I’m a freelance British data journalist who uses novel data sets to explore provocative subjects.
I’ve been a freelance writer since 2002, when—aged 16—I bluffed my way into producing self-help guides on quite saucy subjects. Six years and half a million words later, I’d had enough of inventing pen names for ‘information products’ that had by then become a bit of a cliché. I shifted my attention to graphic design before returning to writing in 2011 with this blog: a place to explore the curious corners of society and psychology, with a special focus on the primal aspects of human nature.
Over the past four years, and thanks especially to my study of 10,000 porn stars, I’ve been able to concentrate exclusively on data-driven projects both for myself (published on this site) and corporate clients, including eBay, Walmart, Genting Casinos, Lovehoney, and The Economist.
Other freelance data journalism pieces I’ve produced include Drugs on Campus and Busted: Analyzing America’s Most Recent Drug Hauls (for Recovery Brands), and Unmasked: What 10 Million Passwords Reveal About the People Who Chose them (for WP Engine). My findings and visuals for Busted were recently adapted and featured in National Geographic’s debut episode of their new data-focused show The Big Picture, for which I was a data consultant. An excerpt from the show, featuring results from Busted, can be seen on the Press page.
Findings from my analyses of escort reviews and adult performers are discussed in Professor David Spieglhalter’s new book Sex by Numbers and showcased in Phillipe Thureau-Dangin’s lovely visual compendium Atlas de L’amour (Atlas of Love)—both available at fine bookstores everywhere. Other coverage of my work can be seen on the press page.
Occasionally Asked Questions
Do you do freelance work for publications/companies?
How often are new projects published?
How do you create the graphics?
Where do you get your data and can you share it?
Can you help me get into the porn industry?
I'd like to advertise on your site.