CHART

"The Data Sketches collaboration is a glorious tour de force: two people spur each other along a remarkable spiral of visualization creativity, and let the rest of us come along for the ride! Nadieh and Shirley share their sketches and code, experiments and explorations, reflections and realizations, eurekas and backtracks, and infectious enthusiasm. They each bring a unique vector, voice, and style to the 12 project topics; what unites them is deep technical chops and a superlative eye for design."

--Tamara Munzner, Professor of Computer Science at the University of British Columbia, Chair of the Executive Committee of IEEE Visualization, Author of Visualization Analysis and Design

"What a rare treat it is for Shirley and Nadieh to share their process so openly! We see not only the technical work—prototyping with real data, riffing from examples—but the circuitous emotional journey from rough concept to polished final product. Shirley and Nadieh are honest, entertaining, and insightful in their retrospectives. For anyone interested in visualization, their stories are a powerful lesson of how designs can be shaped to communicate effectively and with intent. And their openness and humility make the practice less intimidating, inviting newcomers to get started."

--Mike Bostock, Creator of D3.js and Founder of Observable

"The work of Nadieh Bremer & Shirley Wu is some of the most beautiful and exciting data visualization work being done today. They bring incredible aesthetics to complex data to enlighten and evoke joy in their audiences. In Data Sketches we get to see some of their best, most personal work and, more than that, we get their explanation of what inspired them and how they accomplished such amazing work. This book is a treat for both the eye and the mind."

--Elijah Meeks, Executive Director of the Data Visualization Society and Author

"This book brings the perfect blend of ingredients together for a nourishing recipe of inspiration and knowledge beneficial to beginners and experienced practitioners alike. Nadieh and Shirley are generational talents. Through their data visualisation work they relentlessly exhibit a wide spectrum of capabilities across the creative, editorial, analytical, and technical dimensions. Above all, they are wonderful communicators. They know how to skilfully communicate to audiences through data. And now, through this book, they share detailed stories of their process giving us the privilege of learning what, why and how they do what they do."

--Andy Kirk, Data Visualisation Specialist, Author, and Editor of visualisingdata.com

"Nadieh Bremer and Shirley Wu are wondrous eccentrics. Their splendid book is the product of a collaborative experimental project, Data Sketches, that might be one of the first exponents of an emerging visualization orthodoxy in which uniqueness is paramount and templates and conventions are viewed with scepticism."

--Alberto Cairo, Knight Chair at the University of Miami and Author - from the Foreword

"Nadieh Bremer and Shirley Wu’s Data Sketches collaboration is a great example of what you can do with data visualization beyond a standard chart. They show that visualization can be both useful and beautiful. They show the many possibilities when you put thought into the data and the visuals. The best part of Data Sketches is that Bremer and Wu documented their processes, so that you can learn the tools they used, the messiness of the data, and how they get over the bumps along the way."

--Nathan Yau, Creator of FlowingData and Author

"Written in an approachable, first-person angle, this book is a delightful behind-the-scenes look at the process for creating any sophisticated data visualization. It provides many personal tips for every stage of development, from data collection and analysis, to sketching and final production. The authors have done a tremendous job in demystifying a normally opaque practice. They made it seem so easy you will want to start on your own project right away."

--Manual Lima, Design Lead, Author, Mentor, and Lecturer. RSA Fellow. TED Speaker. Founder of VisualComplexity.com.

"As an educator focused on computational media, I consistently point students towards Shirley and Nadieh's work for inspiration. I am so thrilled and excited that they've synthesized years of hard work and exploration into Data Sketches, which is now my go-to resource for coders interested in creative expression and storytelling with data!"

--Dan Shiffman, Author, Director of The Processing Foundation, Associate Arts Professor at ITP/IMA, Tisch School of the Arts, NYU

"A visual duet to savor! This tag-team visualization bonanza is a total knockout!"

--Jim Vallandingham, Data Visualization Designer and Data Scientist at Zymergen

"In CHART, Nadieh Bremer shows the beauty of pushing beyond the ordinary chart. From sketching ideas to combining chart types and finding inspiration in the unexpected, Nadieh brings the process to life with vivid examples, inviting readers to reimagine what's possible when we embrace creativity in data storytelling. This book is a gift to anyone who works with data—Nadieh's insights will inspire you to experiment, think differently, and create visuals that connect with your audience in new ways."
-- Cole Nussbaumer Knaflic, author of Storytelling with Data and founder of Storytelling with Data

"CHART is a fantastic resource that showcases Nadieh Bremer’s stunning portfolio of artistic data visualisations and data art, while also offering an engaging glimpse into her thought processes and creative journey. With her friendly and inspiring tone, Nadieh guides readers through every step of her unique approach to blending the conventional with the artistic, making this book a valuable source of ideas and inspiration for both newcomers and experienced practitioners. Most of all, it’s a celebration of pushing boundaries in creative data visualisation, which is sure to make you eager to embark on your next project."
--Neil Richards, Tableau Visionary Hall of Fame, author of Questions in Dataviz

"A grand chef of data visualization, continuously crafting new dishes which are always — whether sweet or tasty — a feast for the eyes, Nadieh excels at sharing meticulously documented recipes that blend technique and art. No doubt this beautiful cookbook will inspire you to bake your own most yummy charts."
-- Fil Rivière, Cartographer and data visualization engineer at Observable

