people don’t show up to public consultations because they’re passionate about the World Café method. In fact they might not even really care about the overall outcome of the consultation, instead, they’ll have one big issue or gripe that they want to discuss, sometimes it won’t even be relevant to the consultation, and that’s okay.

I have a secret to spill, I’ve been doing lots of graphic design projects is a leithéid with my good friend and neighbour Ruairí. I’ve kept them secret because usually I hate doing these sorts of projects. Mostly because there’s too much back and forth with clients, lack of control and the results are usually bleh. But I LOVE working with the Pleann Teanga, Ruairí is a dream client who gives me full creative control and fixes my spelling mistakes without making me feel bad. 

Each of these precious insights was shared in the confidence that they would be recorded using illustration. By using Visual Note-taking, even the most shy of people shared their thoughts and feelings freely, finding safety in the knowledge that their words would remain confidential and anonymous.

To wrap up 2025, I’m taking a look back at my coolest win of the year, and reflecting on why Graphic Recording is so brilliant for community engagement!

4 ways to make your conference more exciting and less meh…

In this conference we heard from Ellie Berry & Sean Ronayne on access to the outdoors.

Graphic Recording / Visual Note-taking / Live Illustration is the perfect tool for capturing the important parts of your award ceremony. Award nights are all about celebrating the people that make your community or organisation special. Seeing their amazing attributes drawn live is a great way of making them feel (even more) appreciated.

How Live Illustration inspired and alligned Youth Workers

Over the past 3 years of working as a Visual Note-taker, I have seen how my illustrations have enlivened even the most resistant of communicators. The simple act of drawing what people say brings people out of their shell, sparks their imagination and shows them they are being listened to.

All your burning questions, answered here!

‘‘My task: capture the six Plenary Talks and create a visual record of the work being done in the writing room. I used a blended method of Live Illustration for this conference’’

How did I become a Visual Notetaker? I take you on a rambling journey of how I ended up becoming a professional Live Illustrator

How Visual Note-taking can boost accessibility and increase engagement in Community Work. I talk about my work with the Cherry Orchard Implementation board and why Visual Note-taking was such a good fit for them!