Designing Bridges of Knowledge
Apostrophe One is a data design boutique studio led by me, Valentina D’Efilippo — designer, author, and visual storyteller.
Apostrophe One is a data design boutique studio led by me, Valentina D’Efilippo — designer, author, and visual storyteller.
Since 2011, I’ve helped organisations and individuals around the world turn complex data into stories that stick. From infographics and editorial work to digital tools and immersive installations, everything we do is driven by one idea:
If we can see it, we can understand it. And if we can understand it, we can change it.
The apostrophe is more than just a symbol in my surname.
It’s a mark that carries meaning. A small shape that shows connection, omission, or possession.
That’s what I do with data: I make connections. I clarify complexity. I help others take ownership of their story.
At Apostrophe One, we use visual thinking, storytelling, and design craft to bridge the gap between numbers and human understanding. Each project is a collaboration — and a journey — to make data matter.
Our Values
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 80 116" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 0 82.421 C 0 101.754 13.188 116 33.478 116 C 53.768 116 70 99.21 70 71.737 C 70 34.596 44.13 5.088 8.623 0 L 8.623 21.368 C 28.406 25.439 42.609 38.667 42.609 54.947 C 39.058 52.912 34.493 51.386 28.406 51.386 C 12.681 51.386 0 62.579 0 82.421 Z" fill="rgb(255, 253, 243)" height="116px" id="s1k3H7zF4" transform="translate(0 0)" width="69.9999974389px"/></svg>)
Knowledge is Power
We believe design can be a catalyst for change — by giving people the tools to see, understand and ultimately take action.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 80 116" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 0 10 L 0 0 L 78 0 L 78 10 Z" fill="rgb(255, 253, 243)" height="9.999994999999998px" id="Fr_BU6Njz" transform="translate(0 52.8)" width="78px"/></svg>)
Craft and creativity
No templates. No shortcuts. Every design is crafted to let the data speak — and connect with its audience.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 80 116" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 42.178 85.353 L 25.153 85.353 L 25.153 81.828 C 25.153 67.884 33.742 60.682 41.871 54.399 C 48.773 48.882 55.061 43.672 55.061 34.785 C 55.061 24.365 48.62 17.469 37.883 17.469 C 26.994 17.469 19.479 25.59 19.479 37.39 L 0 37.39 C 0 15.477 16.104 0 38.344 0 C 61.196 0 75 13.178 75 33.559 C 75 49.955 64.417 57.77 55.521 64.053 C 48.006 69.416 42.178 74.013 42.178 81.828 Z M 34.356 116 C 27.454 116 21.933 110.483 21.933 103.894 C 21.933 97.152 27.454 91.635 34.356 91.635 C 41.104 91.635 46.779 97.152 46.779 103.894 C 46.779 110.33 41.104 116 34.356 116 Z" fill="rgb(255, 253, 243)" height="115.99999886474609px" id="N6uRdyBhy" transform="translate(0.398 0)" width="74.999962px"/></svg>)
Problem seeking
We ask before we answer. We explore new formats — from sound to sculpture — to tell data stories in unexpected ways.
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 80 116" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 19.133 36.924 C 8.769 36.924 0 28.485 0 18.726 C 0 8.44 8.769 0 19.133 0 C 29.231 0 38 8.44 38 18.726 C 38 28.485 29.231 36.924 19.133 36.924 Z M 19.133 116 C 8.769 116 0 107.56 0 97.538 C 0 87.252 8.769 78.812 19.133 78.812 C 29.231 78.812 38 87.252 38 97.538 C 38 107.56 29.231 116 19.133 116 Z" fill="rgb(255, 253, 243)" height="115.99999809570312px" id="FSs2sYhU1" width="38px"/></svg>)
![](data:image/svg+xml,<svg display="block" role="presentation" viewBox="0 0 80 116" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><path d="M 20.062 79.828 L 4.938 79.828 C 2.932 67.355 1.543 46.462 1.543 26.194 L 1.543 0 L 23.765 0 L 23.765 26.194 C 23.765 46.93 22.222 67.823 20.062 79.828 Z M 12.654 116 C 5.71 116 0 110.387 0 103.683 C 0 96.823 5.71 91.21 12.654 91.21 C 19.29 91.21 25 96.823 25 103.683 C 25 110.387 19.29 116 12.654 116 Z" fill="rgb(255, 253, 243)" height="116.00000153808594px" id="JICrn0Muz" transform="translate(0.699 0)" width="24.999981000000002px"/></svg>)
Expert Curiosity
20 years of experience but we feel like we are just getting started. We bring curiosity, wonder and care to every project.
Meet Valentina
I co-authored The Infographic History of the World, now published in 11 languages, and more recently Britannica’s Encyclopedia Infographica, a visual encyclopedia for kids packed with 250+ infographics.
Over the years, I’ve created work for startups, publishers, global brands and cultural institutions. My projects have been featured in books, exhibitions and museum collections. I’ve spoken at TEDx, taught at Columbia Business School, and run workshops for Spotify, Pfizer, and the European Parliament.
When I’m not working with clients or teaching, you’ll probably find me sketching ideas, mapping personal data, or playing with my kids.
Speaking
From keynote stages to panel discussions, I speak about data storytelling, visual thinking, and the creative process behind complex information design.
RGD - Design Thinkers Vancouver
Canada
·
2025
Design Matters
Denmark
·
2025
UX London Conference
UK
·
2025
Design Matters Mexico City
Mexico
·
2024
Allen Frontier
Online
·
2021
Spotify
Online
·
2021
Eurostat
Italy
·
2019
Datafest
Georgia
·
2019
Encode Conference
UK
·
2019
Information+
UK
·
2018
ND2C
Pakistan
·
2018
D&AD
UK
·
2017
ICA – Institute of Contemporary Art London
UK
·
2015
Technoport
Norway
·
2014
Google Dublin Summit
Ireland
·
2014
Awards & Recognition
2024
🏆 Silver, Junior Design Awards
🏆 Shortlist, The Week Junior
🏆 Silver, Infographic and Dataviz, European Design Awards
🏆 Shortlist, Educational Books, British Book Design and Production Awards
2019
🏆 NotableSpeculative Design Award, Core77 Design Awards
🏆 Data Obscura Exhibition in London, sponsored by the Economist
2019
🏆 Winner, Technology & Telecoms, World Media Awards
🏆 Nominee, Best Data Visualization, The Webby Awards
🏆 Shortlist, Sport Websites, Clio Awards
🏆 Winner Gold, Sports, Information is Beautiful Awards
2014
🏆 Outstanding Achievement Award, IMA
🏆 Shortlist, Site of the Day, The FWA
🏆 Honorable Mention, Awwwards
🏆 Honorable Mention, Information is Beautiful Awards
2013
🏆 Winner Visual Communication, Core77 Design Awards
🏆 Bronze, European Design Awards
🏆 Bronze, Malofiej22
… and more
Our Books
Valentina’s best-selling books have reached thousands of readers worldwide, helping them see complex topics in a new light.
