Data Visualization with Alternative Mediums
A course by Olivia Johnson, Designer and Artist
Learn how to combine data visualization with unexpected mediums, such as embroidery, to create physical meaningful works of art and design
The unlikely fusion between embroidery and data visualization is what makes graphic designer Olivia Johnson’s work so unique. Through her work, she has created artistic pieces that raise awareness of social issues like women’s rights. Her work has been featured in publications like Brand New, Creative Boom, Page Magazine, and It’s Nice That.
In this online course, she takes you through her creative process to design and make an original data visualization piece with alternative materials. Discover how to craft a visual design that communicates a strong and important message.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 23 downloads
What's included in this course?
Begin by getting to know Olivia Johnson, Portland-based designer, and your teacher for this course. She shares her creative background, some of her favorite projects, and awards she’s won. Hear about the influences that have shaped and inspired her work.
Get an overview of different mediums for data visualization, how each adds their own meaning. Learn how to find and understand data online, how to distinguish a reliable source, and how to choose the most suitable information. Then, shift gears and learn about the basics of cross stitching and how to use it as a medium.
Next, Olivia gets into the basics of data visualization, and teaches you how to create your own charts in Illustrator. Discover how to translate your chart design to a cross stitch pattern, and finally start stitching the designs. See how to finish your piece, and how to mount it for display.
Explore Olivia’s tips and tricks on how to document your work and share it online. Wrap up the course by hearing Olivia’s final thoughts and advice on continuing on your journey in data visualization.
- 100% positive reviews (8)
- 363 students
- 14 lessons (2h 34m)
- 23 additional resources (6 files)
- Online and at your own pace
- Available on the app
- Audio: English
- English · Spanish · Portuguese · German · French · Italian · Polish · Dutch · Turkish · Romanian · Indonesian
- Level: Beginner
- Unlimited access forever
What is this course's project?
Create an embroidery piece that visualizes data to help spread awareness to an important cause.
Who is this online course for?
This course is for creatives who want to explore the intersection between craft and data visualization, as well as for experienced crafters who want to add an element of meaning through their work.
Requirements and materials
Basic knowledge in design software like Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator is beneficial, but not required. No previous experience in embroidery is needed, as Olivia teaches the basics.
To take this course, you need access to design software, and a camera to photograph your data piece. If you choose to use cross stitch to demonstrate your data like Olivia, you will also need embroidery thread, tapestry needle, embroidery hoop, scissors, and Aida cloth.
Reviews
Olivia Johnson
A course by Olivia Johnson
Olivia Johnson is a digital designer based in Portland, Oregon. Her work ranges from interactive experiences for large brands to hand-crafted textile artworks, all with the intention to utilize data to inform, illuminate, and educate a wide audience. Since graduating from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2016, she’s worked for Sosolimited in Boston, and is currently a senior designer at Instrument, where she creates digital experiences for clients including Instagram, Levi's, and Nike.
Her work has been featured in publications such as Brand New, It's Nice That, PAGE Magazine, and Creative Boom, and has been honored with awards from Core77, PRINT, and AIGA Boston.
Content
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U1
Introduction
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About Me
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Influences
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U2
Applying Data to Your Art
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Medium Adds Meaning
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Data Sources
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Introduction to Cross Stitch
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U3
Designing and Crafting Your Work
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Different Ways of Visualizing Data
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Creating Your Chart Design on Illustrator 1
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Creating Your Chart Design on Illustrator 2
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Translating Your Chart Design to a Pattern in Photoshop
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Begin Cross Stitching Your Project
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How to Finish Your Piece
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U4
Documentation and Sharing
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Documenting Your Work and Applying Digital Labels
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Sharing Your Work
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Advice
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FP
Final project
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Data Visualization with Alternative Media
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What to expect from a Domestika course
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Learn at your own pace
Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn from the best professionals
Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Meet expert teachers
Each expert teaches what they do best, with clear guidelines, true passion, and professional insight in every lesson.
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Certificates
PlusIf you're a Plus member, get a custom certificate signed by your teacher for every course. Share it on your portfolio, social media, or wherever you like.
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Get front-row seats
Videos of the highest quality, so you don't miss a single detail. With unlimited access, you can watch them as many times as you need to perfect your technique.
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Share knowledge and ideas
Ask questions, request feedback, or offer solutions. Share your learning experience with other students in the community who are as passionate about creativity as you are.
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Connect with a global creative community
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Watch professionally produced courses
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for beginners with no prior experience required in either data visualization or cross-stitch. All foundational concepts and techniques are explained step by step.
You’ll need basic cross-stitch supplies: Aida cloth, embroidery hoop, embroidery thread, needles, scissors, and access to a computer with Photoshop or Illustrator for digital components.
You’ll learn how to select, analyze, and visualize data using unconventional mediums like cross-stitch, crochet, and food, transforming information into unique, accessible art pieces.
The course teaches you to find reliable datasets from sources like Google Public Data and the World Bank, and guides you in evaluating, filtering, and choosing data best suited for your creative projects.
Yes, you’ll learn strategies to design and execute data visualizations that communicate and amplify social justice and advocacy themes using meaningful artistic choices.
No prior experience is required. The course covers essential Photoshop and Illustrator techniques for creating, editing, and labeling digital charts before translating them into physical art.
You’ll explore bar charts, spiral charts, pie charts, stacked area charts, waffle charts, and custom hand-crafted or physical visualizations using various artistic media.
Este curso es una preciosura.
la visualizacion de datos es un arte que puede ser muy interesante. arte que comunica de manera efectiva y bella. un registro para la historia,
Curso maravilhoso! Abriu minha mente sobre apresentação de dados
Es genial este curso!
Me encanta muy creativo