Win a Graphic Recording*!

Graphic Recording is the process of using hand-sketched images and text to visualize conferences, meetings, or workshops in real-time. The primary focus of Graphic Recording is to support the idea of generating insights, fostering collaboration, and enhancing group processes during meetings. The core skills involved in this work include active listening, asking open-ended questions, creating meta-level understanding, pattern recognition, conceptual abilities, understanding group dynamics, general knowledge, energetic competencies, and more.

We visualize either digitally or on large paper sheets during live events on-site. In the case of digital creation during online events or meetings, the visualization expert actively participates, and the visuals are either displayed during and/or after the event, depending on the event’s duration and the intended purpose of the visualization.

On-site, paper sheets are attached to fixed walls or display boards, allowing everyone to follow the process. Through the combination of images and text, Graphic Recording appeals to both the intellect and emotions. Take a look at our portfolio to get impressions of our visualization work.

First, our focus is on preparation. We are known for our thorough preparatory work and the integration of visualization into the processes and communication taking place in your organization. During this phase, we inquire about your goals. During the event, we usually act as silent companions in your conference, meeting, or workshop, visualizing and recording everything that is being discussed. Your event proceeds as usual; you don’t need to change your agenda. The product is typically finalized by the end of the meeting when the last words are spoken. At this point, we can present the image if desired. In the case of analog creation, the image is high-quality photographed and handed over to you. This is followed by post-processing, so you will have an edited JPG shortly afterward. With digitally created recordings, you receive the image immediately after the event.

Graphic Recording will be beneficial for you or your company if you engage in interactive communication, aim to anchor content sustainably, and desire high-quality documentation. We carefully listen, filter, and connect what is heard before putting it on paper. We engage in interaction, acting more as business partners and facilitators than mere illustrators. Throughout our work, we often adopt a meta-perspective to grasp the overall context and various perspectives. This enhances understanding of complex connections, productivity, and creativity. It also helps you remember the important aspects of the conversation long beyond the event.

A preparatory meeting will be held over the phone to clarify content and logistics. All you need to provide is a fixed wall or display boards (e.g., Metaplan) as a working surface and a standing table. During our discussion, we will address your concerns and inform you if there is anything else you need to prepare. Typically, we require 45 minutes before the event to set up our materials in the room and synchronize with you. The ideal location is to the left or right of the stage/speaker position in the first third of the room, along a side wall. We bring everything else we need ourselves. For digital Graphic Recording, we require a table, chair, and power supply (possibly a projector connection).

Being able to handle both team size and project management is our strength. We have the largest team of visualizers in the German-speaking countries and one of the largest in Europe. When we send you a team of visualizers, it will always have a team lead, providing you with a central point of contact.

No. Graphic Recording is a method that originated on the West Coast of the USA about 40 years ago. It is a relatively young discipline that falls under the broader context of „visualization“ (rather than the illustrative or artistic domain). Graphic Recording primarily emerged to support meetings, foster collaboration, generate insights, and facilitate group processes. At Visual Facilitators, we fully embrace the original mindset and intention of Graphic Recording.

We take responsibility for our field of work and provide training for both process facilitators and illustrators aiming to become proficient visualizers.

No. The Artists‘ Social Security Fund (KSK) has confirmed in writing that Graphic Recording is not subject to a contribution. Even during audits, it has been shown that there is no obligation to contribute, unless the purpose is advertising or public relations. Graphic Recording is not considered an artistic or illustrative activity. While there are increasingly trained illustrators who perform this visualization method, they are not acting in the role of an illustrator in this case. Instead, they function as facilitators or process facilitators who visualize.

Graphic Recording originated about 40 years ago on the West Coast of the USA. It is a relatively young discipline that falls within the broader context of „visualization“ (rather than the illustrative or artistic domain). Graphic Recording originated from process facilitation, consulting, and organizational development. This remains true to this day. The approach is comparable to the use of flipcharts by consultants and trainers.

The KSK is based on the principle that illustrators, artists, etc., create works where authorship is established. It is somewhat about the creator, the author. However, in the case of Graphic Recording, it is not about the author. On the contrary, since its inception in the 1970s, it has been a fundamental aspect of the method that the visualizer takes a back seat. From a personal standpoint, interpretation of content, to the focus on why they visualize: it is always about the process, never about the product (image).

The essential skills of a good Graphic Recorder predominantly lie in process facilitation, listening, processing/filtering information, forming meta-levels, and only secondarily in the area of „drawing“ (we say „visualizing“ since Graphic Recorders often do a lot of writing).

At Visual Facilitators, we fully embrace the original mindset and intention of Graphic Recording.

In addition to Graphic Recording and Visual Facilitation, we also provide process visualization, knowledge visualization, strategy images, and hand-drawn explainer videos – all backed by a solid background of experience and customer references. You can also rely on us as facilitators for your initiatives in change and transformation projects.