Nigel Holmes

File:Nigel Holmes at TED 2009.jpg

Nigel Holmes at TED 2009

Nigel Holmes is a British graphic designer, author, and theorist, best known for his work in information design and data visualization. Born in 1942 in England, Holmes has made significant contributions to the field of visual communication, particularly through his innovative and often humorous approach to presenting complex information.

Early Life and Education

Holmes was born in England and developed an early interest in art and design. He attended the Royal College of Art in London, where he studied graphic design and honed his skills in visual communication.

Career

Holmes began his career in the 1960s, working for various design firms in London. In 1977, he moved to the United States to join the staff of Time magazine as a graphics director. During his tenure at Time, Holmes became known for his distinctive style of infographics, which combined clarity with a playful, engaging aesthetic.

Time Magazine

At Time magazine, Holmes was responsible for creating visual explanations of complex subjects, ranging from scientific concepts to economic data. His work helped to popularize the use of infographics in mainstream media and demonstrated the power of visual storytelling.

Later Work

After leaving Time in 1994, Holmes founded his own design firm, Explanation Graphics, where he continued to produce infographics for a wide range of clients, including National Geographic, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. He has also authored several books on information design, including "Designer’s Guide to Creating Charts and Diagrams" and "Wordless Diagrams."

Philosophy and Style

Holmes is known for his belief that information design should be both informative and entertaining. He advocates for the use of humor and visual metaphors to make complex information more accessible and engaging. His style often features bold colors, simple shapes, and a clear hierarchy of information.

Awards and Recognition

Throughout his career, Holmes has received numerous awards for his contributions to graphic design and information visualization. He is a frequent speaker at design conferences and has taught courses on information design at various institutions.

Publications

• Designer’s Guide to Creating Charts and Diagrams
• Wordless Diagrams
• The Book of Everything

Related Pages

• Information design
• Data visualization
• Graphic design
• Infographics
• Time (magazine)
• National Geographic
• The New York Times
• The Wall Street Journal

See Also

• Edward Tufte
• David McCandless
• Hans Rosling