Say it with a drawing.

Using Drawings in Hubs

Create the Image your Hub Needs

I know a lot of Hubbers have trouble finding the perfect legal-use image online that fits beautifully into a Hub. Usually, it's a great idea to take your own photos whenever possible, but every once in a while, a photograph isn't quite what your Hub needs. But don't give up on that Hub! Try drawing a picture. It may sound a little crazy if you don't consider yourself an artist, but a drawing can be a very poignant way to convey a message to your reader; even if you're no Picasso. Here are a few ways you can enrich your Hubs, even if you don't think you have any artistic talent:

• Illustrate words and phrases. You'd be surprised how much emotion you can inject into a Hub just by drawing words and phrases in different styles. Jagged letters can indicate anxiety or fear. Scrawly calligraphic letters can evoke feelings of luxury and relaxation. Bold block letters can add emphasis or give the impression of shouting.
• Try stick figures and other simple drawings. With a bit of imagination, you can do a heck of a lot with simple, easy-to-draw images. Ikea manuals are the perfect example. They convey complex steps and actions using only the most basic, nondescript outlines of people. Why not find out what you can do with a pencil and a bit of creativity?
• Use an online paint program to create basic shapes and designs. There are lots of great browser programs that can help you create beautiful, artistic images without having to download or install any software whatsoever. Sketchpad is similar to Microsoft Paint or Paintbrush for OS X. The art.com artPad is a simpler painting program perfect for beginners. And if you really want to get crazy, Flame Painter allows you to draw with smokelike effects in different colors and is extremely easy to use.

Christy Kirwan
Editor & Web Content Manager

6 Ways to Make Money from your Crochet

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by WrenchWench published 4 days ago

Shopping for a new used car, truck or van? Stop in at this hub first, so that you'll have a solid plan.

Why You Should Not Worry too Much about Editing as You Compose an Initial Draft

by Larry Rankin published 32 hours ago

This article gives an explanation of why you want to save most of your editing for the revision process.

How to Manage Your Time Better Using Cumulative Time Tracking and Work Weeks

by heidithorne published 23 hours ago

How long does it take to do any task? Sadly, many grossly underestimate the time required, leading to frustration and stress. Learn how to manage your time better with these time tracking techniques.

Wonder in the Classroom: Encouraging Inquiry

by elemenopy published 4 days ago

The importance of inquiry in the classroom, a little on its history, and the value of the essential question.

Psychological Thrillers That Will Have You Reeling For Days

by Jess Waters published 46 hours ago

Everyone loves a good movie but sometimes we want something that will mess with our minds. Psychological thrillers will change your world.

Toddlers vs. Grocery Shopping

by Pandemommium published 3 days ago

Toddler: 5 points, Grocery Shopping: a 5-star headache

5 Natural Skin Care Options Reviewed

by andreajoy published 5 days ago

There are a lot of natural skin care how-tos and recipes out there, but how do they actually work? I have tried a few, and here are my top five choices for DIY natural skin care.

Best Cocktail Recipes for Gin Lovers

by vespawoolf published 6 days ago

Surprise and please your dinner guests with a Bitter Bees cocktail, one of the most popular gin cocktails of the moment. Also included are two cocktail variations just to switch things up.

Why Do Men Cheat? Reasons Why He Could Be Unfaithful.

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Easy to Make Mothers Day Craft Ideas

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Five Easy Ways to Save More Money

by Kathleen Odenthal published 44 hours ago

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10 Biggest Manhunts of All Time

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Computer drawings can enhance your Hub!

Awesome Artistic Hubbers

Here are a couple Hubbers we think are doing a particularly fabulous job of incorporating drawings into their Hubs:

5 Words That Make You Suck as a Human Being by dragonflycolor

Why it's awesome: We LOVE the way she uses text to convey so much meaning. Words alone can make such a powerful case for kindness.

Watercolor vs. Gouache by rosalocke

Why it's awesome: She uses simple drawings and charts to elegantly illustrate the difference between two artistic styles. Very clever!

How to Support an Unknown Artist Without Spending Money by Mir Foote

Why it's awesome: We're all for patronizing the arts in every possible way, and we love how her computer drawings give life and color to this wonderful Hub.

For more on illustrating Hubs, visit our past Blog post on the subject:
http://blog.hubpages.com/2012/10/using-illustrations-to-augment-your-hubs/

This Week's Rising Stars

Below you'll find this week's  Rising Star winners. Our candidates showed off their skills in the Religion and Philosophy Topic.

Since Hubbers are only eligible for the Rising Star Competition during their first 60 days at HubPages, our winners represent the hottest new talent. Why not read their Hubs?

Christy Kirwan

Praying the Anglican Rosary

There is a rich history of many religions using aids for prayer and meditation. The Anglican Rosary is the new kid on the block and critical to seeking God in the stillness of contemplation.

Miracles Are Not Miraculous

You've likely experienced something out of the ordinary; perhaps you've had a string of good luck, or recovered inexplicably from an illness. But why do these events happen, and how common are they?

Rats in the Cosmic Laboratory: Is God a Scientist?

Step into the realm of speculation with me. In this article we will explore the possibility that God is a scientist and our universe (and any others) is an experiment in-progress.