How to Say No When it’s Right

Saying yes to opportunities, professionally or personally, can lead to some adventures you’ll never forget, or an opportunity to push your comfort zone and learn something new. 

Sometimes though, it’s important to say no – working on a priority where you need to focus your creative juices, or holding space for family or self-care. If you’re like me, saying no can sometimes feel like hurling yourself off a precipice into the unknown – will they be angry? Will this burn a bridge I’ll regret? Will there be NO RETURN? (Spoiler: no.)

I’m always glad I declined something if there was a reason not to – even if it was simply a feeling. Especially if I can do so in a way that feels honest and explains the why behind my decision. 

Recently, an interview I read with Ashley C. Ford that succinctly brought together some reminders about saying no, as well as how to do it gracefully. Here’s what stuck with me most: 

• Be kind – just because you’re saying no doesn’t mean you have to be rude or cold

• Being honest is better for everyone to avoid frustration and false expectations

• Be clear on your priority/goals, and use that as a guiderail to be able to say no to things that aren’t working toward that, or don’t serve that

• Turns of phrase I have already used when struggling with the right way to say no: 

  • I’m sorry. I don’t have the bandwidth for this. (So simple. So honest.)

  • This is an amazing opportunity. I hope you’ll keep me in mind for something in the future, but if I do this, I want to do it 100% and there’s no way I would be able to give you 100% right now. Or…

  • I want to do the best possible work for my clients that I’m wildly proud of. Right now I don’t have the capacity to give you that high quality collaboration. 

  • I can work on this, but I’ll have to let go of this other project. Which do you want me to prioritize?

Do you have guidelines for how to choose what to say yes or no to? How do you say no in a way that feels authentic and with integrity?

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers, 

Where in the Virtual World is ConverSketch?

Climate Change, Media, & Kids: A few weeks ago, I had the great pleasure of supporting a workshop hosted by NSF about how to leverage media platforms to tell stories and educate children on climate change. It was AWESOME and I can’t wait to see where this goes!

ShapingEDU Pente Challenge: ShapingEDU was back for another innovative virtual event – a pitch challenge for teams working to improve the future of education in the digital age…with real cash as the prize! I got to support teams as they practiced “yes, and…” improv thinking for their pitches, and was an expert resource to help them create custom visuals for the pitch or work through complexity. I love that ShapingEDU always includes student voices!

Arizona HIV/AIDS Leadership Academy: Another cohort wrapped up by reflecting on leadership values and key takeaways to be better leaders working to End the Epidemic. I’m always floored by the vulnerability and support the facilitators hold for each cohort. 

River Reflections

Reflections on a side hike.

Hello everyone!

I hope you had a relaxing long weekend with loved ones and are refreshed to finish this year with your unique and spectacular style.

As for me, after 24 stunning days on the Colorado River, we’re back home and getting used to things like email. And ceilings. 

Spending so much time offline in a wild place lends itself to reflections on life, the universe, and everything. I hope you’ll excuse me while I share some of the things sticking in my brain and heart that I hope stay with me for a while. At least until the next river trip reminds me all over again*.   

Presenting: Some things I learned in the Grand Canyon

• Disconnecting for any amount of time is really great. Yeah, yeah, I know…but seriously. 

• When scouting a challenging situation -- let’s use a massive rapid as our metaphor, shall we? -- sometimes the route that looks scary is actually easier. Picking a smart, solid path into the big waves and going for it might be easier than fighting the current to get where it looks safer. 

• It’s okay to not always be doing, or helping, or working. It’s okay to just be. 

• This slowing down may require practice. For me, starting by just taking 5 minutes after a meal to sit and digest helped develop a habit of pausing, appreciating, and taking a moment to look around to be present.

• Trusting ourselves and listening to gut feelings are handy skills for navigating most situations – challenging and otherwise.

• We cannot expect others to read our minds. It helps to approach a disagreement with curiosity, not hostility.

