Describing a Service Part 1: Analogue Live Illustration

Starting with the classic 'paper (or board) and pens' method.

The classic 'scribe at the drawing board' shot in pictures spanning 2013-2023. Feat. Peter Morey Illustration.

If you are a potential client, thinking about having someone like myself at your event, or otherwise helping to engage your team in a process with large scale LIVE visuals - this can help clarify what exactly I will do if you'd like the traditional or analogue approach. I will reserve another blog post for 'the digital approach'.

First of all: Congratulations! You have hired a seasoned pro with a very specialised creative skillset - a LIVE ILLUSTRATOR who does VISUAL SCRIBING aka GRAPHIC RECORDING. You have had a briefing call to discuss the agenda and a bit about the process and integration with your event. Maybe you've seen this done before; maybe you get it in theory but not practice, and would like to know more about the process. If so, please do read on.

Personalised logistics solution: A1 boards can be carried easily on public transport with a suitable handle.

Live Illustration aka Visual Scribing aka Graphic Recording, is a valuable process and creates engaging outputs that contribute to positive outcomes and impact. It is a live, creative activity, shared with delegates at your event. And typically, this would be a knowledge-share event like a conference, summit or workshop.

ON-THE-DAY Step 1: I arrive with boards, easels and pens. You have spoken with me beforehand on a team call, discussing the agenda, what content to focus on, and the process and level of live integration with your event. So, for a big and busy event, likely you will give me a lanyard and show me to a space or 'station', introducing me to key people I am to collaborate with throughout the day (technical team, content team, etc).

Artist POV: Quick glance at the venue before stepping in - normally 30-60 minutes before kick-off

Artist POV: Setting up a large blank page in a dedicated space at the venue.

Artist POV: All set up! ready to draw a title and a logo while delegates filter in

Artist POV: For an in-the-room graphic recording engagement, all set up in time for plenary session 1.

During a keynote.

I can be positioned in various places at the venue, tailored to the agenda and tone of the event. Here you can see that I am visibly and thoughtfully engaging with presentations. This models active listening for delegates, who in turn will increase their focus and critical engagement.

And at break times or lunch

Placing the illustration station in a high traffic area during breaks: Delegates will be magnetised to the engaging imagery, and the storytelling and theatre of graphic recording. Perfect water-cooler moments where the topic of conversation will more likely be related to the agenda and not necessarily to the latest episode of Traitors.

A possible BUILD if you are a CONSULTANCY/CONSULTANT or FACILITATOR.

Consultative conversations can happen at these boards and I can work with you to make them happen.

In addition to informal water-cooler moments, at suitable events there can be added value - there can be Visual Facilitation with prompt questions, post-its, and tables for delegates to have a workshop-style space. Facilitator-colleagues can position themselves at the boards to engage in these discussions, encouraging delegates to respond to critical questions in conversation and by writing on post-its.

Fast forward to the end of the day and we have a nice output but the PROCESS was just as, if not MORE important for delegates and facilitators.

Live Illustration when practiced like this, is a model of co-creation. Delegates will start to feel a sense of ownership over the outputs as the day goes on, and it can be a photo opportunity especially when the boards are complete or near-complete.

Photo-op: for individuals

Photo-op: For that team photo!

Don't forget the illustrations when taking that group photo. It is also likely that delegates will have taken selfies at the boards throughout the day. Depending on the sensitivity of content, these are likely to have gone onto Linked In feeds or onto internal sharing platforms.

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Final Steps, post event: I will digitise any analogue drawings, with delivery typically via email in the days following your event.

You can always discuss a specific deadline, for example if you are preparing a post-event mail-out and you'd like to include the images.

Post-event digitisation of outputs.

Above is a typical digitised output from a day of live illustration done in the traditional or analogue way, which captures key messages from presentations as well as outputs from workshop-style group activities.

If you'd like to book me or find out more:

Get in Touch with Peter Morey Illustration