As data visualization practitioners, we often start by asking, "Who is my audience?" This is the foundation of what we do, guiding our design decisions, shaping the way we tell stories, and influencing how we share insights. But over the years, I’ve found myself pondering a deeper question: Who do I viz for?
I’ve created a variety of visualizations—some that resonated deeply with the community and gained attention, and others that flew under the radar. As I reflect on these works, I realize that the ones I hold most dear aren't necessarily the ones that received the highest views or the loudest applause. Instead, the vizes feel personal, mark a milestone, or push me creatively beyond what I thought was possible. They are reminders of my growth, my struggles, and the passion I’ve poured into this craft.
The Visualizations I’ve Created: Hits and Misses
"Creating for me" means balancing the urge to experiment and challenge myself with the reality of audience reception. I’ve learned that not every project will hit big, and that’s okay. Some of my most popular works didn’t push me to my limits, while others that may not have gained as much traction were the ones that took me on a deeper creative journey.
Top Performers (Visualizations that resonated with a broader audience):
Click any viz image to navigate to Tableau Public.
Find Your Zodiac Match
Views: 25,317 | Favorites: 136
Inspired by a funny conversation with a friend, this interactive, astrology-themed viz was a playful exploration of zodiac signs. It blended lighthearted entertainment with engaging design, showcasing a creative challenge I enjoyed tackling in Tableau.
Ellen
Views: 16,076 | Favorites: 275
This viz explored Ellen's life and contributions, with a focus on creating a timeline. The playful and relatable nature of the design resonated with many, sparking conversation and engagement around her impact and career.
Glee
Views: 13,279 | Favorites: 265
Glee’s fanbase helped push this visualization to the top. Combining a beloved TV show with creative data storytelling and bringing the music of the show to life was a hit for all.
Audrey
Views: 10,974 | Favorites: 202
Inspired by watching Breakfast at Tiffany’s, I created this tribute to Audrey Hepburn, blending her iconic status with elegant design. The visual celebrates her timeless style and cinematic legacy, resonating with fans of both her films and classic fashion.
Betty White - The First Lady of Television
Views: 10,557 | Favorites: 120
Inspired by watching The Golden Girls, this tribute to Betty White celebrates her lasting impact as a beloved television icon. Her career was a huge creative inspiration, and this visualization honors her legacy.
Low Performers (Visualizations that didn’t gain much attention):
Preattentive Attributes
Views: 41 | Favorites: 2
This visualization was purely for fun, a playful exploration of preattentive attributes in design. While it didn’t attract a broad audience, it allowed me to experiment and dive deeper into the nuances of effective visualization techniques.
Oh Christmas Tree
Views: 45 | Favorites: 1
A holiday-themed viz with a Bauhaus-inspired design, featuring fun Christmas facts. Though it didn’t reach a wide audience, it was a fun experiment.
Data Art: Mid Century
Views: 36 | Favorites: 0
An experimental blend of data visualization and mid-century art, this one was more of a personal exploration. I created it because I thought it was pretty. That was fun!
CincyTUG
Views: 30 | Favorites: 0
Created for a Tableau User Group event in Cincinnati, this visualization didn’t extend beyond the local audience. It was till fun to create and speak to.
DataFam Functions
Views: 32 | Favorites: 0
In this viz, I pushed myself to try something new, using treemaps to explore various Tableau functions for the DataFam community. It was a valuable learning experience.
What Do the Views Really Mean?
For a long time, I let the views determine the value of my work. High views meant success and low views meant failure. But over time, I’ve come to realize that this is an oversimplified view of what it means to create.
The truth is, that views don’t always reflect the full value of a viz. Some of my most creative and challenging projects didn’t attract the biggest audiences but were pivotal in my personal growth. They were opportunities to experiment, learn new techniques, and refine my process. These works don’t have the numbers to boast about, but they have the significance that only I, as the creator, can truly appreciate.
A Journey in Creation
These are some of my favorite visualizations, not because of the views or favorites, but because of the stories they tell. Each of these holds a viz of my personal journey—moments of creativity, growth, and passion that transcend the numbers. While they may not have captured widespread attention, they represent the essence of why I create: for the stories, the connections, and the joy of the process.
Remembering The Wizard of Oz
Views: 2,526 | Favorites: 35
Created as a tribute to one of my favorite childhood movies, this visualization captures the magic of Dorothy’s journey in the Land of Oz. There is a deep personal story woven into the data of this viz and for that reason it will always be a favorite.
Elton John - Music That Travels The World
Views: 4,976 | Favorites: 68
A vibrant tribute to Elton John's legacy, this viz captures the energy of his performances. It reminds me of the joy of creative freedom.
The Ripple Effect
Views: 6,370 | Favorites: 63
This viz is a deeply emotional one for me and reflects the ripple impact addiction has on family and loved ones, capturing the profound effects of such challenges.
The Love Legacy: Secrets of Longevity in the Blue Zones
Views: 727 | Favorites: 10
This viz on Blue Zones explores love, connection, and the legacies we leave behind. It was a fun and thought-provoking project, offering a chance for self-reflection on what makes life fulfilling and meaningful.
Mike’s Legacy
Views: 143 | Favorites: 0
This viz was created in remembrance of my Uncle Mike and his years of service. It became a way of grieving and celebrating his life—a heartfelt tribute to a personal inspiration.
HIMYM Love Won, but Fans Lost?
Views: 283 | Favorites: 15
A fun tribute to How I Met Your Mother, packed with references and humor from the show. My favorite Iron Viz entry to date, this project was a joy to create, allowing me to explore one of my all-time favorite shows in a uniquely visual way.
Arts Blooming in Ohio
Views: 1,414 | Favorites: 19
Reflecting on my journey growing up and my love of art, this visualization celebrates the growth and blossoming creativity that led me to discover art as a career. It’s a personal nod to the beauty of exploration and the power of creative expression.
Creating for Yourself vs. Creating for Others
There’s always been a tension between creating for myself and creating for others. On one hand, I want to push my boundaries, challenge myself, and create work that reflects my journey. On the other hand, there’s a desire to inspire others, to contribute to the community, and to create work that resonates beyond my personal growth.
But I’ve realized that the best work happens when I strike a balance between the two. The most impactful visualizations I’ve created came when I stayed authentic to my vision while still being mindful of how others might engage with it. It’s not about choosing one over the other, but about creating with passion and purpose.
The Power of Sharing Your Work
One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned in this journey is the power of sharing—not just the finished product, but the entire creative process. When we share our work, we invite feedback, collaboration, and engagement, all of which foster growth.
For me, sharing has been about more than just showing off a polished visualization; it’s been about opening up the conversation and learning from the community. Feedback, whether positive or not, is a tool for growth. It helps refine our ideas, improve our skills, and ultimately create better work.
The act of sharing is cyclical. We share our work, others engage with it, and we grow together. The community grows stronger, and so do we as creators.
Conclusion: The Journey is Just as Important as the Destination
In the end, the question remains: Who do you viz for? The answer is not just one person, one audience, or one purpose. It’s about creating for yourself, for your growth, and for the community that inspires and challenges you. The journey of creation—of pushing boundaries, experimenting, and learning—is as valuable as the views, likes, and recognition that come along the way.
So, whether my visualizations hit big or go unnoticed, I’ve come to appreciate the journey. Each viz, each challenge and each moment of feedback helps me grow—not just as a data visualization practitioner, but as a creator. The most meaningful work is the one that tells my story and marks my growth, and I hope that resonates with others, too.
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