Graphic recording for mega engaging events
Real answers to the questions we get asked.
When people look into booking graphic recording for engaging events, the same concerns tend to bubble up again and again…
“Will this actually stop people drifting onto their phones? Will senior stakeholders take it seriously? Can we design everything in advance? Will it fit our brand? Should the illustrator be in the room? How does it all work?”
A recent client call summed up these questions beautifully, so let’s get stuck into it, shall we?
“I really want to do something that is a bit different, that is engaging at our event… I don’t want people on their phones.”
This is the number one reason people choose graphic recording for their events.
Live illustration gives your audience something to watch, not just listen to.
The moment the drawing begins, phones go down, ears prick up, and people are ✨back in the room✨. Even in sessions with lots of speakers, it acts like a nice visual anchor, keeping everyone focused and present.
This client wanted their senior leaders to walk away saying, “Well that was different. That was cool! I’m going to remember it.”
Graphic recording’s made for this.
“I don’t want it to be too playful… our audience includes senior leaders.”
Of course! Not every event wants quirky characters or loose sketching.
Graphic recording can be clean, elegant, and fully aligned with your brand.
Because we’re able to pre-plan the illustration, when you need full control, we can match:
colour palettes
visual tone
logo usage
any cultural or organisational sensitivities
The result = visual storytelling that feels professional, polished, and appropriate for even the most formal rooms.
“Can this be pre-designed so I know what it will look like? I don’t want the extra stress of wondering what you’ll draw.”
Yes.
For high-profile conferences, pre-designed graphics are the calmest way to work.
We sketch, refine, and finalise the full illustration ahead of time based on your agenda and key messages.
Then on the day, the audience watches it appear live. All of the drama and excitement without any surprises. Phewww.
You get:
clarity
control
confidence
a seamless on-the-day performance
This client also wanted the illustration printed as postcards for attendees later that day. Pre-design makes that easy peasy lemon squeezy.
“We have three topics planned… can you distil the key messages?”
This kind of structure works brilliantly with graphic recording.
As your speakers move from topic to topic, the drawing expands in sync.
It helps the audience follow the logic of the session and makes complex ideas easier to digest.
This approach is especially helpful when your event spans a few key topics.
Visual order creates mental order.
“Should it be remote or in person? Or will people want to see the human in the room?”
Both options are possible!
Remote illustration
Perfect when:
the budget needs to stretch
the screens are already set up
the illustration will be fully digital
In-person illustration
Often preferred when:
the audience is senior
the event is high-profile
you want people to see the artist working
This client said, “Would people not want to see the human who’s done that?”
That feeling’s common, especially in the age of AI. Seeing the human illustrator in the room adds trust and a little bit of theatre.
“Will this work with our AV team and our screens?”
Yes. Graphic recording slides neatly into AV workflows.
It appears live on the main screen and transitions smoothly with your running order.
If your agenda is scripted (as theirs was), it becomes beautifully coherent.
“Can we give attendees something to take away, like postcards?”
Absolutely!
Postcards, posters, slide decks, social media assets - whatever fits your event.
This client loved the idea of attendees returning from lunch to find postcards of the illustration magically waiting for them.
Graphic recording gives you a tangible takeaway that reinforces the day’s messages long after people leave the room.
If you’re planning an event and recognise any of these concerns, you’re in the right place.
Graphic recording for engaging events is ideal when you want your audience to stay present, absorb complex information, and leave with something memorable.
If you’d like to explore ideas for your own event, you can book a no-obligation call anytime. I’m always happy to talk through what might work best for your room.
x Katie