How do you develop your data visualization skills and portfolio?

(a) Practice consistently - Regularly create visualisations using real-world datasets to improve & diversify your skills. (b) Learn tools & software - Master tools like Tableau, PowerBI, & R for comprehensive data visualisation capabilities. (c) Seek feedback - Share your work with professionals & peers to gain insights & improve. (d) Engage in projects - Participate in relevant projects or competitions to apply skills in practical scenarios. (e) Study experts' work - Analyse professional visualisations to understand effective techniques & styles. (f) Document your journey - Maintain a detailed portfolio showcasing your progress & variety of work.

Before delving into creating charts and graphs, it's essential to grasp the basics of data visualization. This includes understanding design principles, color theory, typography, layout techniques, and storytelling in the context of data presentation. Additionally, knowing how to select the most suitable visualization type for your data and target audience, as well as recognizing and avoiding common mistakes, is crucial. Resources such as books, courses, blogs, podcasts, and other educational materials can help you master these fundamentals.

Using tools like SQL and Tableau along with real datasets took my learning to a new level. The amount of practice to create complex work helped me land my first data role last year.

To improve your data visualization skills, practice with real data sets. Look for data from sources like government agencies, nonprofits, media outlets, or research institutions, or use your own data from work or personal projects. Choose data that interests you and challenges you to analyze and present it effectively. Use tools like Excel, Tableau, Power BI, or R to create your visualizations, depending on your expertise and preference. Practicing with real data helps you gain hands-on experience and improve your ability to communicate insights visually.

To enhance your data visualization skills, seek feedback and inspiration from others. Engage with online communities, forums, or groups dedicated to data visualization on platforms like Reddit, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Facebook. Participate in events, challenges, or competitions that encourage you to showcase your work and receive feedback. Additionally, follow data visualization experts, influencers, or publications to learn from their techniques and approaches. Getting feedback and drawing inspiration from others can help you refine your skills and stay updated with the latest trends in data visualization.

Imagine yourself as an artist, your portfolio is your gallery; a display of your artistry for everyone to see your abilities.

Data visualization isn't just about presenting numbers; it's about telling a compelling story with data. Think beyond charts and graphs to create narratives that resonate with your audience. For example, instead of merely showing sales figures over time, tell the story of how a marketing campaign led to a spike in sales during a specific quarter. This approach not only engages viewers but also helps them understand the context and significance of the data. Collaboration can elevate your data visualization efforts. Partnering with domain experts, designers, or data analysts can bring fresh perspectives and insights into your visualizations.