graphic recorder africa

How to Manage Uncertainty and Adapt on the Fly: Five Remote Meeting Strategies You Can Implement Today

How are you all doing? I hope this email finds you and your loved ones safe, healthy, and making time for a few deep breaths. Be gentle with yourselves, have as much fun as you can, and let me know if there’s anything I can do to help you as we navigate this wild time.

Speaking of wild, it’s hard to imagine that a month ago, I was at the third annual ShapingEDU Unconference at Arizona State University. We all know how rapidly the COVID situation has been evolving, and though we had initially expected over 200 invite-only participants to join us at ASU, around 50 folks made it in person with many more joining remotely from around the world.

Karina graphic recording in person at Arizona State University - ShapingEDU Day 1

Karina graphic recording in person at Arizona State University - ShapingEDU Day 1

However, after first full day the organizing team made some difficult decisions. Ultimately, they decided to shift to a fully remote meeting for the final half day of the Unconference.  

That’s right: On Thursday the Unconference was blended in-person and online, and on Friday morning, all participants were fully remote. Without missing a beat, this remarkable group kept co-creating together – we weren’t going to lose the opportunity!

Screen sharing in Zoom, graphic recording on my iPad (behind my shoulder) - ShapingEDU Day 2

Screen sharing in Zoom, graphic recording on my iPad (behind my shoulder) - ShapingEDU Day 2

So, what made it possible for this group to pivot and adapt so quickly? How can your team learn from ShapingEDU?

Here are five observations as to what enabled this agile Unconference to remain successful despite unprecedented hurdles, that you can learn from and implement today!

  1. The group was already used to blended learning – we meet regularly for webinars throughout the year between Unconferences to keep the work going.

    What you can do: Take some time to make sure your people are comfortable with the platform you’re using and make support accessible. Practice often!

  2. We had a killer tech team supporting the whole event – streaming multiple cameras to Zoom, using mics so remote participants could hear, and a team of people monitoring the chat and Slack channels to answer questions and help with technical issues.

    What you can do: Have someone designated to help you run your remote meeting and be clear on expectations and roles for the two of you. Who will guide the conversation? Keep time? Monitor the chat? Even if it’s just you, think about how you can set expectations and build in time during the call to check on the chat, answer questions, and provide support.

  3. Organizers communicated changes clearly and transparently – they were swift to share updates and how to continue participating. They leveraged multiple avenues for sharing how and when to stay involved, and kept it simple.

    What you can do: Have templates prepared ahead of time for various scenarios that might emerge. Post language for different outlets in a Google Doc that’s shared so your team all has the same info, and have a plan for who will make sure it’s shared where.

  4. Graphic facilitation was leveraged in-person and remotely to provide continuity and engagement – at ASU, we created towers with boards on-site and live-streamed visuals to remote participants, and when we moved remotely, we shifted to screen sharing digitally created graphic notes. Watching the literal shape of the report outs emerge kept participants interested and helps catch people back up on the most important ideas, even if they do need to step away for a bit.

    What you can do: Partner with a graphic recorder before your remote meeting to brainstorm ways to leverage visuals to minimize the temptation of multi-tasking, keep track of many ideas, and build a shared picture of the conversation.

  5. There was continuity throughout and after the Unconference -- from live to online sessions to continuing to work remotely between Unconferences, the ShapingEDU team knows that the visuals provide a solid foundation for building on ideas over time. They were sure to make the most of the graphics created during the Unconference in a follow up email (see below) with a clear call to action for next steps sparked memories and kept the community engaged even afterwards.

    What you can do: Create a communication strategy with a clear summary of the event and next steps for action from participants. Work with your graphic recorder so you’ve got visually engaging content that helps transport participants back to the ideas shared during the meeting, and carries the key ideas forward.

The follow up email after ShapingEDU 2020.

The follow up email after ShapingEDU 2020.

While meeting online often means lowering expectations for what is doable, you don’t have to sacrifice everything. Let’s explore how to leverage digital graphic recording or remote facilitation for you!

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Karina Signature.png




Where in the World is ConverSketch?

