Valentina D'Efilippo

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Valentina D'Efilippo
Valentina D'Efilippo

Academy

Master the Art of Visual Storytelling with Data

Ready to deliver insight with impact?

You won’t just learn how to make charts look good. You’ll learn how to bridge the gap between numbers and meaning.





Since 2013, we’ve trained thousands of individuals worldwide to think visually and strategically to transform data into stories that resonate. Our teaching is hands-on, tool-agnostic, and rooted in real practice. The result? You’ll leave with the skills and confidence to design and present data stories that inform, inspire, and open new doors in your career.

10+

Years teaching

70+

Corporate teams

10K+

People trained

Trusted by teams at

Enterprise Training

Designed to build internal capability, and spark cross-team collaboration. Can be delivered online or in person.

Starter

Half day

The Essentials of Visual Storytelling with Data

Deepdive

1 full day *

Effective Visual Storytelling with Data

Masterclass

2 full days *

The Art & Craft of Visual Storytelling with Data

Apply visual perception theory through encoding & decoding principles to make data instantly readable

Included

Included

Master the anatomy of effective displays using layout, colors, typography, and imagery strategically

Included

Included

Give specific feedback using proper data visualization vocabulary instead of vague comments

Included

Included

Leverage dataviz tools and AI to streamline the design process and enhance creativity

Included

Included

Not included

Choose appropriate chart types for different data /insights

Included

Not included

Apply charting conventions confidently, knowing the dos and don'ts for each visualization type

Included

Not included

Create innovative visual displays using metaphors and semiotics beyond conventional charts

Included

Not included

Not included

Transform data into stories using systematic frameworks for finding insights and crafting narratives

Not included

Not included

Formulate effective briefs considering audience, purpose, and medium before starting design

Not included

Not included

Present data ethically while maintaining compelling storytelling that drives action

Not included

Not included

Adapt content for different formats from executive presentations to public communications

Starter

Starter

Starter

Half day

The Essentials of Visual Storytelling with Data

The Essentials of Visual Storytelling with Data

The Essentials of Visual Storytelling with Data

Apply visual perception theory through encoding & decoding principles to make data instantly readable

Master the anatomy of effective displays using layout, colors, typography, and imagery strategically

Give specific feedback using proper data visualization vocabulary instead of vague comments

Leverage dataviz tools and AI to streamline the design process and enhance creativity

Deepdive

1 full day *

Effective Visual Storytelling with Data

Effective Visual Storytelling with Data

Effective Visual Storytelling with Data

Everything included in "Starter"

Choose appropriate chart types for different data /insights

Apply charting conventions confidently, knowing the dos and don'ts for each visualization type

Create innovative visual displays using metaphors and semiotics beyond conventional charts

Masterclass

2 full days *

The Art & Craft of Visual Storytelling with Data

The Art & Craft of Visual Storytelling with Data

The Art & Craft of Visual Storytelling with Data

Everything included in "Deepdive"

Transform data into stories using systematic frameworks for finding insights and crafting narratives

Formulate effective briefs considering audience, purpose, and medium before starting design

Present data ethically while maintaining compelling storytelling that drives action

Adapt content for different formats from executive presentations to public communications

Tailored Add-Ons

Add-on modules available for deeper practice and to build custom learning journeys that focus on your team’s unique needs.

The Clinic

A practical critique session to review your team’s existing work — from dashboards to slide decks. We identify what to improve and apply quick redesigns for clearer, more impactful storytelling. 

Design Sprint

An embedded session where I work alongside your team to solve a real communication challenge. We map ideas, prototype solutions, and build momentum — together. 

Presentation

Craft compelling narratives using tools like Keynote or PowerPoint. Learn how to design slides that inform, persuade, and engage.

Creativity Booster

Unlock fresh ideas and deepen conceptual thinking through hands-on sketching. A playful yet powerful way to boost visual thinking. 

Motion & Interactivity

Bring your stories to life with animation, transitions, and interactive elements that make your data more dynamic and memorable. 

Dashboards & Analytics

Design smarter dashboards and data tools. This module focuses on clarity, prioritisation, and strategic use of analytics. 

Why Data Storytelling Matters

Structured around the core areas of Data, Storytelling, and Design to elevate your team’s communication and influence.

Stories open doors.
Data builds trust.
Design drives action.

Stories open doors.
Data builds trust.
Design drives action.

Stories open doors.
Data builds trust.
Design drives action.

