iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Amanda Shendruk @not-ship.com · 24/09/2026

One of the msot famous data visualizations of all time actually does a lot of things wrong. No axes, no labels, no text or numbers at all! But does that make it a bad chart? www.not-ship.com/warming-stri...

not-ship.com

No axes, no labels, no numbers: How this chart became a climate change icon

A data visualization designed to start conversations, not report numbers

094

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Alberto Cairo @albertocairo.com · 24/09/2026

In the newsletter: "Visualization as epistemic representation" openvisualizationacademy.beehiiv.com/p/visualizat... Or: Building bridges between information design and the philosophy of science & scientific representation #dataViz #dataVisualization #infographics

A diagram depicting the cycle of epistemic representation. An object called the "vehicle" (a chart, for example) represents another object, called the "target" (for instance, a data set). The reader of the "vehicle" can make inferences about the vehicle itself, and later they can use those inferences to make inferences about the "target"

2227

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Moritz Stefaner / Truth & Beauty @moritzstefaner.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Looking forward to speaking in New York on Monday, September 21 as part of the "Underground Science. Underground Stories." panel at Narrative Change Summit @ the Climate Film Festival 2026 during #ClimateWeekNYC luma.com/usdw1nsy Come by and say hi in case you are around!

194

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Jan Willem Tulp @tulpinteractive.com · 10/09/2026

Excellent #dataviz community @bsky.app #starter-pack go.bsky.app/R3nSyyy by @chezvoila.com Follow the best in the world and share!

041

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 08/09/2026

An intensive Climate Solutions and Strategies course I’ve enrolled in had its first session today. And damn, I’m excited. Such a warm welcome from the organizers, who are serious about fostering a co-learning community of care. Bring on the readings, lectures, conversations, and projects! 😍🌏📓

051

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 08/09/2026

No worries! You aren’t the first to mix us up on socials.

000

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Alberto Cairo @albertocairo.com · 03/09/2026

Thoughts about GenAI & design in the newsletter: "Cognitive augmentation, cognitive surrender, and oblivious centaurs" openvisualizationacademy.beehiiv.com/p/cognitive-... #dataViz #infographics #dataJournalism #dataVisualization

openvisualizationacademy.beehiiv.com

Cognitive augmentation, cognitive surrender, and oblivious centaurs

We're back with a new introductory course in the Open Visualization Academy

0124

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 24/08/2026

Thanks for your kind words! And thanks for being a fabulous collaborator—generous with your data and expertise—for the graphics in that article.🌳

010

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 15/08/2026

Bonus: An illustration by @daisychung.bsky.social —part of a graphic that I art directed for a 2020 @sciam.bsky.social article on Elpistostege watsoni— appeared on screen in the formal presentation for tourists 🤩. You can see the full graphic here: www.scientificamerican.com/article/how-... #sciart

Photo of screen with a fish fin anatomy illustration projected on it. A national park guide next to the screen directs attention to a detail within the illustration with a pointer.

020

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 15/08/2026

Such a treat to visit Parc national de Miguasha today. Pretty amazing to see Devonian fossils in a museum setting, then pop outside and walk along the riverside cliffs from which they were unearthed.

Museum case holding a prepared fossil of E. watsoni. The full length of the fish is present, assembled like a puzzle from about 20 pieces of rock.

View down a wide river. Small boulders make up the shore in the foreground. Cliffs are visible in the background.

160

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 01/08/2026

Luckily it was beautiful when I arrived Wednesday evening, so I could enjoy the lake views. Kicking myself for not recalling that you’re based in this area. Missed opportunity for a meet up. I’m heading out now. Perhaps next time!

010

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 01/08/2026

Side note: Medical illustrators have a very strong accessories and nerd clothing game. Saw an enviable larger-than-life 3D printed all white heart purse on a chain 🫀. I wish I had taken photos.

060

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 01/08/2026

…to a thoughtful report on the problematic histories intertwined with many oft-cited anatomical references (paired with recommendations for action), to tales from a special effects sculptor. And so much more.