Staying Home Even though live events have been cancelled for the next few weeks, I’m always impressed with how my clients adapt and innovate on the fly, and I’ve been digital graphic recording live for remote meetings.

Staying Home Even though live events have been cancelled for the next few weeks, I’m always impressed with how my clients adapt and innovate on the fly, and I’ve been digital graphic recording live for remote meetings.

How Can I Use the Graphics After an Event? In January I supported the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) during their annual conference in DC. They’ve just released the conference re-cap website packed with videos, Tweets, and h…

How Can I Use the Graphics After an Event? In January I supported the National Council for Science and the Environment (NCSE) during their annual conference in DC. They’ve just released the conference re-cap website packed with videos, Tweets, and highlighting interactive pieces of the conference. You can see how they wove in the graphics in multiple ways – here are the Sights and Sounds of NCSE, the Experience Wall in Engagement with Purpose, and a full Graphic Recording Gallery.

For another perspective on how ShapingEDU pivoted on the fly and a couple of shots of me working at ASU, you can read the one and only Paul Signorelli’s blog about it here.

Concerned About COVID-19? Instead of Canceling Your Event, Consider This

If you’re planning an event, you’ve probably been following the news around COVID-19 very closely, weighing options, and building backup plans. First and foremost, I hope you are healthy, and I’m sending strength to those who have loved ones who are sick. For a list of resources for updates and guidelines for gatherings from the WHO and CDC, scroll on down to the bottom.

Working with planning teams and event organizers as a graphic recorder, I first want to say YOU’VE GOT THIS! The amount of work that goes on behind the scenes to pull ANY event or meeting off is immense, and adding uncertainty of any kind creates more work and potentially more stress.

With shifting travel advisories and varying individual risk tolerances for travel, should you postpone or even cancel your event?

NOT NECESSARILY!

Let’s be clear. I’m NOT advocating for unsafe travel or putting people at risk.

Instead, consider holding the meeting remotely to ensure your participants are safe and healthy! Here’s an excellent resource for tips and tools for remote meetings and events as well.

You might be thinking at this point “Sounds great on paper, Karina, but we all know how easy it can be to get distracted while working or convening remotely.” I agree – it’s wildly tempting to be multi-tasking on a video call.

So, how to keep participants glued to their screens and following what’s going on?

Partner with a graphic recorder.

We can work digitally and share screens to show the visual notes unfolding in real-time on the remote meeting platform, or set up a camera on paper and boards to build colorful walls that can be sent to the convening organization after the event to display in your office and share with people at the next in-person meeting.

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AND WASH YOUR HANDS!!!

Resources and Updates on COVID-19 from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Huge thanks to the International Forum of Visual Practitioners for compiling the great resources!

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Karina Signature.png


Where in the World is ConverSketch?

Phoenix & Tucson, AZ: Working with the State of Arizona’s HIV Prevention Program to capture ideas and stories on how to end the HIV epidemic. To say I was humbled is an understatement – from LGBTQ youth to trans communities to African American c…

Phoenix & Tucson, AZ: Working with the State of Arizona’s HIV Prevention Program to capture ideas and stories on how to end the HIV epidemic. To say I was humbled is an understatement – from LGBTQ youth to trans communities to African American communities, it was an honor to listen and be part of these listening sessions.

Fort Collins, CO: Facilitating collaborative discussions around river health across departments within our City’s government. This is our backyard river, and one I love dearly, so I’m looking forward to seeing how different departments can work toge…

Fort Collins, CO: Facilitating collaborative discussions around river health across departments within our City’s government. This is our backyard river, and one I love dearly, so I’m looking forward to seeing how different departments can work together!

Phoenix, AZ: I’m headed back to Arizona this week for the Third ShapingEDU Unconference hosted by Arizona State University. I am so excited to be part of this dynamic, innovative community building better learning futures for students. Here’s the Su…

Phoenix, AZ: I’m headed back to Arizona this week for the Third ShapingEDU Unconference hosted by Arizona State University. I am so excited to be part of this dynamic, innovative community building better learning futures for students. Here’s the Summary Illustration of the 10 Actions and Areas the community has developed guiding this work.

