Data Visualization • Trends in Plastic Pollution

The following infographics represent trends in plastic pollution by Asian coastal populations, in 2010.

They're split between:

• Mismanaged plastics by country, in blue
• Four waste categories and most polluted rivers by country, in gold

The gold graphic adopts a vertical layout so we learn as we scroll down.

This format of data storytelling is called "Longform Infographic".

Enjoy!

These are the tools I used to design the graphics:

• A pencil and paper
• R Studio
• Illustrator
• Photoshop

I started this project by browsing my favorite artists' portfolios — Finding inspiration is super important!

Then I sketched some ideas on paper.

You can see the last draft below.

Once I had a good layout idea, I turned it into cool vector graphics!

This was done with the help of R Studio.

The script I wrote (you can see part of it below) imports tabular .csv data, and turns it into a radial bubble chart.

Then, I exported the result as a .pdf, for further vector editing in Illustrator.

Illustrator is great to refine vector shapes (where coding falls short).

Here, I used tools like the Pen to customize shapes, and Type to place labels exactly where I needed.

I also played around with color palettes.

All right, time to finish this one up with Photoshop!

I love using Photoshop to add subtle details to my infographics.

The main effects I used are:

• A paper texture overlay, created by the talented MadeByMighty
• A Clouds filter to make this texture even more convincing
• Drop and Inner Shadows for a papercut style
• Fun Blend Modes on overlapping shapes

Here's all the infographics put together. This is how the project was displayed at the Paris Region Institute's data art exhibition of 2023.

Check out my Behance portfolio to see the longform version of this project.

And if you liked it, you might also enjoy my workshop: Data Visualization with Photoshop.

Thanks for watching!