"Nadieh Bremer's data visualizations are beloved for good reason. She embraces the complexity of data to create beautiful experiences that delight, spark curiosity, and reveal meaning. Her work feels magical; seemingly beyond reach. Yet, in CHART, Nadieh generously shares her process, speaking to the reader as a friend and peer, inviting us to join her. Nadieh reassures us that "when you're exploring designs, nonsense sketches are completely fine" and steps through how she learned from failed attempts to create exquisite final products. She tells how we too can blow open the space of possibility and illustrates how tiny details crafted with deep intentionality make all the difference. Moreover, Nadieh describes concrete, specific actions we can each take to bring similar richness into our own creative processes and data-driven work. You'll delight in this book from the moment you open it, discovering more with each return visit."
-- Zan Armstrong, data visualization expert whose work has been used by SFMOMA, Stanford, Google Research, the White House, and the Dalai Lama

"In the evolving world of data visualization, CHART offers a fresh and thoughtful perspective. Having explored similar ideas myself, which I've called Data Humanism, I really appreciate how Nadieh brings her own unique voice to the conversation, embracing complexity and creativity in ways that inspire new thinking about data.”
-- Giorgia Lupi, partner at Pentagram, founder of Accurat and author of This is Me and Only Me and Dear Data

"Nadieh Bremer excels at creating captivating and memorable information-rich data disp lays. In CHART she provides a series of prompts and recommendations—informed by her own experiences—for other data designers who are hungry for inspiration. If you're stuck in a world of bar charts and line charts and looking to stretch your own capabilities beyond standard visualization forms, this book is for you. This book is also for you if you simply take delight in the creative process and love learning how projects evolve. Nadieh walks us through everything from guiding principles and pencil sketches to color and keys. She describes how she has iterated through both dead ends and bursts of insight, ultimately resulting in aesthetically pleasing and bespoke final products."
--Jen Christiansen, senior graphics editor at Scientific American and author of Building Science Graphics

"Everyone has seen Bremer’s beautiful work and wondered how she came up with yet another creative idea. CHART walks you through her process, revealing her thoughtfulness, attention to detail, and willingness to iterate. Yes, you’ll be inspired by her final products. But your own process of creating data visualization will change by her model. Bremer gifts readers a structure for exploring data to find a story and pulling together a visual influenced by the data such that when you see the final visual, you think “Of course! This is a perfect way to tell this data story.”
--Stephanie Evergreen, author of 3 books on data visualization and founder of the Evergreen Data Visualization Academy

"On the inside data visualisation can be seen as a science shaped by absolutes and certainties, but on the outside it more an art with few absolutes and far less objectivity. It is in this corridor of subjectivity where creativity and innovative thinking is most permitted to flourish. Through the showcasing of her exquisite back catalogue of work Nadieh takes us to the boundaries of the possible. She generously coaches us through what it takes to strive for and achieve the most enigmatic qualities of charm, elegance, and impact. There is nobody more uniquely talented, more evidently qualified, and more capable of inspiring others to unlock their x-factor."
--Andy Kirk, Independent Data Visualisation Expert and author of Data Visualisation: A Handbook for Data Driven Design

"Nadieh Bremer’s CHART is a glorious celebration of the art and craft of creative data visualization — data with soul! As someone who has long championed data visualization as a unique space where data and cognition meets the senses and intuition, I deeply appreciate Nadieh’s relentless creative explorations, pushing past the obvious and embracing a playful sense of wonder. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or just beginning your journey, this book will challenge you, encourage you, and remind you why we fell in love with data visualization in the first place."
--Moritz Stefaner, independent data visualization expert at Truth & Beauty

"This beautifully crafted book by award-winning data visualization designer Nadieh Bremer is an invaluable source of inspiration for creating innovative and visually striking data visualizations. Nadieh's approach resonates deeply with my own creative process, showcasing the journey from concept to captivating visual narrative. Her meticulous documentation, including detailed sketches and early prototypes, offers readers a rare glimpse into the evolution of each project. This comprehensive guide is essential for anyone seeking to expand their horizons and explore the boundless potential of data visualization, from novices to seasoned practitioners."
--Jan Willem Tulp, Datavizioneer, TULP interactive

"Nadieh Bremer’s CHART is our much-needed antidote to predictable and ordinary charts. It is a practical guide to balancing clarity and beauty in a time when charting software limits creativity and reinforced practices have created a sea of homogeneity. CHART offers insights across the spectrum—from refining simple charts with thoughtful visual enhancements to embracing randomness in data art. Bremer is a luminary of our generation, and this book is a generous invitation into her creative process. Each page is a visual feast, packed with real case studies and stunning visuals from her many client and personal projects. CHART is the essential companion for data designers striving to create beautiful, informative visuals in an increasingly complex and nuanced world."
--Shirley Wu, co-author of Data Sketches and independent data visualization expert

"Nadieh Bremer has distilled a splendid series of lessons from her deep reservoir of spectacular custom freelance visualization work to show us all how to go above and beyond: beyond the defaults, beyond the basics, beyond the boring, beyond the standard chart types, beyond the same old stuff, beyond the simplistic, beyond our previous limits! This book will inform and intrigue every designer, from fledgling to veteran, through Nadieh's thoughtful yet approachable voice."
--Tamara Munzner, Professor, Department of Computer Science, University of British Columbia. Author of Visualization Analysis and Design