Storytelling

Design

Data

Combine them, and you
become unignorable.

Combine them, and you
become unignorable.

Combine them, and you
become unignorable.

Ready to upskill your team? Drop us an email and request our Corporate Training Info pack.

Our Public Masterclasses

For over a decade Valentina’s 3-day masterclass sold out with The Guardian. Today, it’s offered independently live online or on-demand.

LIVE COHORT (3 DAYS ONLINE)

LIVE COHORT (3 DAYS ONLINE)

LIVE COHORT (3 DAYS ONLINE)

Live Masterclass

Runs 2-3 times a year

Runs 2-3 times a year

Learn in a focused, high-energy group with Valentina. Practise, get feedback, and benefit from real-time interaction. High impact, short time, maximum results.

A condensed, high-impact experience

All sessions are live with tailored discussions

Real-time feedback and direct access to Valentina

Learn by doing and practising with peers

The energy and accountability of a group that grows together

5 HOURS OF VIDEO TRAINING

5 HOURS OF VIDEO TRAINING

5 HOURS OF VIDEO TRAINING

On-demand Masterclass

Learn anytime, anywhere.

Learn anytime, anywhere.

Get the full 3-day masterclass as recordings with the same exercises and frameworks. Perfect if you prefer flexibility and learning at your own pace.

A condensed, high-impact experience

The same exercises and frameworks as the live version

Practice alone at your own pace

Lifetime access to the recordings

Free resources

Start building bridges of knowledge now with these free resources and tools for designing with data

Meet the trainer

Meet the trainer

Hi, I’m Valentina D’Efilippo – an endlessly curious designer and storyteller.

Hi, I’m Valentina D’Efilippo – an endlessly curious designer and storyteller.

I've spent almost two decades in the trenches – designing BI tools, apps, digital services and books transforming data into visual stories. I've learned that the magic of connecting insights to people happens when science (data) meets art (design and storytelling) - not when we blindly follow a template.That's why for over a decade I've helped thousands to elevate their work with my Visual Storytelling with Data Masterclass.

I've spent almost two decades in the trenches – designing BI tools, apps, digital services and books transforming data into visual stories. I've learned that the magic of connecting insights to people happens when science (data) meets art (design and storytelling) - not when we blindly follow a template.That's why for over a decade I've helped thousands to elevate their work with my Visual Storytelling with Data Masterclass.

Valentina D'Efilippo
Valentina D'Efilippo

Bespoke events

Bespoke events

From conference halls to classrooms, Valentina designs custom workshops that bring data storytelling to life.

From conference halls to classrooms, Valentina designs custom workshops that bring data storytelling to life.

Valentina has run sessions for hundreds of designers at the D&AD Festival, guided large online groups through personal data maps, and led 100 kids in a hands-on workshop at the Barbican.

Whether it’s a conference, university programme, hackathon, or museum event, Valentina tailors every experience to your audience. Expect energy, interaction, and exercises crafted to leave a lasting impact.

Valentina has run sessions for hundreds of designers at the D&AD Festival, guided large online groups through personal data maps, and led 100 kids in a hands-on workshop at the Barbican.

Whether it’s a conference, university programme, hackathon, or museum event, Valentina tailors every experience to your audience. Expect energy, interaction, and exercises crafted to leave a lasting impact.

Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference
Conference

Coaching

Your shortcut to clarity, confidence, and better storytelling.

Valentina D'Efilippo
Valentina D'Efilippo
Valentina D'Efilippo

Sometimes what you need isn’t a full masterclass, but focused guidance on your own projects. Valentina offers 1:1 and small-group coaching to help you sharpen your storytelling, refine your visuals, and build confidence in presenting data. Sessions are tailored to you — whether you’re preparing for a high-stakes pitch, levelling up your design skills, or looking for honest feedback on your work.

Who is the programme for?

It’s ideal for you if:

You work with data and want to explain it clearly and confidently.

You often present insights but feel they don’t always stick or spark action.

You want to learn how to turn numbers into narratives people actually remember.

You’re tired of default charts and want your visuals to feel more thoughtful and intentional.

You want to engage non-expert audiences without oversimplifying your message.

You’re ready to break out of “reporting mode” and start communicating with purpose.

You’re looking for practical techniques that mix design, storytelling and strategy.

You want to be seen as someone who brings clarity, not just more data.

It might not be the right fit if:

You don’t share data with others as part of your role.

