As business owners and managers, we’re often conditioned to prioritise logic, analysis and critical reasoning in decision-making. These skills are vital, but relying on them too early in the planning process can cut creativity short and stifle fresh ideas.

A graphic facilitator must tune in closely to conversations, capturing essential ideas, emotions, and underlying themes. This skill ensures that the visuals reflect the group’s core discussions accurately and effectively.

Live illustration was the perfect way to capture the energy and insights from the discussions. Throughout the event, I floated between tables, listening in on conversations and capturing key ideas in real time.

Infographics are powerful tools for communication. They allow businesses to present complex ideas in an engaging, visually digestible way that resonates with their audience.

While I still love working on-site, the beauty of live illustration is that it can just as easily happen remotely. That’s right - hosting an in-person event doesn’t mean I have to physically be there to live illustrate for you.

My role was to visually capture these discussions and distill them into a one-of-a-kind illustration that highlights the key themes.

Working closely with the fabulous youth team, I facilitated a series of visual planning workshops. These sessions were filled with energy and creativity, and we produced some wonderful visual plans. The young people were so engaged and full of ideas!

This statistic highlights a significant gap in access, rooted in socio-economic disparities, school resources, geographic limitations, and inadequate guidance. Addressing these issues is essential to ensuring equal opportunities for all young people to develop crucial work skills.

When I work as a graphic recorder, my process is all about connection. I listen closely to what’s being said—whether it’s during a strategy meeting, a keynote speech, or a collaborative workshop—and distill it into clear, visually engaging drawings.

Whether it’s a corporate conference, workshop, team-building session, academic, or community event, live illustration provides a unique way to document and reflect the shared experience.

There’s something almost meditative about this process. When I’m actively listening and drawing, everything else falls away. I’m fully present, fully engaged. It’s a luxury to listen so deeply and a privilege to draw what I’m hearing. I often find myself in a state of flow. A sweet spot where time slips away, and I’m simply there, capturing the essence of the moment.

Graphic facilitation assists in visually mapping out objectives, ensuring that all team members understand their roles and contributions towards achieving shared goals.

Graphic facilitation is more than just a visual aid; it’s a powerful tool that can transform how teams communicate and collaborate.

One of the most powerful tools in my visual toolkit is the use of metaphors. For example, a simple coffee cup can represent the broader concept of gentrification, conveying the subtleties of a conversation about urban change without a single word.

Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London and his team recently reached out to me to live illustrate their celebration event for Hackney Wick and Fish Island Creative Enterprise Zone.

My sketches are infused with the human touch because they are made with the understanding that we, as humans, are more than the sum of our words and actions. We are our emotions, our ideas, and our imperfect, beautiful expressions.

These remarkable individuals have dedicated their lives to serving their country, and the hospital provides them with a vibrant community in their later years. The site itself holds a special place in British history, and it’s been a real honour to be invited to contribute to celebrating this legacy through my work.

The manifesto zines will be disseminated widely, aiming to influence policymakers and drive positive change for young people with SEND. It was an honour to be part of this important work.

Psychological safety is the belief that an employee will not be penalised or humiliated for speaking up with ideas, questions, concerns, or mistakes. It’s an environment where individuals feel secure enough to be themselves, take risks, and contribute authentically without fear of negative consequences.

There are scientific explanations for why images captivate us more than text. Visuals can tell a more engaging story that our brains interpret much faster than words.