What is graphic recording?
A real-time synthesis of discussions and presentations into a visual map. Combining words and visuals, graphic records help break down complex ideas and capture key highlights.
I began graphic recording in college as a way to stay engaged during long lectures. These also served as visual notes and summaries to refer to while studying.
Where can we use a graphic recorder?
Webinars, workshops, trainings, meetings, conferences, strategy sessions and discussions. I’ve worked on graphic recording workshops, trainings, meetings, conferences, strategy sessions and discussions. But if you have another requirement or idea, I’m always happy to discuss it.
Why should I hire a graphic recorder?
Picture your ideas and discussions turning into tangible visuals as you’re discussing them. Feels more real right? Graphic records help participants and facilitators bridge gaps between ideas and actions. Seeing discussions on a visual map while patterns emerge, helps encourage continued participation during meetings, trainings or conferences.
Meetings can often feel like long sessions of being spoken to/at. This can turn disengaging really fast and while participants might be physically present, they may have tuned out. Graphic recording, whether analog or digital, live or remote, help bring a collaborative aspect to events - between the speaker, facilitator, attendees and the graphic recorder. Whether it’s a strategy discussion or a conference, participants are able to watch their collective work contributing to forming a larger narrative.
Still unsure? Get in touch and I’ll walk you through my experiences of the various outputs you can harness using graphic recording.
How do you do this?
There are two hand drawn methods of graphic recording you can choose from, based on your requirements. We can discuss the best option for you based on your goals.
On Paper
Real time hand drawn notes on a large easel/canvas using markers and other art supplies. This can be great if you’re looking for a physical intervention at your event. It encourages participants to interact with the discussions, reflect on them during breaks, take photographs and share highlights on social media as well as string through complex discussions. These are often also digitised for reference after the event.
Digitally
Real time live projected, or remote digitally hand drawn notes using a tablet. If you’re looking for visuals that can be projected on a large scale, quickly created into a functional and shareable report or distributed to large audiences, this is the perfect format for you. Digital graphic records are a great way to summarise sessions and facilitate more impactful debriefs. They’re also a great way to continue discussions and sharing of ideas without losing momentum after the event.
Will you travel to our office/city to do this?
Yes! So far I’ve graphic recorded meetings and conferences across India, Bangkok, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. I’m often booked weeks in advance, but please reach out as soon as you have some clarity on dates for your event and we’ll find the best way to work it out.
However, if there isn’t enough time to sort out international travel arrangements like visas and you still want to bring a graphic recorder on board, I’m happy to discuss ways to remotely work together too. I’ve supported various webinars and convenings remotely as a graphic recorder.
Say hi: sonakshaiyengar@gmail.com