You’re only looking for technical skills (e.g. how to use Excel, Power BI, Tableau).

You want a fast, passive course you can skim through without much reflection.

You believe the numbers should speak for themselves – no extra framing needed.

You aren’t comfortable experimenting or thinking visually.

You prefer fixed rules over learning how to make creative judgement calls.

You’re only focused on data analysis, not how to present it effectively.

You expect a one-size-fits-all template rather than learning a flexible process.

Don’t take our word for it.

“This was the second time I enrolled in Valentina's course. Her energy and generosity in sharing her expertise always leave a mark. I've never seen a group of scientists so engaged in discussing and improving their data visualisations. Valentina perfectly tailors her course to the target audience, wisely choosing and balancing the topics, and selecting the practical examples most relevant to their work. Her way to summarise key take-aways are particularly precious and won't ever leave you asking 'So now what?'. Every single minute of this training is worth it!”

Anna Lombardi

Climate Data Visualiser Copernicus/ECMWF

“This was the second time I enrolled in Valentina's course. Her energy and generosity in sharing her expertise always leave a mark. I've never seen a group of scientists so engaged in discussing and improving their data visualisations. Valentina perfectly tailors her course to the target audience, wisely choosing and balancing the topics, and selecting the practical examples most relevant to their work. Her way to summarise key take-aways are particularly precious and won't ever leave you asking 'So now what?'. Every single minute of this training is worth it!”

Anna Lombardi

Climate Data Visualiser Copernicus/ECMWF

“This was the second time I enrolled in Valentina's course. Her energy and generosity in sharing her expertise always leave a mark. I've never seen a group of scientists so engaged in discussing and improving their data visualisations. Valentina perfectly tailors her course to the target audience, wisely choosing and balancing the topics, and selecting the practical examples most relevant to their work. Her way to summarise key take-aways are particularly precious and won't ever leave you asking 'So now what?'. Every single minute of this training is worth it!”

Anna Lombardi

Climate Data Visualiser Copernicus/ECMWF

"Learning the art of visual storytelling with data has been a game changer for SIPRI. Valentina's workshop broadened and enriched our thinking about the visual stories we want to tell with our data. And helping us build a common visual vocabulary and skill set has transformed the way we are able to work together to tell those stories. The workshop and Valentina's approach to teaching it are a marvel!"

Joey Fox

Joey Fox

Managing Editor, SIPRI

"Learning the art of visual storytelling with data has been a game changer for SIPRI. Valentina's workshop broadened and enriched our thinking about the visual stories we want to tell with our data. And helping us build a common visual vocabulary and skill set has transformed the way we are able to work together to tell those stories. The workshop and Valentina's approach to teaching it are a marvel!"

Joey Fox

Joey Fox

Managing Editor, SIPRI

"Learning the art of visual storytelling with data has been a game changer for SIPRI. Valentina's workshop broadened and enriched our thinking about the visual stories we want to tell with our data. And helping us build a common visual vocabulary and skill set has transformed the way we are able to work together to tell those stories. The workshop and Valentina's approach to teaching it are a marvel!"

Joey Fox

Joey Fox

Managing Editor, SIPRI

"The Visual Storytelling course was a great way to come together with our team of researchers and designers and flex our data visualization muscles. Valentina took us from a sturdy review of the basics, inspiring case studies and team-based practice problems for a fun mix of learning and team building across disciplines”

Megan Walsh

Megan Walsh

Sr Data Scientist, Spotify

"The Visual Storytelling course was a great way to come together with our team of researchers and designers and flex our data visualization muscles. Valentina took us from a sturdy review of the basics, inspiring case studies and team-based practice problems for a fun mix of learning and team building across disciplines”

Megan Walsh

Megan Walsh

Sr Data Scientist, Spotify

"The Visual Storytelling course was a great way to come together with our team of researchers and designers and flex our data visualization muscles. Valentina took us from a sturdy review of the basics, inspiring case studies and team-based practice problems for a fun mix of learning and team building across disciplines”

Megan Walsh

Megan Walsh

Sr Data Scientist, Spotify

"I had the privilege of participating in Valentina's Visual Storytelling Masterclass and walked away with a wealth of new information and perspectives, both conceptual and applicable. Valentina is a great communicator and listener, and her deep understanding of visual/data communication is reflected onto the thoughtful manner in which her class is structured and presented"

Akiko Oguchi

Akiko Oguchi

Creative Entrepreneur, Data Analyst.

