible to miss.

  
  

3. Don’t Skip the Feels

• Colors and Lighting: Use these to set the tone and mood (more of this on my colour theory piece)

• Human Connection: Show faces, emotions, and real stories. It’s how we connect.

• Flow and Pacing: Keep the rhythm natural—don’t rush or drag.

  
  

4. Sprinkle in Some Symbolism

• Layer It: Add subtle elements that reward close attention.

• Universal Icons: Use imagery people instantly “get.”

• Play with Metaphors: A picture’s worth a thousand words, right?

  
  

5. Experiment (Like, A Lot)

• Angles and Movement: Play with camera angles, depth, and motion for dynamic visuals.

• Typography that Pops: If you’re adding text, make it part of the story, not an afterthought.

• Music and Sound: Never underestimate the power of a killer soundtrack.

  
  

And there you have it—my take on visual storytelling. Whether you’re crafting a training video or just doodling cats, it’s all about connection, emotion, and a little bit of magic.

Now, go tell your story!