Graphic Recording explained in brief

Graphic Recording is an innovative method for capturing information in real-time in a visual way. It is increasingly used in conferences, meetings, and workshops. When people are talking, discussing, presenting, or collaborating, relevant ideas and results can be documented. Graphic Recording is the art of visual documentation and offers real advantages.

Graphic Recording is also known as Visual Documentation, Live Illustration, or Visual Protocol. Depending on the region, it may also be referred to as (live) Scribing or Visual Recording. Particularly in the United States, Graphic Recording is offered as Graphic Facilitation or Visual Facilitation, actively supporting group processes more methodically than just providing accompanying visual documentation.

Do you wish for visual support at your live event? Documenting the results in pictures and text is a great idea! I will be happy to advise you on how a graphic recording can best support and accompany your project. Get in touch & write to me.

Please download the current portfolio PDF with Graphic Recording works until 2025 of Christoph J Kellner

Why Graphic Recording? And how does it work?

By listening and drawing live, I capture what is being said on site. I summarise the essentials and convey them clearly in a picture. This creates a visual documentation of images and words at the same time as the event is taking place. This combination ensures a very clear presentation. Graphic recording provides a visual final document and, at the same time, a unique snapshot of the event. Ideas and messages remain alive. Once digitised, it can be easily shared and distributed.

Graphic Recording works

With preparation

As a Graphic Recorder, I don’t need to be an expert in the subjects myself. For effective preparation, I gather information about the topic and the agenda, and I can familiarize myself with relevant background knowledge. A solid general education, my artistic training, and over 25 years of practical experience help me in the initial stages of creating visuals.

Through active listening

During the event, I actively and attentively listen. This skill can be cultivated. With curiosity and empathy, one has the best prerequisites for filtering out what is relevant and for discovering relationships and connections. Graphic Recording captures not only key statements but also emotions. It enables a holistic representation of information that goes beyond mere textual documentation.

With visualization

I use a diverse visual language consisting of drawings, symbols, colours and texts in different, legible fonts. This helps to structure complex ideas more clearly and present key messages in an understandable way. Visualisation makes content more appealing and accessible. Graphic Recording is more than a 1:1 reproduction of what has been said. It often reveals surprising connections between topics, makes abstract thoughts tangible and facilitates the understanding of complex issues. Visualisation provides an overview. This makes it easier to orientate oneself and helps to stay on track with the topics and carry them forward. In the best case, space is created for new ideas. Visualised and captured on paper, these ideas are not lost.

Through Feedback

Graphic Recording is always live, visible, and accessible in the room. While I’m drawing, participants have the opportunity to observe the creation of the image. Feedback often comes during breaks. Simultaneously, participants receive feedback through the visualization, which invites reflection. Since I work exclusively with original content, i.e., what is said on the spot, it facilitates identification when participants see themselves in the image/quote. They feel heard and respected. People are more inclined to actively engage when they see that their contributions are being directly represented. This also makes other perspectives, which are often not immediately apparent, visible. Graphic Recording is most successful when the image creation is integrated into the event process.

Graphic Recording works with results

When the discussion ends, the image is also complete. You have a visual summary of your event as a result in front of you. If I work analog, it becomes a tangible artifact. From this original drawing, I create a professionally formatted digital image. This is easier to share with others, whether within the company or online via social media. This is also possible when I work digitally. The visual documentation as an image helps participants remember key points and retain what they have learned. Furthermore, thanks to its universal visual language, a Graphic Recording makes it easier for people with different language skills to access the content.