• I recognize the immense privileges I enjoy to be able to do a trip like this: the indigenous lands we were on, taking time off from work, my physical and mental abilities, and the equipment, knowledge, and skills to get ourselves through 280 miles of remote desert river corridor.

• There are powerful forces in the world, like big rivers. Sometimes we don’t need to, or simply can’t, muscle through. A successful route may require thoughtful observation, looking for what’s not necessarily apparent on the surface or at first glance, then working with the forces at play. Get the right amount of momentum and angle to move through. Then make adjustments – not fighting – but pivots to square up to the big waves. Then, remember to plant your oars and enjoy the ride.

Scouting Lava Falls, the biggest rapid we rowed.

*If you’re thinking “Wait a minute Karina, weren’t you rafting the Grand Canyon, like, last year?” Close – our most recent trip was just a couple of years ago, and we spent a few weeks on river trips this past spring. This was our third trip rafting down the Grand, and we felt wildly appreciative to win a last-minute permit this year and had to say yes to the opportunity.

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers, 

Watercolor in a side canyon.

Where in the Virtual World is ConverSketch?

This week I’m getting back in the studio working on video projects and strategic planning process design. For now, I’ll leave you with some photos from the trip.

Sunrise at a river camp.

The boat I rowed with Apollo’s temple in the background.

River selfie!

Number Nine, Feeling Fine -- Happy Birthday ConverSketch!

Happy Wednesday! Why so happy?

Yesterday was ConverSketch’s Golden Birthday, so let’s celebrate together with nine insights from NINE YEARS in business with you!

One of the best parts of being a graphic recorder is that I get to listen to fascinating conversations spanning industries and sectors. From climate science experts, to local governments working to solve community issues, to public health leaders ending the HIV epidemic, to supporting just and fair elections, to neuroregeneration science, to visual thinking in middle school classrooms. I get to listen, distill, design, and offer visuals to support these teams working on important issues around the globe. 

What can we learn from each other and apply as we move together through and beyond the pandemic? What are the things I hear over and over, regardless of the topic? 

Today, I’d like to share observations that span these sectors and might offer an insightful new perspective for you, along with process or reflection ideas for you personally, or your team. 

1. No matter what you do, figure out how to communicate effectively. In nearly every event I graphic record or facilitate, I hear how important it is to bridge between silos or share our story with our audience. But how? 

   Internally across silos: Create a one-page illustration of your mission, vision, values, and goals for the next 1-5 years. Have each leader walk their team through it and do an exercise to help every person see how they’re contributing to the big picture. 

   Externally to your audience: Tell a story that resonates with them! Figure out how what you’re doing solves a problem, fear, pain point, or question they have, and put your audience at the center of the story you’re telling.

2. Technology is incredible and provides so many opportunities for access and information sharing. But what is the technology supporting or driving? Human connection! It’s tempting to focus on the technology, rather than the process. Instead, define your purpose clearly, keep it front and center, and select tech, tools, and processes that support that purpose.

   Question: Is our purpose to build networks or share learning? How will we do this? What does our purpose NOT include?

3. Say yes…and say no. Say yes to opportunities that spark energy in you, even if they take you by surprise or don’t initially seem relevant. Say no to things that fragment your attention or offer the trade-offs if you do that something else on. 

   Framing: “My team can work on this, but we’ll have to let go of this other project. Which do you want to prioritize?”

4. Listening to a podcast recently, this struck me: “The more wrong you’re willing to be, the better your life will be.” This little sentence combined curiosity, vulnerability, and an open heart – tools we can all deploy every day to let go of defensiveness and create a culture of collaboration. I’m going to call this unconditional curiosity. 

   Question: When do you notice yourself feeling defensive? Why? How might you lean into being wrong?

5. Stand on the shoulders of giants rather than recreating something that already exists. This ties back to communication. When researching a new project, look to different fields to see what has been successful, then adopt new strategies in your own work. 

   Question: Find an example of a company or organization that has successfully navigated a problem you’re working on. What do they do? How can you learn from them? 

