Graphic recording to engage your audience online and offline
What is graphic recording?
Graphic recording (also called live illustration or visual harvesting) is the practice of capturing a live presentation, panel debate or meeting in a visual format. The graphic artist listens to the conversation and uses text and images to create a visual summary of the key messages.
Why it works
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It's different
Graphic recording makes your event stand out in a sea of virtual and in-person events. It offers a creative break to the participants and helps solidify your message for visual learners.
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It's memorable
By providing live illustration, you help your audience process the information visually which leads to remembering more after the event.
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It's social
With offering graphic recording, you will have shareable visual content instantly available after each talk.
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It's appreciative
The visuals are a special memento to your speakers, something they will be proud to share with others and that will make them feel appreciated.
Examples of past projects
The graphic recording process
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Before the event
We sit together to discuss the agenda of your event, what type of sessions you will have, whether you would like to check-in with the progress from time to time, etc. We will also talk about the colours you would like and the logos and other visual elements that need to be on the final image.
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During the event
I will share the screen of my iPad you will have a chance to spotlight me any time you like. I can also talk about the final visuals if that might be interesting to your audience. At the end of each session, I will send you the files ready to be shared online if needed.
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After the event
You will have the possibility to come back to me with some minor edits in the images if necessary. It is also possible to make translations if needed. Plus, I will send you the time-lapse videos the day after the event. If you need some ideas on how to make the most of your visuals post event, I’ve collected the most popular ones here.
Types of graphic recording
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Analog
Analog graphic recording is a great solution for in-person events where you want to showcase how the discussion evolves in real time. It involves a large sheet of paper on a fixed or moveable wall, which gets filled with text and images highlighting the key messages by the illustrator.
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Digital
Digital graphic recording happens on an iPad. It works really well at online events, giving participants an opportunity to check in regularly with the creation of the artwork, and also at in-person events, where it can be projected to a screen and shared via social media.
Graphic recording at in-person events
Large-scale analog graphic recording
If you are organising an in-person conference, opting for the large-scale analog version could be an excellent choice. Drawing the ideas on a large piece of paper really makes the connections obvious and there is just something magical in seeing the BIG IDEAS come alive on paper. Audiences really appreciate this kind of live illustration and it works exceptionally well for longer sessions, panel debates, and Q&As.
If you want to take this a step further, you can add in an interactive element by inviting the participants to share their comments and ideas on post-its that the graphic artist will incorporate in the live illustration.
However, sometimes the space is just not right, or you have a strong preference for a digital process, which also works really well.
Digital graphic recording on a tablet
If you choose the digital option, the illustrator comes with their tablet and is drawing digitally throughout the whole conference. There will be an image instantly available after each session, as well as a time-lapse recording the next day to show off on your social channels. Whichever option you choose, your audience can only win with live illustration.
Graphic recording at online events
Are you organising an online event? Click here to see how graphic recording can help you create a better experience for your attendees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of information do you need before the event?
Before the event, the most important information for me is the agenda of the day(s) as well as any background materials you might have. If you have a dedicated colour palette / branding guidelines, I would need that as well. Here is a rundown of the 3 key things we would discuss at our first briefing to give you a few pointers.
How do you handle two or more breakout groups happening at the same time?
If there are breakouts rooms, my suggestion would be to have rapporteurs for each group who take notes and write down the 2-3 most important points of the session. Then I will combine all the notes in one illustration after the session is done.
We are not sure about digital vs analog graphic recording. Which one do you recommend?
If you can’t decide between digital and analog, here are a few things to consider. The main advantage of having the analog version on a large piece of paper is that participants will be able to follow the development of the live illustrations throughout the day. If you go with this option, you will have to wait for the digital files until after the event. So if it’s important to you to have digital content that is available during the event, I would choose the digital option.
When do we receive the final visuals?
For the big paper version, you will receive a cleaned up digital version of the final visual one day after the conference. If you chose the digital version, you will receive the final files after each session is finished, one-by-one during the day of the event.
Is it possible to edit the digital files after the event?
Yes, minor edits are definitely possible and are not difficult. If you want more substantial edits, we will need to discuss those and see what’s possible.
How can we make the most of the live illustrations after the event?
It’s a good idea to think about how to use your conference visual after the event. You’ll find some ideas here.
Testimonials
“I still wanted to thank you for all the work you have done. Your drawings were a real added value to the conference, and will be central in the conference digital report.”
— Magalie Schotte, Be-Cause Health
Zsofi worked with us during the Utterly Content 2022 conference to create sketchnotes for our keynote talks. She was an active listener and participant of the keynotes as she was talking the notes, and created really beautiful illustrations that captured our speakers' key points. We love that she used our conference colours and our speakers were very happy with this gift!
— Day Kibilds, Utterly Content
“Very satisfied. The cheerful illustrations of the scientific content are very precise and to the point, every participants receives a meaningful visual outline of the lectures which helps to remember forever. One and only slide per presentation instead of taking pictures of every slide. Formidable idea, I recommend to invite her to your event of any kind.”
— Dorottya Kelen, Hopital Erasme
Interested in working together at your next event?