I Just Can’t Wait: Eight Great Ideas to Celebrate!

Hey mate, ConverSketch is 8! Building my business as a graphic recorder has felt like fate, and I want to state a few of the most influential ideas I’ve been reflecting on as of late.

Okay, okay, I’ll quit with the rhyming…for now. Here are eight of my top insights over eight years in business that can be applied to creative work, or living in a fulfilling way no matter what you do.

1.       Follow what feels right: Do what feels right to you, not because everyone says that's what you should do.  And listen to that intuition (this is a biggie for me)!

2.       Say Yes: To new opportunities to learn, co-create, and feel a little uncomfortable. Those moments are often the most memorable or lead to bigger shifts. For me, this has meant investing in professional development toward digital graphic recording, marketing, video editing, and deepening my scribing practice. It’s also okay and very important to say No to some things.

3.       Focus on what you want: I love the saying “Energy flows where attention goes”. Focus your energy on what you want to accomplish, develop, or nurture, and watch how those ripples of energy come back to you!

4.       Have fun! Need I say more?

5.       It’s okay to do “nothing”: More and more I’m seeing research on how important it is to walk, stare, let your mind wander, doodle, and do “nothing”. This unscripted time is sometimes challenging for me to wrap my head around, but taking time away from a project often leads to breakthroughs or a different, more creative approach.

6.       Also working at it every day: No matter what your “it” is, build time to practice something you want to improve or cultivate. Marie Forleo calls it “hugging the slog”, and Hugh McLeod says “Creativity is not a talent, creativity is a drive.”

7.       Authenticity shines: We all know the Comparison Game is deadly, however I’ve found surrounding myself with a Brain Trust of colleague-friends I can ask for advice or look to for inspiration has been a game-changer! I’ve also practiced knowing my value…and over-delivering!

8.       Find Your Passion: Figuring out what you’re most excited about can help set you apart from other people who offer similar services. I am LOVING building creative partnerships with my clients where we can learn, reflect, iterate, and improve how visuals support processes and outcomes before, during, and after events.

BONUS: The more you give, the more you get: Be generous, over-deliver, and share. Blue oceans are more fun than red ones.

If you’ve been here a while, some of these might seem familiar. There are beautiful patterns in life and having the privilege of being in business for a longer period means some of those patterns are beginning to reveal themselves. If you want to dig into the archives, here are links to…

7th Anniversary

6th Anniversary

5th Anniversary

4th Anniversary

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place. Woo-diggity!

Cheers,

Karina Signature.png



Where in the World is ConverSketch? Here’s what I have on my plate while turning eight:

New Video Release! The Drawing Connections series for the National Park Service is back! This time, let’s take a trip down to Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve in the bayous of Louisiana to get a taste of the culture, landscapes, and …

New Video Release! The Drawing Connections series for the National Park Service is back! This time, let’s take a trip down to Jean Lafitte National Historic Park and Preserve in the bayous of Louisiana to get a taste of the culture, landscapes, and proud history of the area!

Dallas, Texas: With a corporate leadership group redefining their future and roadmap! I can’t share the full drawings with you, so here’s a closeup of a little friend on the journey.

Dallas, Texas: With a corporate leadership group redefining their future and roadmap! I can’t share the full drawings with you, so here’s a closeup of a little friend on the journey.

The San Juan Mountains: We just got back from a couple nights in the backcountry with great friends, some powder snow, and lots of laughs. Here’s to wild places, wild friends, and keeping a little balance (literally and figuratively, when you’re on …

The San Juan Mountains: We just got back from a couple nights in the backcountry with great friends, some powder snow, and lots of laughs. Here’s to wild places, wild friends, and keeping a little balance (literally and figuratively, when you’re on a splitboard!).

Sustainability Research 2.0: How They’re Using Graphics After Workshops. Here’s what Future Earth did with visuals and photos from our systems thinking workshops last year focusing on the future of sustainability science and research!

