Want to be a Graphic Recorder?
There can be few things more satisfying (in a work sense) than doing a job that makes you happy. A job that makes other people happy too, and has a tangible, real time benefit to the context you're working in.
As a Graphic Recorder I’ve been able to draw in some amazing places around the world, (on the roof of the National Theatre, by an Italian lake, in a morgue...), meet fascinating people, AND sit in super interesting meetings. Of course right now I’m spending a lot of time working digitally in virtual meeting spaces (mostly they're confidential though so sshhhhh!). I’ve illustrated books and appeared in newspapers and magazines. As someone who never went to art school but had dreams of creativity I am living my best life.
“If your dream is to earn a good living out of working creatively then Graphic Recording is definitely worth a closer look.”
Life as a graphic recorder is full of 'feel good', in fact it's such a nice job that I often get a round of applause as people wrap up their session, I mean seriously, how lucky am I? But, it's still a relatively unknown career for most people. I think it's time that changed. If your dream is to earn a good living out of working creatively then Graphic Recording is definitely worth a closer look.
What is a Graphic Recorder?
Sometimes called a live scribe, a graphiker or a visual harvester, the role of a Graphic Recorder is to take other people’s content (usually live, but it could be a recording) and to translate it into a concise visual representation that can be sat around, evolved or shared.
When this happens live, in a meeting or at an event, it acts as a focal point for the discussion, helping those in the room connect with the content more deeply, see links and connections more easily and even have more creative thoughts themselves. Then after the event it acts as a brilliant way of remembering or sharing the content more widely.
As a jobbing Graphic Recorder I know that there are other activities the broad title often encompasses… Creating explainer or whiteboard animations for example, or translating documents into pictures, producing rich pictures that can disseminate an organisational strategy or vision, or even illustrating non-fiction books.
All of which adds up to a varied and opportunity filled small business.
Can I be a Graphic Recorder?
Everyone's different of course, but here are 5 traits that lend themselves to life as a professional Graphic Recorder.
1. You can draw
Now I spend a lot of time showing people how to work visually and get the benefits of visual thinking, even if they can't draw at all. This is not that.
To be a professional graphic recorder (as opposed to someone using visual skills in their role) there is, rightly or wrongly, an expectation that you can draw, and that the finished graphic record will both make sense and look good. So although you don't need to be in any way an artist (I’m certainly not), you do need to be able to draw identifiable objects and draw them quickly.
2. You are mentally agile
By that I mean you're able to take in information, which may be random, unexpected or about a topic you're not expert in, and make sense of it. I’ve live scribed across all sorts of subjects and sectors, from Transport to Health, Space Travel to Economics. If you're not sure if this is you, then go and pick a random TED talk, have a listen and see if you could understand and repeat the key points. If you can then you'll probably be fine.
3. You are happy to serve
By this I mean that you're able to get pleasure from a job well done, even if you don't particularly enjoy the content. Sometimes you'll be called upon to draw opinions that may not be yours, or listen to content that you don't find interesting. Your role as a Graphic Recorder is not to join in the discussion, but to identify and capture key points, connections and themes, all of which helps the participants process and understand the information better. You are there in service of clarity.
“You are there in service of clarity”
4. You can innovate
Stuff goes wrong all. The. Time. Equipment fails, agendas change without warning, and all possible human and environment variables come into play at some point. In a world where most content is happening virtually you’ll need enough digital know-how to attend virtual meetings and it can be useful (though not essential) to be able to draw live digitally. You need to be able to think on your feet and go with the flow. Be a sapling not an oak tree.
5. You can pull off the business basics
Most people in this field are self employed or running their own small business. The scene is evolving slightly as some corporations are hiring their own in-house graphikers, but in the main, you have to be okay with the rollercoaster that is working for yourself. So are you able to build relationships, talk about money, and have enough systems in place that you know the right image file is going to end up with the right client? You'll need to be able to deal with unpredictable cash flow (especially at the start) and still get your bills paid on time.
“Be a sapling not an oak tree.”
How many did you have?
If you had most, or maybe even all of these traits then you might want to think about exploring something new and joining the growing global tribe of graphic recorders.
If you want help getting started, then our awesome online course Be a Graphic Recorder teaches you all the skills you'll need to start capturing conversations brilliantly whether you’re working virtually or face to face. 12 weeks of exercises and support from me, an expert in the field with over 14 years experience running a graphic recording studio. I've drawn everywhere from a muddy field to Buckingham Palace and have worked with clients like TimeWarner, Google and the NHS.
The course is in our online Graphic Change® Academy, with content available 24/7 so you can do the exercises when it suits you, with a private group to share your work, Q&A sessions, and…the really special bit…individual tutor feedback on your work. We keep the groups strictly limited so that you get plenty of individual attention. It really is the perfect place to start your career as a graphic recorder.
We currently run two terms a year. Students from last term said this:
"Absolutely amazing course. Jam-packed full of really useful practical tips and information, that can be practised and applied immediately…Just brilliant. Also the feedback I received on my work was extremely useful. thanks Cara for putting together and hosting such a wonderful course."
- Paul John-Baptiste
"I loved this course! The content is well-paced and well-structured. It is a great blend of practical applications and introspection. As such, you can start applying your skills right away, learn from your experiences, and keep improving."
- Laura Dover
We have students in 92 countries (and counting). To join them head to our training pages.
Graphic Change is a visual thinking studio that works with individuals and businesses helping them to get the benefits of working visually. If you want to Be a Graphic Recorder, join our online course to learn the skills you need.
To find out more about our online courses, take a look at the Graphic Change Academy.
You can also buy my book Draw A Better Business for lots of exercises and ideas about working visually.
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