Pictograms: A view from the drawing board or, what I have learned from Otto Neurath and Gerd Arntz (and jazz)

This article sets out to discuss the practical development of pictograms and the thoughts that lead to their final visual shape. It explains the personal considerations that combine all issues that are related to making graphics, such as drawing, technique, conventions, and commercial aspects. The article explains how ISOTYPE and its designer Gerd Arntz influences current day-to-day work. By drawing parallels with jazz, different approaches to drawing graphics are shown and explained.