The 3 things you need to become a better data designer (not one is about tech).

Do you want to improve your data visualization design and reporting skills? Stop worrying about technology.

The technology part of data visualization design has gotten easier and easier over the 15 years I’ve been designing and teaching design. If you are driven, with a few hours and a YouTube tutorial or two, you can figure out how to create just about anything.

It also doesn’t have to cost a bunch. Tools I use all the time, like Canva, Flourish, and Datawrapper, offer a ton of value for free.

So what do you actually need to become a better designer?

I believe it’s these three things.

1. Practice

Practice makes you better. This is true for everything, but it’s especially true for most data people hoping to improve their design skills. Most Masters and PhD programs don’t give you a lot of creative practice. Quite the opposite.

If you want to be a better creator, you need to create things.

2. Exposure

You need to know what’s possible. If you want to become a better writer, read more good books. If you want to become a better report designer, experience more good reports.

3. Support

Whether it’s a mentor or peer community, you need other people to turn to when you get stuck. Support is having someone you can ask for help. But it’s also having someone to give you encouragement or see the things in your own work that you are just missing.

DiY Data Design Action Club.

I run a membership community teaching data people how to become better designers. It’s built on the teaching philosophy I laid out in this post.

Yes. I have tutorials. Yes. I have courses. Yes. I have templates.

But none of that stuff really matters.

• What matters is that you find a way to practice that works for you.
• What matters is that you get exposure to different designs, reports, and tools.
• What matters is that you have someone you can ask for help. Preferably someone who inspires and encourages you to find your best creative self.

That’s it. I offer those those things through action club. And if you are interested, and like learning from me, you should consider joining.