Data visualization makes visible the invisible patterns that surround us, allowing us to see beyond the numbers. In Data Sketches, Nadieh Bremer and Shirley Wu document the deeply collaborative, deeply creative process behind 24 unique data visualization projects. Spanning 12 different topics - from the Olympics to Presidents & Royals and from Movies to Myths & Legends - each pair of "wondrously eccentric" visualizations explores different technologies and forms, blurring the boundary between visualization as an exploratory tool and an art form in its own right. The book provides an intimate, behind-the-scenes account of all 24 projects and shares the authors' personal notes and drafts every step of the way.

The book features:

• Detailed information on data gathering, sketching, and implementing processes, with screenshots of works-in-progress and reproductions from the authors' notebooks

• Never-before-published technical write-ups, with beginner-friendly explanations of core data visualization concepts

• Practical lessons based on the data and design challenges overcome during each project

• Full-color pages, showcasing all 24 final data visualizations

This book is perfect for anyone interested or working in data visualization and information design, especially those who want to take the next step into creating unique and compelling data-driven storytelling.

"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!"

--Tamara Munzner, Author and Professor, University of British Columbia

"Shirley and Nadieh are honest, entertaining, and insightful in their retrospectives, 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 and Shirley Wu is some of the most beautiful and exciting data visualization work being done today."

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

Nadieh Bremer is an astronomer turned data scientist turned freelancing data visualization designer. Shirley Wu studied business and finance, graduated as a software engineer, and is now an independent data visualization designer. Connected by a mutual love for visualizing data, they bring a unique approach to visualization and refuse to be tied down by convention and available tools. The results are beautiful, innovative, and inspiring.

They are both award-winning and internationally recognized data visualization designers. Their past clients include Google, UNESCO, SFMOMA, and the New York Times.