Pharrell's data graphics (sort of)
Pharrell's data graphics (sort of)
Holiday learning from MTV + Speeding 📚 to stockings
Hello from San Francisco. I spent part of today upgrading all 🇺🇸domestic book orders to 2-day shipping in hopes of getting more books to you and yours by Saturday Dec 24th. I will do the same for the next couple days for all who still need a spectacular present for a loved one. Please do not delay:
I know many of you have already given not-so-subtle hints that you want the Visionaries series underneath the tree. I’m looking forward to seeing more unboxing reactions in the coming weeks.
Viacom learnings
Nearly a decade ago I got an opportunity to produce some charts for Viacom, which owned VH1 and MTV at the time. The engagement began with a big flashy meeting overlooking Times Square, and ended with a leadership change in their ranks, and me never getting paid.
So, I have a folder of this project that went nowhere, was seen by no one, that I’ve never shown anyone.
The brief was, essentially, give us charts that look like hip-hop album covers. Here’s one of the better ones showing a big drop in MTV Nielsen ratings. (If you do not like this one then you really do not want to see the others!)
The experience taught me a little bit about the turbulence of working with clients as an independent creative.
But it was even more instructive because it illustrated the danger of overstepping your values. You see, I made all of these charts across that year’s holiday break. Imagine me, crouching over the laptop at the dining room table, surrounded by family who were celebrating Christmas. And what for? The charts went no where and I missed out on quality time.
It pains me to remember how desperate I was for any leads that would help me stay alive, hungry for each opportunity that would help me grow as an information designer. Yet, I wish I had stuck to my values, and had the confidence to tell Viacom that I would have their charts for them in the New Year.
Today, I’m still hungry for all opportunities to grow as an information designer (do you have one, let’s chat!). But they can wait a few weeks.
I hope that if you are lucky enough to spend the holidays with loved ones that you are able to cherish your time too.
What’s next?
There is an extraordinary amount of good work to do in 2023. I am still reflecting on where to direct my energies. Competing for my attention are:
how information graphics may better serve industry, including reviving some historic approaches
the role of information graphics in building a foundation of context for society
the intersection of AI and data graphics
telling my White House Covid-19 story
producing the second edition of Info We Trust
Wow, that’s a lot. 2023 is going to be great. Good thing we get a little break. See you next year!
Onward!—RJ