120

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 01/08/2026

What a pleasure to see old friends and meet new folks. My brain is full and my eyes are happy—albeit a bit tired. Such a wide breadth of presentations, from Dr. Shirlene Obuobi’s graphic medicine work… www.shirleneobuobi.com/comics

shirleneobuobi.com

Comics — Shirlene Obuobi

110

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 01/08/2026

Thanks to @carol-hrejsa.bsky.social and the Association of Medical Illustrators for inviting me to present on the art of planning and editing graphics at this year’s annual meeting in Madison, WI. #SciArt 🧵 ami.org meetings.ami.org/2026/

ami.org

AMI - Association of Medical Illustrators

The Associaton of Medical Illustrators (AMI) is a global community that promotes the power of visual media to advance scientific understanding, communication, education, and research.

2111

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 29/07/2026

Information Design Conference in the Netherlands has been on my bucket list for a while. So excited to be participating this year as a speaker! Perhaps I’ll see you there? Event is Oct 30. More info here: www.informationdesigncon.eu 📊 #dataviz #infodesign #IDC26

informationdesigncon.eu

Information Design Conference | Hilversum

Get ready for IDC26: an inspiring day about information design, infographics and data visualization in The Netherlands

0101

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 15/07/2026

More information on the science of pulsars is here, in part 2! www.scientificamerican.com/blog/sa-visu...

scientificamerican.com

Pop Culture Pulsar: The Science Behind Joy Division’s Unknown Pleasures Album Cover

020

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Kate Wong @katewong.bsky.social · 14/07/2026

Today at 10 AM EDT Sotheby's will start the live bidding on its natural history auction featuring one of the largest, most complete skeletons of T. rex ever found. It could fetch $30M+ and go to a private collector. Here's what science--and the public--stand to lose. My story for @wired.com 🧪

wired.com

Sotheby’s Big T. Rex Auction Raises Concerns Hype and Wealth Are Upending Science

Private buyers are increasingly outbidding museums for fossils. That’s making it difficult—or even impossible—for researchers to improve our understanding of the past.

715287

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 13/07/2026

On July 18 I’ll be moderating a panel with Matthew Butterick, James Silverberg, and Bill Westwood on Artists' Rights in the Face of AI. Interested in joining us? Register for the Guild of Natural Illustrators virtual conference: www.gnsi.org/conference/2... #sciart @gnsiart.bsky.social

gnsi.org

Guild of Natural Science Illustrators (GNSI) | Science Illustration & Visual SciComm

GNSI supports science illustrators and visual science communicators with professional development, exhibitions, publications, and networking.

071

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

Thanks for your kind words! I've always admired your & @unamandita.bsky.social's news graphic collabs. You were a @sciam.bsky.social health word/viz dream team! Feeling fortunate to have worked on your transplant feature. Sad that our special report schemes have been thwarted. 🤔 Up for a repitch? 😃

130

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

Daniel! It's been such a joy collaborating with you, and I suspect that will persist in some capacity. Your maps have heart. And your care for craft is palpable. I look forward to continued correspondence.

020

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

It's been a privilege and an honor to work on your stories, Ann! Thanks for your kind words.

020

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

Thanks for your kind words, Andy.

100

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

And if your interest was piqued by my mention of a book above, check out Building Science Graphics: An illustrated guide to communicating science through diagrams and visualizations (published by CRC Press, AK Peters Visualization series) www.buildingsciencegraphics.com [7/7]

buildingsciencegraphics.com

Building Science Graphics

Building Science Graphics is an illustrated guide to communicating science through diagrams and visualizations

1388

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

… colleagues and collaborators, mentors and mentees, interviewers and interviewees, conference buddies, social media mutuals, and new acquaintances with aligned passions for information design, science journalism, and/or science communication. Send me a DM. Let's set up a call. [5/7]

1140

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

I'm open to: Virtual or in-person chats. I'd love to talk with you! Calls over the past few weeks have underscored how much I value the people I've been fortunate enough to connect with over the years, including … [4/7]

1130

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

I cut my teeth at Scientific American, honed craft at National Geographic, managed my own business as an independent visual science communicator, returned to Scientific American, became a sought-after presenter, and wrote the book on science graphics. What’s next? [3/7]

1190

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

I’m an information designer at heart. But my experience, knowledge, and practical skills run broad and deep. I'm also a visual journalist, science communicator, art director, author, data visualizer, project manager, scientific illustrator, presenter, and editorial designer. [2/7]

1220

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 06/07/2026

In late June, Springer Nature sold Scientific American to LabX Media. I have since decided to step out of my role as a senior graphics editor for the magazine :: #sciart 📊 🧪 :: 🧵 [1/7]

510731

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Lauren J. Young @laurenjyoung.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Last week, my time as associate health editor at Scientific American came to an end when the publication was sold to a new owner. I will miss my brilliant colleagues more than words can say. I’m open to freelance work and full-time opportunities in newsrooms, classrooms and beyond. 🧵

25212

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Tanya Lewis @tanyalewis.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

After nearly 10 yrs at Scientific American, I was laid off yesterday. It's been the honor of my career working w/such brilliant, caring colleagues & writers. I'm proud of all we achieved and will always love this magazine. I'm #opentowork but first I plan to spend time "cultivating [my] own garden."

