what is graphic recording?

If you’ve ever attended a conference, filled a notebook with notes and then never opened that book again, you are not alone. And if you’re running an event you’ll be hoping the conversations and ideas last well beyond the day.

A page of handwritten spider scrawl notes can’t capture the energy of a conversation. It’s also tricky to refer back to…which bit was the interesting part that really clicked for you…did you underline it? did you underline everything so nothing’s really standing out anymore? This is where graphic recording comes in. It’s a visual record of the main themes from the talk, presentation or event. Notes that are s easy on the eye you’ll love sharing them and re-visiting them over again.

But what exactly is graphic recording?

Graphic recording is the process of capturing conversations, presentations and ideas through illustration as they happen.

A graphic recorder listens to what's being said and translates key themes into a visual summary, combining drawings, words, symbols and colour. As a podcast addict I hadn’t realised just how well suited I would be to graphic recording until I started exploring the practice in 2023. Listening and drawing is my complete Jam. Graphic recorders will listen to a talk, distill the information and consider ways to draw the information rather than replying purely on words. As always if you’re still not sure what a graphic recording is, a picture tells a thousand words. You can see an example here from the Birmingham and Black Country Wildlife Trust AGM 2026.

The result is an illustrated record of an event that people can revisit, share and engage with long after it's finished.

You might also hear it called live illustration, live scribing or visual note-taking.

How does graphic recording work?

Rather than illustrating every single word, I’ll listen out for recurring themes, interesting connections and ideas that catch my attention.

Before the event I’ll usually ask to see an agenda and have a catch up with the organiser. This means there’s chance to collaborate on the form of the finished illustration.I can also keep an ear out for the any messaging you have highlighted to me. The finished artwork can then be shared with attendees, included in reports or used in newsletters and social media.

Why use graphic recording at your event?

I love that illustration can make complicated information more approachable.

Graphic recording can help organisations:

• Make information engaging: Turn presentations and discussions into something people want to explore.

• Capture important conversations: Create a visual record of the ideas and themes discussed.

• Share ideas beyond the room: Help people who couldn't attend understand what happened.

• Create sharable content: Use the finished illustrations in newsletters, reports, presentations and social media.

What events benefit from graphic recording?

Graphic recording works really well for conferences, workshops, community consultations, charity events, research presentations and organisational meetings. You don’t have to have visuals or slides, it could be a panel discussion, online meeting, agm or talk. If you’d like to chat about whether live illustration can work for your event, then get in touch here.

My background

I found graphic recording whilst developing my practice as an illustrator. However I originally worked in product design engineering. As an engineer turned artist I am really well placed to understand complex ideas and distill them into beautiful visuals. My approach combines drawing, handwritten notes and visual storytelling to capture the character of an event as well as its key messages.

Looking for a graphic recorder?

If you're planning a conference, workshop or event and would like to explore how graphic recording could work for you, I'd love to hear about it.

I'm based in Warwickshire and work across Birmingham, the Midlands and further afield.

Explore my live illustration services or get in touch to discuss your event.