Your Meeting Has a Scribe. But Does It Have a Guide? If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve seen a graphic recorder in action: that person at the front of the room, markers flying, turning a keynote or panel discussion into a vivid visual mural in real time. It's captivating to watch, and the results speak for themselves.

But have you heard of a graphic facilitator? It's a related (and often confused!) role that does something quite different — and for the right meeting, it can be genuinely transformative.

When I get to work with scientists like CSU veterinarians, I’ll often get some skeptical looks when people first walk in. I love this because, with a background in science communication, it’s an opportunity for participants to experience their own ideas visualized to support deep thinking in a beautiful way.

"But how do you know what to capture?"

It's one of the most common questions I get asked about graphic recording. People watch me work and wonder: How do I decide what goes on the wall and what doesn't? How do I know which moment matters?

Let's be honest – when was the last time you got genuinely excited reading a press release? If you're scratching your head, you're not alone. Most press releases aren’t visually appealing, which is a shame because they're often sharing amazing things.

When you all bring ideas to me that are creative, I always want to share them back so others can use them. This story from Boulder's Recreation Centers demonstrates how integrating graphic recording throughout the entire process - before, during, and after - created deeper and more varied community involvement.

When you bring a graphic recorder into your event, you’re making an investment financially, in your time, and in the success and impact of your event.

September brought fascinating work with clients across the country and across sectors, but one theme kept emerging organically. This is one of my favorite things about being a graphic facilitator – we get to listen, learn and make connections.

Imagine you’re in a class or a meeting, and the teacher or facilitator asks the group a question. Now picture two different paths that can unfold directly after the question is asked…

There’s something that makes you feel more alive when you’re on campus at the beginning of the school year. There’s an energy that’s almost tangible – excited, a little nervous, curious, brave.

This post by @cleowade simultaneously validated the heaviness underlying current events, while also sparking hope and empowerment in my heart.

If you’ve been feeling like things are just extra difficult or heavy right now, please be gentle with yourself and each other. Rest, love, and ignite the imagination deep within you.