6. Trust yourself and cultivate intuition. There is more and more research showing the connection of the mind and gut through the microbiome. So when you feel something, pay attention, listen, and learn from your body.

   Question: How am I cultivating trusting intuition in myself or my team?

7. Social and environmental justice are important to a growing population. Make your Why clear and provide opportunities for your people to engage with causes you care about. 

   Question: How do our organizational values support social or environmental work? How do we tell that story clearly to our audiences?

8. After a powerful retreat, then what? How do you make sure all the focused work keeps momentum? Returning after an awesome meeting (virtual or not), staying focused can be the biggest hurdle. 

   Action: Figure out how to set yourself up for success, whether it’s setting a 15-minute timer, or setting out supplies for creative practice or a workout first thing, or writing down your top 3 priorities the night before so you can jump right in. 

9. This world is filled with remarkable humans doing incredible things for others and the planet. You matter and have important gifts to share. This year has been…something. And to everyone who has struggled with loneliness, loss, carrying the weight of too many things…You are a miraculous spark of light in the world and I’m so glad you’re here. 

   Action: Give yourself a hug or quick dance break to a favorite jam – you are amazing!

Thank you from my heart and soul for making NINE YEARS possible! With deep appreciation for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place --

Cheers, 

Where in the Virtual World is ConverSketch?

Northwestern Health Sciences University: For the annual Homecoming conference sharing state of the science and best practice in chiropractic.

Driving K-12 Innovation Summit: Working with the Consortium for School Networking where educators across the globe shared stories, trends, and ideas for the future of learning. They really know how to host online meetings – instead of panels, participants were treated to an interactive gameshow style virtual event!

HIV Leadership Academy: Visualizing stories of participant in this year’s Leadership Academy for community leaders working to end the HIV epidemic.

Michigan Climate Action Network: Creating a thank you graphic for Governor Whitmer for her forward-thinking agenda and legislation to protect Michigan’s clean water and climate for the future! 

Your WFH Refresh

By now, you’re all WFH (Work From Home) pros, figuring out systems that work for you. Kid/dog busts in during a zoom meeting? You’ve got a virtual background for that. Video call fatigue? You’ve got a stockpile of great questions to reenergize the group in breakout rooms. 

That being said, covid is testing our limits, and it’s challenging. As the northern hemisphere is heading into winter with longer nights and more time indoors, the struggle can most definitely be real. 

Lately, I’ve been digging back into these tips to help myself stay focused when I need to, and remind myself to take breaks to maintain my sanity.

So it’s a Graphic Facilitator’s WFH Tips remix this week! The timer has been especially clutch to help me back away slowly from news websites and drop into a focused space to work on what matters – projects with you all! 

Click through the gallery to see each image larger.

What are your best tips for working from home? If you don’t see yours below, send me a note and it might make it into Part III!

And remember, most of all, no matter what, you’re doing it. You’re a bright and valued person, you are loved, and you are doing the best you can. Thank you for what you do to make this world a better place!

Cheers, 

Where in the Virtual World is ConverSketch?

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe: Mapping out the priorities, needs, and opportunities of the Tribal Council.

Denver Housing Authority: Visually facilitating the first of three virtual retreat meetings focused on creating connections and a shared vision while working remotely. We mapped the team on the Enneagram circle using Google Jamboard to work collaboratively in real-time to reflect and learn about each other!

Studio Reveal: Hiring Barriers and Biases. Over the past few weeks, I collaborated with a team at the US Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) to visually map the challenges to BIPOC in applying for and getting hired at the agency. I’m looking forward to seeing how the shifts this team identified can create a more welcoming and inclusive environment!

What Time Is It? River Time!

I hope this finds you and your loved ones healthy and happy.

I’m out of the office on a seven-day rafting trip on the Middle Fork of the Salmon River in Idaho – here’s a photo from when we got to run this same river three years ago:

This means I’ll be without access to phone or internet June 28 - July 8th – so thank you for your patience if you’ve tried to get in touch lately. I’ll look forward to connecting!

