J·C·Fjelstul
Consulting LLC

Data Visualization

A compelling story
told through data.

Publication-quality charts, editorial data features, and bespoke interactive experiences. Every design decision serves the argument — and every argument is grounded in the data.

Data Visualization

Data Visualizations

Charts built to inform, not to decorate.

The Challenge

Most data visualizations produced inside organizations are built for speed, not clarity. Default chart styles, inconsistent color usage, unlabeled axes, and missing context leave audiences doing interpretive work that the chart should have done for them. When a visualization appears in an investor deck, an annual report, or a technical publication, the quality of the chart signals the quality of the analysis behind it.

The Solution

I design and produce polished, publication-ready data visualizations following the standards of serious data journalism — the visual vocabulary of outlets like the Financial Times and The Economist. Each chart is built from a clear argument: what does this data show, and what does the reader need to see? Typography, color, annotation, and layout all serve that argument. You receive editable source files for future updates and a style guide for visual consistency across your organization.

Deliverables

Final visualization in multiple formats (PNG, SVG, PDF) at print and web resolution

Editable source files (R or Python code, fully commented)

Data sources and transformation scripts

Style guide with colors, fonts, and specifications for visual consistency

Timeline

3 – 5 days per visualization: data preparation and initial design, iteration rounds, finalization.

Typical Investment

$1,000 – $3,000

Chart complexity is the primary driver — a single clean panel with well-structured data sits toward the lower end; multi-panel layouts, custom chart types, or heavily messy source data sit toward the upper. Additional revision rounds beyond the standard two or three, rush delivery, and high-stakes usage also affect pricing.

Payment schedule
50%upon contract signing
50%upon final publication-ready delivery
Data Visualization

Immersive Data Features

Original analysis, compelling narrative, publication-ready.

The Challenge

Data features — long-form pieces that combine original analysis, written narrative, and custom visualizations — are among the most effective forms of content marketing and thought leadership for data-driven organizations. They're also difficult to produce well. They require rigorous analysis, strong writing, and visual design working together. Many organizations either don't attempt them or produce versions that fall short of their potential.

The Solution

I produce complete data features: exploratory analysis to find the story in your data, narrative development, professional technical writing, and 3 – 5 custom visualizations. The result is a piece suitable for your blog, a white paper, a research report, or a major industry publication. The writing is aimed at your target audience, the analysis is rigorous, and the visuals are built to the same standard as the publication-quality visualization service.

Deliverables

Publication-ready article in Markdown or HTML format (1,000 – 2,500 words)

3 – 5 final visualizations in multiple formats (SVG, PNG, PDF)

All data and analysis code (Python or R, documented)

Full rights to republish and adapt content

Timeline

3 – 4 weeks: data exploration and story development, first draft of narrative and visualizations, revision rounds, finalization.

Typical Investment

$5,000 – $20,000

Depth of analysis and data complexity are the main drivers. A feature built on provided, clean data with a clear story sits toward the lower end. Complex analysis across multiple data sources, original data collection or scraping, investigative depth, or targeting a high-profile publication sit toward the upper end. Data acquisition costs — licensing, API fees — are billed separately at cost.

Payment schedule
40%upon contract signing
30%upon first draft delivery
30%upon final publication-ready delivery
Data Visualization

Interactive Data Experiences

Bespoke interactive visualizations that invite exploration.

The Challenge

Standard charts communicate a single, fixed view of data. When your data is complex enough to support multiple perspectives, or when your audience needs to explore it for themselves — filtering by their own parameters, zooming into regions they care about, comparing scenarios — a static visualization leaves value on the table. Interactive experiences can become signature assets for your brand and can be useful analytical tools for your users.

The Solution

I design and build custom interactive data experiences using D3.js and React — from exploratory analysis tools for internal teams, to public-facing data journalism features, to customer-facing analytics dashboards. I start with a discovery workshop to define the interaction model and user needs, develop a custom visual design system, sketch out UX mockups, and then build with a production-ready React component with full source code and a deployment guide. I ensure performance, accessibility, and responsiveness.

Deliverables

Production-ready React component with D3.js visualization

Complete source code with documentation

UX mockups and visual design system

Integration guide with embedding code and examples

Data API or pipeline for updates

User guide for maintaining and updating the experience

Timeline

6 – 10 weeks depending on complexity: discovery and UX design, core development and interactive features, testing and optimization, integration support and deployment.

Typical Investment

$10,000 – $50,000

Interaction complexity is the primary driver. Simple filtering and tooltips sit toward the lower end; coordinated multi-view exploration, real-time data, or novel visualization techniques sit toward the upper end. Data volume, update frequency, performance requirements, and integration complexity also affect scope.

Payment schedule
30%upon contract signing
20%upon core functionality delivery and design approval
20%upon completion of all features and testing
30%upon final deployment and integration
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From Problem Framing to Production.

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