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In-Person Workshops

Persuasive Data Graphics

with RJ Andrews

Data graphics are magical. Come learn how to make pictures that can help us discover and discuss otherwise invisible phenomena.

  • Date
  • Time
  • What Type West Public Workshop
  • Where In Person at Letterform Archive

Workshop fee includes a copy of Andrews’s new book Info We Trust Remastered, an illuminating journey into the world of data storytelling.

We will dissect the elements that make data graphics spectacular, ranging from choosing effective visual metaphors to picturing uncertainty and the subtle art of color-encoding. We will critique and we will make. Our emphasis will be on the hard human decisions necessary to create effective data graphics.

This class’s perspective is technology-agnostic. By the end of the class we will have studied bar charts, line graphs, thematic maps, color engineering, table design, and lots more. Activities will include data-sketching warm-ups, presentation of information-design theory, and interactive exercises. 

We will analyze masterpieces of information design, not just formal visual aspects, but also the craft and context of its creation to gain insights into how great information design actually happens. We will learn through mutual reflection and constructive critique. The engaged student will emerge from the workshop with more capabilities and enthusiasm for data graphics.

You should arrive able to:

  • Sketch simple geometries with paper and pencil
  • Use Google slides

Required Materials:

  • paper
  • pencil
  • laptop

Diversity and Equity Scholarship

Diversity and Equity are important to all of us at Letterform Archive, and we are committed to increasing opportunities for underrepresented groups within the type and design communities.

We are offering one BIPOC/Equity scholarship seat in this workshop.

To apply for this scholarship, please complete and submit to us the short form linked here at least a week prior to the start of the workshop.

RJ Andrews

RJ Andrews is a San Francisco data storyteller, author, and lecturer. By day, he tackles high-stakes problems for clients like The White House, MIT, and Google. By night, he studies the history of charts, maps, and diagrams. The overlap between RJ’s hands-on real-world practice and deep historical research gave rise to Info We Trust.

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