For my ruminations on what I’ve learned about entrepreneurship from whitewater, check out this post.

To read about how I fuel my graphic recorder creativity tank, click here.

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Where in the Virtual World is ConverSketch?

On the river 😊

Celebrating a New Chapter with Future Earth Fellows as the Leopold Leadership Program transitioned its’ own leadership and partnership with Future Earth.

Continuing Work with ARS’ Water Research Vision as these scientists from across the country and disciplines continue to work astonishingly well in a remote setting to co-create a shared water research vision and roadmap for the future.

Scribing Leadership Stories with folks working to end the HIV epidemic in Arizona. These health care leaders shared values they wanted to cultivate carrying their work forward.

Interested in collaborating to make YOUR next virtual meeting next level?

5 Surprising Ways to Partner with a GR to Create Ripples of Impact Before, During and After Your Event

One of the things I love about partnering with you, my stunning clients, is helping create customized experiences at events beyond visual notes. Here are some ideas for how to make the most out of working with your graphic recorder before, during, and after your next event!

Prior to the Event

Take some time to talk with your graphic recorder about ways to brand the event. While I DO NOT consider myself a logo designer, I do enjoy creating fun sketches that can be used for name tags and posters. A few new ideas I co-developed with the Fish and Wildlife Service last week included printing the sketch on the covers of notebooks, as well as the Powerpoint template for the event. AND T-SHIRTS!

You can also work with your graphic recorder to design custom illustrated worksheets for participants. These are especially useful in breakouts, or as an accountability tool for everyone to walk away with.

During the Event

If your graphic recorder is comfortable, make the most of their unique perspective by having them walk the group through the graphics they’ve created. I love doing this at the end of each day, or just before a final synthesis session so everyone refreshes themselves on the massive amount of work done, key ideas, and can use the charts as references to build on. V important - ask them ahead of time so they are mentally prepared to do this well!

Even better, co-present WITH your graphic recorder – last week one of the core team members developed a beautiful PowerPoint summary of their key takeaways while participants were in breakout groups. We tag-teamed walking the group through my charts each sharing themes we observed, and the participants got to soak in our different perspectives (and wacky humor) to reflect and build on the ideas.

Post Event

Ask your graphic recorder how you might continue leveraging the work they created moving forward. This might include simply sharing the digitized charts with participants, or could be a thoughtful follow-up email or social media campaign.

Another excellent add-on service is a summary illustration to distill the work into a communication tool that leadership or participants can share with people who didn’t attend, share online, and use in future meetings to spark memories of key ideas.

Are you ready to partner with a graphic recorder to make your event extra special?

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Where in the World is ConverSketch?

Shepherdstown, WV: With the US Fish and Wildlife Service at the National Conservation Training Center creating a strategy to support their conservation work with effective social science. With a master’s degree in environmental communication, it was fun to have a deep understanding of content and connection with participants.

Minneapolis, MN: With chiropractors at Northwestern Health Sciences University’s Homecoming event. Not only did I learn about the history and future of chiropractic, I also got to graphic record in the Sea Life Aquarium next to the stingrays!

Loveland, CO: At Bill Reed Middle School infusing visual notes into classrooms! These 8th Graders rocked at visualizing the Bill of Rights!

I Just Can’t Wait: Eight Great Ideas to Celebrate!

Hey mate, ConverSketch is 8! Building my business as a graphic recorder has felt like fate, and I want to state a few of the most influential ideas I’ve been reflecting on as of late.

Okay, okay, I’ll quit with the rhyming…for now. Here are eight of my top insights over eight years in business that can be applied to creative work, or living in a fulfilling way no matter what you do.

1.       Follow what feels right: Do what feels right to you, not because everyone says that's what you should do.  And listen to that intuition (this is a biggie for me)!