"I had the privilege of participating in Valentina's Visual Storytelling Masterclass and walked away with a wealth of new information and perspectives, both conceptual and applicable. Valentina is a great communicator and listener, and her deep understanding of visual/data communication is reflected onto the thoughtful manner in which her class is structured and presented"

Akiko Oguchi

Akiko Oguchi

Creative Entrepreneur, Data Analyst.

"I had the privilege of participating in Valentina's Visual Storytelling Masterclass and walked away with a wealth of new information and perspectives, both conceptual and applicable. Valentina is a great communicator and listener, and her deep understanding of visual/data communication is reflected onto the thoughtful manner in which her class is structured and presented"

Akiko Oguchi

Akiko Oguchi

Creative Entrepreneur, Data Analyst.

"Valentina is not only exceptionally talented and experienced in the field of data design, she is a wonderful teacher too. This course was well crafted and jam-packed with resources, practical examples and prompts. The amount I learned in 3 days is invaluable, I highly recommend it."

Fiamma Degl'Innocenti

Fiamma Degl'Innocenti

Service Design Lead, Freelancer

"Valentina is not only exceptionally talented and experienced in the field of data design, she is a wonderful teacher too. This course was well crafted and jam-packed with resources, practical examples and prompts. The amount I learned in 3 days is invaluable, I highly recommend it."

Fiamma Degl'Innocenti

Fiamma Degl'Innocenti

Service Design Lead, Freelancer

"Valentina is not only exceptionally talented and experienced in the field of data design, she is a wonderful teacher too. This course was well crafted and jam-packed with resources, practical examples and prompts. The amount I learned in 3 days is invaluable, I highly recommend it."

Fiamma Degl'Innocenti

Fiamma Degl'Innocenti

Service Design Lead, Freelancer

Valentina's Masterclass is a valuable investment for any product designer looking to enhance their skills in data visualization and storytelling—both of which are in high demand. I have expanded my understanding of design and its application to data storytelling, gaining practical advice on how to implement these skills in my projects."

Martin Loskin

Martin Loskin

Product Designer

Valentina's Masterclass is a valuable investment for any product designer looking to enhance their skills in data visualization and storytelling—both of which are in high demand. I have expanded my understanding of design and its application to data storytelling, gaining practical advice on how to implement these skills in my projects."

Martin Loskin

Martin Loskin

Product Designer

Valentina's Masterclass is a valuable investment for any product designer looking to enhance their skills in data visualization and storytelling—both of which are in high demand. I have expanded my understanding of design and its application to data storytelling, gaining practical advice on how to implement these skills in my projects."

Martin Loskin

Martin Loskin

Product Designer

Courses FAQ

Who is this training for?

This course is for anyone who works with data and wants to communicate it more clearly and effectively. Past participants include analysts, consultants, developers, designers, researchers, marketers, health professionals, and policy advisors — from early-career roles to senior leaders. Whether you're an individual looking to sharpen your skills, or a manager booking training for your team, this programme meets you where you are.

Do I need a background in design or data?

Can the training be tailored to our team or sector?

What if I manage people who present data — is this useful for me too?

What if our data is technical, dry, or confidential?

Is the course delivered online or in person?

Will I get access to recordings and materials?

What if I can’t attend live?

Who is this training for?

This course is for anyone who works with data and wants to communicate it more clearly and effectively. Past participants include analysts, consultants, developers, designers, researchers, marketers, health professionals, and policy advisors — from early-career roles to senior leaders. Whether you're an individual looking to sharpen your skills, or a manager booking training for your team, this programme meets you where you are.

Do I need a background in design or data?

Can the training be tailored to our team or sector?

What if I manage people who present data — is this useful for me too?

What if our data is technical, dry, or confidential?

Is the course delivered online or in person?

Will I get access to recordings and materials?

What if I can’t attend live?

Who is this training for?

This course is for anyone who works with data and wants to communicate it more clearly and effectively. Past participants include analysts, consultants, developers, designers, researchers, marketers, health professionals, and policy advisors — from early-career roles to senior leaders. Whether you're an individual looking to sharpen your skills, or a manager booking training for your team, this programme meets you where you are.

Do I need a background in design or data?

Can the training be tailored to our team or sector?

What if I manage people who present data — is this useful for me too?

What if our data is technical, dry, or confidential?

Is the course delivered online or in person?

Will I get access to recordings and materials?

What if I can’t attend live?