Sustainability Research 2.0: How They’re Using Graphics After Workshops. Here’s what Future Earth did with visuals and photos from our systems thinking workshops last year focusing on the future of sustainability science and research!

A Finished Watercolor Commission! Now that it’s with its new owner, I can share this watercolor painting I’ve been working on over the past few months. Redwood Magic | 16x20 inches

A Finished Watercolor Commission! Now that it’s with its new owner, I can share this watercolor painting I’ve been working on over the past few months. Redwood Magic | 16x20 inches

Warm Wishes from ConverSketch

Many of us are wrapping up loose ends (and presents!) this time of year in the states, getting ready for holidays. The same is happening here at ConverSketch – one major thing I’m working on is reflecting and planning for the new year.

However, that’s for my next newsletter, because I haven’t put the finishing touches on some custom tools to help you do some visualizing too. Can’t wait? Here’s what we did last year.

This week as things have started to wind down, (also partially thanks to a wicked cold, partially because of a deadline to get a commission painting done before the holidays) I’ve had some time to pick up my paints again.

And I remembered how much joy it brings me to play with water and pigment, and create my interpretation of the dazzling beauty of the natural world.

So, this week here’s a little painting I did for a friend. And a little reminder to take a deep belly breath (go ahead, do it now), and take a moment for you to do something that brings you joy during the holidays. Because that joy will shine to everyone around you, and is a gift in itself!

Matkat.jpg

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Karina Signature_100.png



Where in the World is ConverSketch?

New Jersey: With a new team as they co-created a shared mission, vision, and priorities for the next year. Although I can’t share content, here’s a snapshot of the visual agenda I created to set the tone for the day.

New Jersey: With a new team as they co-created a shared mission, vision, and priorities for the next year. Although I can’t share content, here’s a snapshot of the visual agenda I created to set the tone for the day.

Las Vegas: With a group of data center industry leaders examining trends and sharing ideas. Again, I can’t share most content, but I can share this engaging presentation on social media.

Las Vegas: With a group of data center industry leaders examining trends and sharing ideas. Again, I can’t share most content, but I can share this engaging presentation on social media.

In the Studio: Working on an illustration with the CIO at University of Pittsburgh to share his strategic vision with the rest of the Pitt community!

In the Studio: Working on an illustration with the CIO at University of Pittsburgh to share his strategic vision with the rest of the Pitt community!

Where is YOUR Team’s Energy Going? One Way to Clarify for Sure.

Have you ever thought about something, then a few days or weeks later, that little thought has popped up in your life as a reality?

It’s such a treat to experience “energy flows where attention goes” -- in my personal life, and with groups using the graphics I create with them.

The visuals serve as focal points for groups to make connections or build shared agreement, illuminate a previously murky story, and reflect on their experiences together. They can also become “professional vision boards” for the organization to keep what’s most important front-of-mind among the complex systems they’re working in, for the coming weeks, months, even years.

It’s delightful to notice when thoughts seem to bring things to life, and for me it’s important to take time to appreciate them. Paying attention and offering gratitude is one of my favorite ways to stay centered, especially in the crazy times (cough, holidaze anyone? Click that link for some strategies to take it on with style and grace).

This week, as folks across the US take time to practice gratitude, I’d like to say I’m SO appreciative for you, my readers! Even if we haven’t met in person, you matter to me and I put my energy into these missives because you’re worth it! So, here’s a favorite from a few Novembers past – let’s draw turkeys!

ConverSKETCHes_Thanksgiving.png

Looking for ways to focus your team’s attention on what matters most?

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your partnership, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Karina Signature_100.png



Where in the World is ConverSketch?

I’m on vacation this week! Thanks in advance for slower than usual response times. Here’s what’s been happening in November:

Denver, Colorado: For the second annual Water in the West Symposium. Professionals across the food, environment, and municipal landscape discussed solutions to the challenges around water in the high desert.

Denver, Colorado: For the second annual Water in the West Symposium. Professionals across the food, environment, and municipal landscape discussed solutions to the challenges around water in the high desert.

Scottsdale, Arizona: With an executive leadership team. While I can’t share what I captured, here’s a digital welcome illustration I created for the first morning.

