Last time we blogged at you, we spoke about the importance of characters and visuals in complex events. Today’s blog continues that thought but in a very specific direction - accessibility, bébé!

Every brain has its own way of making sense of the world, and therefore, workplace events.

Some people need words, others need figures, and many of us bounce around somewhere in between. But for neurodivergent folks who think, process, and engage differently, a wall of text, an eyeball-hurty chart or an hour-long speech can feel like trying to tune into a radio station in outer space.

This is why it’s important to offer more than one way of digesting the information.

If we want to be the ‘event hoster supreme of all time’, we need to keep every audience member in mind and play our part in providing OPTIONS. And guess what? This is why live event illustration goes down a treat!

Visual storytelling: A different kind of listening

A truth bomb, if we may…

Events can be overwhelming and they’re NOT FOR EVERYONE. (Amiright, introverts?!)

Lights, sounds, HUMANS, the pressure to be switched on and the expectation to actively engage even if it makes you want to poo yourself — it’s a lot for anyone, let alone for those whose sensory preferences are on a very specific setting.

Now, no… we’re not claiming to be the anti-poo-your-pants-police. BUT. A live illustrator acts like a conductor, turning the noisy symphony of an event into something more harmonious.

If we’re in the mix, we’re like the filter. We do for your events what those Loop earplugs do for overstimulating noises. We make it all go “aaaah” rather than “arrrghhhh!”. It benefits everyone in the room too, because clarity, simplicity, and visual messaging are universal human needs.

We come with options too!

We can be front and centre with you, live illustrating as you speak so that your audience sees the visuals throughout and has the option to process things in the moment.
You can keep us a secret, showing our work during breaks to help summarise the previous section of the day, or do a big reveal at the end.

Either way, we neatly wrap up your event into a swanky parcel which ISN’T just a boring pair of socks from your Uncle Ken.

Visual note taking = real time representation

Speaking of considering every audience member, live event illustration is also a superb way of representing your people and their stories in a way that immediately puts the spotlight where it bloomin’ well needs to be.

A truly inclusive event doesn’t just capture ideas; it reflects the people in the room. This is where visuals and character-drawing shine brighter than ever, because inclusion should be part of the story from the offset. We can do that for you!

In corporate spaces, EDIB goals often live in policy documents, strategy plans and the occasional focus group - all vital work! But sometimes this work doesn’t quite make its way into the lived experience of a workplace event. So the important work you’re doing can sometimes feel like a behind-the-scenes thought rather than something actively breathing throughout your business each day.

Live illustration can enhance visibility, bringing those values, people and stories to life in the moment. It offers instant, inclusive imagery that people can connect with live, and remember long after your event too.

Running some talks on menopause awareness with employees who have lived experience? We’ll illustrate ‘em!
Hosting a training session on unconscious bias? Let’s get it drawn so the message lands even more powerfully.
Want people to understand disability policies a bit better? Doodle it so people can see what you really mean!
Want to make sure absolutely every voice is elevated no matter the subject matter? Fab, we’ll put it on paper!

The list goes on…

Creative visual meetings and events

Live illustration can be a brilliant bridge-builder between your key takeaways and your audience. It’s just as important as the closed captions on a video, the meeting replay button, the translations, the alt text on the pictures and the plain language version of a complex infographic.

Creative, visual messaging is just as much of an audience need as all of the above things. It makes your ideas feel more human, more reachable and more enjoyable to participate in.

We know from experience that live illustrations aren’t just seen, they’re felt, and in many ways this is where accessibility really begins.

Wanna know more?

Get in touch!

x Illustrated Live