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.

Last week I had the pleasure of supporting the CANDO (pronounced “can due”) during their inaugural meeting. This group of veterinarians and researchers are creating a network of researchers and practitioners a cross the US to address canine osteoarthritis with the goal of eventually applied what’s learned to help people with arthritis as well.

You know that feeling when you leave a meeting energized? Ideas were flowing, people were doing deep thinking, and there was this sense that something meaningful was happening.

Then two weeks later... crickets.

No matter who you are, having a safe place to call home makes everything a little easier. Recovering from illness or addiction, finding a stable job, raising a family, taking time to process an emotional experience, or taking the first steps toward a healthier life by getting enough sleep or cooking a meal – each of these things is easier when you have a place to call home.

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.

Have you ever been somewhere you didn’t speak the language? How did you get around and communicate? One of my favorite things about graphic recording is the power of visuals to help tell a shared story, even if a group consists of people who speak different languages.

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.

Have you ever gotten a follow up email after attending an event? What was inside? A survey? A written meeting summary?

Was there any engagement? A lively volley of replies…or crickets?

ConverSketch is twelve!

Thank you for being the reason for many years of discovery, creativity, fun, and making meaning together.  Am I proud of what we’ve done together? You bet I am!