1511130

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Kate Wong @katewong.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Today is my last day at Scientific American, which has been sold to LabX media group. For three decades I've led the magazine's coverage of human origins, archaeology, paleontology, animal behavior, ecology, BIRDS. End of an era. Anyway this feels weird to say, but I'm now available for assignments!

671847456

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Dan Vergano @danvergano.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Scientific American is being sold to LabX Media, publisher of Discover: group.springernature.com/gp/group/med... They've fired me and other union staff, ahead of June 26 vote ratification. My rates are suddenly more reasonable, if you need editing or reporting - Argonaut2026@gmail.com

group.springernature.com

Springer Nature to divest its consumer media businesses | Springer Nature Group | Springer Nature

Strategic divestment of consumer media portfolio enables Springer Nature to focus on its core business Transaction supports the long-term development

93961574

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Meghan Bartels @meghanbartels.bsky.social · 24/06/2026

I’m so sad to share that yesterday was my last day at Scientific American. It was an honor to work alongside my incredible colleagues and to speak with researchers across the sciences. If you’re looking to hire staff or freelance, please consider me and my other laid off coworkers (🧵)

711212357

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 22/06/2026

Find a tick after a hike this weekend? My @sciam.bsky.social colleague @katewong.bsky.social calmly walks you through what to do, and beautiful identification illustrations by Diogo Guerra won’t gross you out as you arm yourself with information. www.scientificamerican.com/article/got-... 🧪 #sciart

scientificamerican.com

Bitten by a tick? Don’t panic—do this

Knowing what kind of tick bit you and where you got it can help inform next steps

67433

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Seth Fletcher @sethfletcher.bsky.social · 17/06/2026

Great @deborahb.bsky.social piece on what the past tells us about the current science-policy nightmare. "Maybe it could be seen as an opportunity,” one scientist tells her. "It’s like the opportunity you have to build a better house when yours burns down.” www.scientificamerican.com/article/scie...

scientificamerican.com

Scientists weathering Trump’s attacks on research can look to the past

It’s a complicated time to be a young scientist in America. Lessons from history can tell us what the future might hold

12317

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Scientific American @sciam.bsky.social · 16/06/2026

Meet our inaugural class of Young American Scientists: 28 researchers who are redefining the future of science. sciam.com/youngscientists

37924

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 12/06/2026

So calming! And those bird flashes are amazing. Thanks for sharing.

000

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 08/06/2026

This is fascinating! 🤩 Such a good investigative story about the ubiquitous place holding text—with a more satisfying conclusion than you might expect. m.youtube.com/watch?v=kL1P... (Thanks to @parshallison.bsky.social for sharing it with me)

m.youtube.com

The Unsolved Mystery of Lorem Ipsum

YouTube video by Rabbit Hole

180

Reposted by Jen Christiansen

Amanda Shendruk @not-ship.com · 04/06/2026

Everything feels the same. And AI won't help. Over and over, researchers put AI image generators in a feedback loop. All starting with a different prompt. What did they do? They converged on the same 12 generic image themes. They called it "visual elevator music." www.not-ship.com/nothing-new/

not-ship.com

Nothing new here: Another sequel, another lighthouse

Movies, music, everything feels the same. It's not your imagination.

23319

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 29/05/2026

In which Violet Frances describes how she developed the June @sciam.bsky.social cover art. The journey includes a print of Grace Jones & grappling w/what it means to be an artist in the age of generative AI. (Collabs like this one are why I love my job.) www.violetfrances.com/casestudies/... #SciArt

violetfrances.com

Scientific American — Violet Frances

A Cover About the Second Quantum Revolution

0112

Jen Christiansen @jenchristiansen.com · 20/05/2026

I meant to ask for non-Google *search engine* recommendations.

050