This is a moment for visualization...

My own concern with visualizations and data is getting a boost with Comics as Data project. I’m not a data scientist, so easy to use free platforms are key for me to think through the implication visualization data. We experimented with Tableau Public, but in the end, I found Flourish to be easier to use. A UK based firm, like Tableau Public you get access to the tool, but your data becomes public. This is not a concern for me since one goal of the project is to get people to use the dataset. If a real data scientist sees something I did and says “I can do better”, that is actually a really good thing.

My approach is to leverage my knowledge of comic history and culture to think about possible visualizations from the dataset. Thus images like the one below are as much about the data does not say as it is about the actual visualization.

Like everything in life right now, I think more people are becoming aware of Flourish because of the pandemic. The platform has been really useful to see the data around the pandemic. This reminds me of how powerful visualizations can be to generate understanding. It is a great thought exercise to use this tool to explore comics production in North America, but images like this one below are a sobering reminder of our current circumstances.

Take care of yourself.