Graphic Recording FAQ

Do you travel?

I am based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. I've travelled a lot in the past ten years, to work at in-person events across Canada. However, these days, I'm finding that many organizations prefer remote graphic recording, which I can do from my home studio. That suits me very well! If you have questions about the strategy that would work best for your event, get in touch and let's chat!

Are you a graphic facilitator?

"Graphic facilitator" and "graphic recorder" are often used interchangeably, but there are some differences. There are some amazing people out there who incorporate visuals into their facilitation practice, and to find them, you might want to check out the International Forum of Visual Practitioners.

I'm not a facilitator, but a graphic recorder - an expert on visual notetaking. My background is in art and writing, not in facilitation. This means I am very happy to come to your event and listen like a "fly on the wall" in order to create an illustrated record of your event story. I am also happy to collaborate at events which are led by facilitators, and join in the conversation as needed. Consider me as the note-taker for your conversation.

This doesn't mean that I don't want to talk with you, though! I really want to talk with you, BEFORE the event - so I can find out what will be happening and what you are expecting from me. The more information I have before I start listening, the more I will know what to listen for. And I'm happy to play an interactive role at events, as needed - especially at public engagement events, of course.

Did you go to school for this?

I received a BA Honours in English from the University of Toronto. (For me, graphic recording is all about the stories!)

I also completed the "Foundation Year" at the Ontario College of Art & Design in Toronto. After that, I'd had enough school, so I got a "real" job that allowed me to spend my free time growing my career as an artist. I quit that job in 2012 and now graphic recording is my real job! I've always drawn comics and sketchnotes, as far back as I can remember. So somehow all of these things must have contributed to the way I operate now.

Can you give me some advice about how to work as a graphic recorder?

It's exciting for me to learn that so many people are interested in getting involved in this fast-growing field! Send me a note and I'll do my best to answer!

What kinds of events do you work at?

I work at all sorts of events: conferences, workshops, strategic planning sessions, team meetings, visioning sessions... and pretty much any events at which people are speaking.

These days, I divide my time between in-person events and remote (usually digital) projects. It depends on what works best for that event!

My favourite kind of event is an event where there is one speaker speaking at a time (i.e. a conference featuring presentations and/or a keynote speaker).
However, I also often work at events where participants are divided into breakout groups, and I can circulate among the people to record highlights from multiple conversations. Finally, I also work at public engagement events, in which many participants may come up to my board, to have their contributions put on the visual record.

What skills do you use as a graphic recorder?

Here are a few:

1. Deep listening: bringing an understanding of what I need to be listening for.
2. Writing really, really fast (and - good spelling is my superpower)
3. Organizing space
4. Oh... drawing a bit, too!

And of course, I'm constantly aware that I'm telling someone else's story. This needs to be done with consent and humility. Good communication helps to ensure that the information is presented accurately and with respect. Most of all, it's important to build trust before the work even starts, to make sure that that the people whose stories I am recording, are comfortable with the plan.

What happens if we work together?

Please send me some information about your event! Once I know a little bit about what you have in mind, let's plan for a phone call so we can both ask and answer questions about what my contribution should entail. Your event agenda is the tool that helps me to plan what to listen for and how to structure my notes.

After the event is over, it usually takes a couple of weeks for me to complete the work and send it you. That's because I need to finish the work, and also get the images digitally scanned for you. The timing for completion depends on a few factors, such as how many other events I am working on during that time, but also how much work I am handing in for you. (If it's a talk by one keynote speaker, it shouldn't take long. If it's fifteen different academic panel presentations, it will take a bit longer!) If deadlines are important, please let me know so that I can accommodate your needs as much as possible.

What kind of finished product will I receive?

Like most graphic recorders, I usually work with markers on big sheets of paper. But here's something different about the way I work. After I'm done, I'll take the posters to be digitally scanned, so you'll end up with high-resolution digital versions of everything I've done. Most graphic recorders don't do this (to my surprise!) These digital files are great for printing on paper and for sharing online, especially on social media. And of course, I'll send you the original posters too!

How much does it cost?

Please get in touch with me to let me know your event details and I can send you my project rates. Every event is different, and I'm happy to discuss budget options that will allow us to collaborate!

Are you available to work at my event?

Please contact me to check if I am available. The more advance notice, the better!