2.       Say Yes: To new opportunities to learn, co-create, and feel a little uncomfortable. Those moments are often the most memorable or lead to bigger shifts. For me, this has meant investing in professional development toward digital graphic recording, marketing, video editing, and deepening my scribing practice. It’s also okay and very important to say No to some things.

3.       Focus on what you want: I love the saying “Energy flows where attention goes”. Focus your energy on what you want to accomplish, develop, or nurture, and watch how those ripples of energy come back to you!

4.       Have fun! Need I say more?

5.       It’s okay to do “nothing”: More and more I’m seeing research on how important it is to walk, stare, let your mind wander, doodle, and do “nothing”. This unscripted time is sometimes challenging for me to wrap my head around, but taking time away from a project often leads to breakthroughs or a different, more creative approach.

6.       Also working at it every day: No matter what your “it” is, build time to practice something you want to improve or cultivate. Marie Forleo calls it “hugging the slog”, and Hugh McLeod says “Creativity is not a talent, creativity is a drive.”

7.       Authenticity shines: We all know the Comparison Game is deadly, however I’ve found surrounding myself with a Brain Trust of colleague-friends I can ask for advice or look to for inspiration has been a game-changer! I’ve also practiced knowing my value…and over-delivering!

8.       Find Your Passion: Figuring out what you’re most excited about can help set you apart from other people who offer similar services. I am LOVING building creative partnerships with my clients where we can learn, reflect, iterate, and improve how visuals support processes and outcomes before, during, and after events.

BONUS: The more you give, the more you get: Be generous, over-deliver, and share. Blue oceans are more fun than red ones.

If you’ve been here a while, some of these might seem familiar. There are beautiful patterns in life and having the privilege of being in business for a longer period means some of those patterns are beginning to reveal themselves. If you want to dig into the archives, here are links to…

7th Anniversary

6th Anniversary

5th Anniversary

4th Anniversary

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place. Woo-diggity!

Cheers,

Where in the World is ConverSketch? Here’s what I have on my plate while turning eight:

New Video Release! The Drawing Connections series for the National Park Service is back! This time, let’s take a trip down to Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve in the bayous of Louisiana to get a taste of the culture, landscapes, and proud history of the area!

Dallas, Texas: With a corporate leadership group redefining their future and roadmap! I can’t share the full drawings with you, so here’s a closeup of a little friend on the journey.

The San Juan Mountains: We just got back from a couple nights in the backcountry with great friends, some powder snow, and lots of laughs. Here’s to wild places, wild friends, and keeping a little balance (literally and figuratively, when you’re on a splitboard!).

Sustainability Research 2.0: How They’re Using Graphics After Workshops. Here’s what Future Earth did with visuals and photos from our systems thinking workshops last year focusing on the future of sustainability science and research!

A Finished Watercolor Commission! Now that it’s with its new owner, I can share this watercolor painting I’ve been working on over the past few months. Redwood Magic | 16x20 inches

Looks Like Your Vision is 2020!

Happy New Year!

It’s officially 2020, the start of a new decade (!), which means it’s a phenomenally powerful time to reflect, appreciate, and take a moment to think intentionally about what you want to create in your life.

One of my goals for 2020 (which has been on my mind for a while) is creating videos for my newsletters. Today, I’m delighted to share my 2020 Vision Board with you via video — to see it and hear my tips on manifesting for a new year, click below to watch the video!

As mentioned in the video, here are a couple of other fantastic resources for intentional visioning for a new year:

My personal favorite way to focus my energy is to create a Vision Board for the upcoming year. Because 2020 is the start of a new decade, I made this one more expansive and focused on long-term ideas. They are fun to look at and can sometimes last a long time – here’s my board from 2016 which has been an anchor for the past 5 years! Remember, it doesn’t have to be perfect, just go for it!

The 2020’s vision board I briefly shared in the video.

A few key questions can help focus thoughts and align synapses for new patterns. So, I’ve taken last year’s Vision for a New Year template and given it a little update love for us for this year:

Please download and fill this out on paper or in your favorite drawing app!

