sam bradd, artist, vancouver, image, what is graphic recording, what is graphic facilitation, illustration, image, vancouver, graphic design, union, illustrator, best practice, vector, best practice, visualization, visual learners, infographic, graphic design, mind map, mind mapping, visual practitioner, creativity, sketch noters, visual notetaking, consultant, facilitator, visual thinking, information architects, visual synthesis, graphic translation, group graphics, and ideation specialists, live drawing, group facilitation, group collaborative work, world cafe, conference, information design, information designers, virtual coaches, educator, non-profit, progressive, environment, sustainability, community, health, indigenous, aboriginal, youth, teens, adult learners, adult education, empowerment, justice, childrens book illustrator, leadership, team building, What is Graphic Recording?

I listen deeply to groups, and draw their key ideas in real-time. Overall, my goal is to organize information visually to support learning. During an event, graphic recording helps people see connections and notice new patterns. It’s a visual map of where you are as a group—and where you’re heading. Afterwards, it’s a document of your work that keeps the momentum going.

Think of it as a visual facilitation tool. Graphic recording works at conferences, meetings, planning sessions—anywhere that people come together to learn, share ideas, or solve problems. It’s a powerful communication tool for organizations of any size.

What can Graphic Recording do for us?

Everyone wants a productive, valuable meeting—but it doesn’t always work out that way. Wasted paper and text-heavy slide presentations can bore and alienate participants. Graphic recording gets people in the door, keeps them focused during the meeting, and helps them to remember and care about the ideas discussed. It’s productivity disguised as fun.

sam bradd, artist, vancouver, image, what is graphic recording, what is graphic facilitation, illustration, charette, green building, regenerative design, UBC, Regenerative Neighbourhoods Summit UBC 2013 neighbourhood, architect, urban, planning, planner, image, vancouver, graphic design, charette, union, illustrator, best practice, vector, best practice, visualization, visual learners, infographic, graphic design, mind map, mind mapping, visual practitioner, creativity, sketch noters, visual notetaking, consultant, facilitator, visual thinking, information architects, visual synthesis, graphic translation, group graphics, and ideation specialists, live drawing, group facilitation, group collaborative work, world cafe, conference, information design, information designers, virtual coaches, educator, non-profit, progressive, environment, sustainability, community, health, indigenous, aboriginal, youth, teens, adult learners, adult education, empowerment, justice, leadership, team building,During the event:

  • See the connections between ideas and watch patterns emerge
  • Engage and focus your meeting participants (crucial for youth and visual learners)
  • Embrace creativity and problem solving
  • Acknowledge emotions on highly charged issues in a safer way
  • Gain a deeper understanding of the issues and the work that needs to be done

 After the event:

  • Distill complex ideas into clear, beautiful take-aways
  • Summarize the event “at a glance” for participants and absentees
  • Support report-writing and summary documents with images
  • Distribute via email, print, and other sharing mechanisms
  • Create ongoing reminders of goals and plans, mission statements, etc.

I’m planning a….

Whether you’re a small or large group, meeting for an afternoon or hosting a multi-day conference, working in breakout teams or in plenary sessions, I can help create a memorable synthesis of your organization’s event.

Visioning/Retreat: Visually document full-day sessions |  Keep your group on time and on agenda | Circulate images post-retreat to keep momentum going

Planning/Strategy Session: Help participants in sensitive negotiations find common ground and consensus

Guest Speaker or Presentation:  Create visuals for conference speakers, including academic presentations and keynotes | Post images on national websites to inspire others

Conference/Workshop: Visually capture plenary speakers and breakout rooms: participants see what they’ve “missed” in other sessions | Gather and consolidate information from small group work by circulating, or assembling notes prepared by a group.

Graphic recorder, image, graphic recording, graphic facilitation, illustrator, best practice, Vancouver, BC illustration, union, visualization, visual learners, infographic, graphic design, mind map, mind mapping, visual practitioner, sketch noters, visual notetaking, consultant, facilitator, visual thinking, information architects, visual synthesis, graphic translation, group graphics, and ideation specialists, live drawing, group facilitation, group collaborative work, world cafe, conference, information design, information designers, virtual coaches, community, health,

Reports and Documents: I also draw out reports and documents. It’s a great way to engage people who might not otherwise read a full report, and for people who need to be brought up to speed quickly between project milestones.

Images have been included in briefing packages, academic conferences, presentations, and as part of the report’s executive summary.  Here is my approach to drawing reports and documents here. 

I collaborate with the event facilitator before the event to provide the best service possible, drawing on my background in facilitation and art.