Scottsdale, Arizona: With an executive leadership team. While I can’t share what I captured, here’s a digital welcome illustration I created for the first morning.

Denver, Colorado (again): To graphic record a visioning and relationship-building workshop for the Housing Innovation Alliance Live Round Table. The Alliance brought stakeholders together and designed a conversation-based day to ideate around the co…

Denver, Colorado (again): To graphic record a visioning and relationship-building workshop for the Housing Innovation Alliance Live Round Table. The Alliance brought stakeholders together and designed a conversation-based day to ideate around the concept of creating Attainable Housing for All.

Albuquerque, New Mexico: When the office is the children’s science museum, you know it’s going to be a great day. Explora Museum brought me in to capture hands-on presentations about how to integrate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, ARTS, an…

Albuquerque, New Mexico: When the office is the children’s science museum, you know it’s going to be a great day. Explora Museum brought me in to capture hands-on presentations about how to integrate STEAM (science, technology, engineering, ARTS, and math) into early childhood education!

The CSU Powerhouse: Graphic facilitating for leaders in Colorado’s hydrogen energy development. The group shared the state of the science and explored Colorado’s potential to lead the path toward massive decarbonization by using hydrogen.

The CSU Powerhouse: Graphic facilitating for leaders in Colorado’s hydrogen energy development. The group shared the state of the science and explored Colorado’s potential to lead the path toward massive decarbonization by using hydrogen.

In the Studio: Working on several studio illustration projects. Here’s a snapshot of a digital illustration for the team at IPBES to bring the words and details of their capacity-building strategy to life!

In the Studio: Working on several studio illustration projects. Here’s a snapshot of a digital illustration for the team at IPBES to bring the words and details of their capacity-building strategy to life!

“…An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.”

I recently came upon this quote from the colorful writer Charles Bukowski: “An intellectual says a simple thing in a hard way. An artist says a hard thing in a simple way.”

I like this quote because it embodies its own message. It encapsulates an immense amount of complexity in two deceptively simple sentences.

And, if we’re doing our job well as graphic recorders, we can walk this edge of clarifying complexity without over simplifying. Through intentional mark making, considering the right questions, and deep listening, we help distill your hard work navigating the unknown future into what simply makes sense.

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Karina Signature_100.png



Where in the World is ConverSketch?

Wenatchee, Washington: Working with the US Forest Service sharing research and experience on the ground to better plan for risk mitigation for wildfires that cross management boundaries.

Wenatchee, Washington: Working with the US Forest Service sharing research and experience on the ground to better plan for risk mitigation for wildfires that cross management boundaries.

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Nation, South Dakota: Listening to stories and helping tribal leaders develop a shared vision and priorities for more effective grant-writing to improve their community.

Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Nation, South Dakota: Listening to stories and helping tribal leaders develop a shared vision and priorities for more effective grant-writing to improve their community.

Columbus, Ohio: Back with this awesome team for the second annual Cybersecurity Days capturing best practices, campus innovations, and life hacks for more security online. Here’s my capture of Jerod Brennan’s excellent talk on protecting our digital…

Columbus, Ohio: Back with this awesome team for the second annual Cybersecurity Days capturing best practices, campus innovations, and life hacks for more security online. Here’s my capture of Jerod Brennan’s excellent talk on protecting our digital identities.

West of Fort Collins: Elk hunting for a few days. Unfortunately, we didn’t get one this year, but it never ceases to fill me with gratitude and awe for these animals and wild places. I appreciate that my clients understand when I disconnect, and tha…

West of Fort Collins: Elk hunting for a few days. Unfortunately, we didn’t get one this year, but it never ceases to fill me with gratitude and awe for these animals and wild places. I appreciate that my clients understand when I disconnect, and thank you all for your patience with slower-than-usual response times over the past two weeks between hunting and graphic recording work!

Many Groups, One Facilitator? Here’s How to Guarantee Great Breakout Notes

Hey folks! I’m writing you from Central Washington. I’m here to graphic record for a workshop convened by a team of wildfire researchers I’ve been creating a series of videos for – I’m hoping this deep dive with stakeholders in the community leads to some interesting dimensions in the final video of their series!