Marie Forleo has created a 3-part Decade in Review series to help you look back to leap ahead. It’s excellent, and has brought new perspective to my annual reflection.

Brandy Agerbeck’s Draw in Your New Year. All of Brandy’s online courses and videos are thoughtful, authentic, and brimming with value. I am especially keen on the exercise she shares to draw the year as a cycle to think creatively and strategically ahead!

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place. Here’s to a New Year filled with joy, abundance, and creativity!

Cheers,

Where in the World is ConverSketch?

At home taking some time off to recharge and reflect before heading to DC in a few days. I’ve been planning ways to continue to improve the services I offer to my amazing clients, and I’m excited to get cracking!

A note on 2020 fee structure changes: This year my rates will reflect travel time when working out of state and internationally. As before, all rates are communicated and approved by clients through the contracting process.

“…An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.”

I recently came upon this quote from the colorful writer Charles Bukowski: “An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.”

I like this quote because it embodies its own message. It encapsulates an immense amount of complexity in two deceptively simple sentences.

And, if we’re doing our job well as graphic recorders, we can walk this edge of clarifying complexity without over simplifying. Through intentional mark making, considering the right questions, and deep listening, we help distill your hard work navigating the unknown future into what simply makes sense.

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Where in the World is ConverSketch?

Wenatchee, Washington: Working with the US Forest Service sharing research and experience on the ground to better plan for risk mitigation for wildfires that cross management boundaries.

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Nation, South Dakota: Listening to stories and helping tribal leaders develop a shared vision and priorities for more effective grant-writing to improve their community.

Columbus, Ohio: Back with this awesome team for the second annual Cybersecurity Days capturing best practices, campus innovations, and life hacks for more security online. Here’s my capture of Jerod Brennan’s excellent talk on protecting our digital identities.

West of Fort Collins: Elk hunting for a few days. Unfortunately, we didn’t get one this year, but it never ceases to fill me with gratitude and awe for these animals and wild places. I appreciate that my clients understand when I disconnect, and thank you all for your patience with slower-than-usual response times over the past two weeks between hunting and graphic recording work!

Tales from New Jersey Part 2: What I Decided to Step Into and How It Went

Have you ever shared something that seemed like second nature to you, but when you shared it, people were delighted and learned something new?

Last month I got to surround myself and learn from others in my professional field at the International Forum of Visual Practitioners (IFVP) conference. Here’s part two of my reflections from the event on where the field is headed and where I’m showing up.

For the first time, I presented a breakout workshop during the conference. At IFVP, I’ve always seen myself as a newbie, even though I’ve been a graphic recorder and facilitator for more than 8 years. I love teaching and facilitating, and I thought it was about time I offered something from my perspective back to my community. The topic? Email marketing that feels authentic AND builds your business.

Stepping into my expertise felt GREAT. People had a blast and applied what they learned. I may have flossed (the dance move, not the dental hygiene…At least not during my workshop). Sharing things that seemed obvious to me were revelations for my audience, and it was a treat to get to share more of my quirks and winning humor with my captive audience ;).

So I encourage you to consider: How might you stepping into ownership of your knowledge? How are you giving back to your community? Whether it’s volunteering or simply offering smiles to strangers, you can have an impact far greater than you know!

Want your meetings to have a greater impact? Let’s talk about how visuals can elevate engagement, understanding, and action at your event!

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Where in the World is ConverSketch?

CU Boulder: Teaching a short-course on basics of visual communication and graphic recording for the Master of the Environment summer program. These students got it right away and immediately jumped in with two feet to re-design infographics on agriculture in Boulder County.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: Back with the New Mexico Breastfeeding Task Force to support a Summit on Maternity and Infant Care for professionals across the state. A favorite session and graphic recording chart was on Mindfulness Meditation as a tool for self care. Namaste!

Aspen, Colorado: For the 10th annual Tech Policy Institute Aspen Forum! I learned about and scribed everything from “tech-lash” to cryptocurrency regulation to AI and machine learning and the role policy plays