There will be several breakout sessions, so to support the groups visually, I worked with the facilitation team to develop a series of templates to fill in. Here’s where they really shine:

  • They keep the visual aesthetic of the entire meeting similar – everything is custom and hand-drawn.

  • When each group has the same key questions to answer, we ensure that the information shared back to the group is focused and at the right level of detail to move the group toward meeting goals.

You don’t have to be a master painter to create a useful template – check out these other examples from graphic facilitation clients I’ve created recently.

ConverSketch Graphic Recording_CoMFRT Template.JPG

Want to guarantee the notes from your next breakout group are top notch?

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.

Cheers,

Karina Signature_100.png



Where in the World is ConverSketch?

Wenatchee, Washington: Working with US Forest Service wildfire researchers, social scientists, and local fire stakeholders to share findings and ensure research is providing useful and actionable information for local practitioners.

Wenatchee, Washington: Working with US Forest Service wildfire researchers, social scientists, and local fire stakeholders to share findings and ensure research is providing useful and actionable information for local practitioners.

Fort Collins, Colorado: Graphically facilitating a retreat for the City Natural Areas citizen advisory board focused on visioning for the future. Here’s a template individuals filled out then shared with partners.

Fort Collins, Colorado: Graphically facilitating a retreat for the City Natural Areas citizen advisory board focused on visioning for the future. Here’s a template individuals filled out then shared with partners.



Chicago, Illinois: For some professional development to improve my digital graphic recording skills to broaden the remote services I can provide and enrich in-person digital work. Here’s a photo of some street art I played with during an exercise in…

Chicago, Illinois: For some professional development to improve my digital graphic recording skills to broaden the remote services I can provide and enrich in-person digital work. Here’s a photo of some street art I played with during an exercise in the course. I HIGHLY recommend Raquel’s workshops!

The Biggest Mistake I See Conference Planners Make and How You Can Avoid It

How many times have you signed up for a conference and been psyched for the opportunity to network with other people in your field, thought leaders, and share ideas on the future together…Only to find yourself slipping out early because your brain is full and you don’t want to sit through another panel presentation?

As a graphic recorder, I get to attend events across sectors, from federal agencies to corporate events and everything in between. And working with the event planning team ahead of time, I know how much work goes into pulling off an event of any size, and how deeply those event planners care about the success of the meeting.

And YET…I still see this mistake over and over again. Even if the planning conversations seek to avoid it.

What’s the biggest missed opportunity I see?

Not planning enough time for people to actually CONNECT with one another face-to-face and have the time to WORK on solving a problem together.

Let’s think about it. If you’re hosting an event, you’ve spent heaps of money on doing it right. You’ve brought important, smart people together into the same room…think of what the time of every individual in the room is worth taking a day away from other work to be there!

So, how can you make the most of their time? How can you work to move the field or think of a new solution or build deeper relationships with this group?

It’s tempting to stick with the status quo of panel after panel of people sharing top ideas. And there’s certainly a time and a place for that. I challenge you to think outside the box, and schedule in more time than you think you might want for interactive processes that will leave your participants feeling heard, energized, enthusiastic about their contributions, and creatively fueled by the end!

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Ready to work with a graphic facilitator to create a process your participants won’t forget?

Once again, thank you from my heart and soul for your support, great senses of humor, brilliant minds, collaboration and what you're each doing to make the world a better place.


Cheers,

Karina Signature_100.png



Where in the World is ConverSketch?

Fort Worth, TexasWith an eyecare corporation building relationships and co-creating a strategic path forward. So, what is strategy you ask? These pups can tell you!

Fort Worth, Texas

With an eyecare corporation building relationships and co-creating a strategic path forward. So, what is strategy you ask? These pups can tell you!

Loveland, ColoradoSharing tips and trick for visual communication with teachers at Bill Reed Middle School!

Loveland, Colorado

Sharing tips and trick for visual communication with teachers at Bill Reed Middle School!