Erica Bota’s journey towards graphic recording began when she went to Sweden for her Master’s degree in Strategic Leadership Towards Sustainability. One of her classmates, Zulma Patarroyo (from Pateleta, a graphic recording company based in Colombia) provided training to Erica in graphic recording, and effectively changed the course of her life.
After Erica completed her degree, she returned to Toronto. In 2014, she connected with Liisa Sorsa and Disa Kauk at ThinkLink Graphics and they formed a trio. From the beginning, it was clear that Erica’s vibrant and creative graphics set her apart in the field, and it was her drive to innovate and try new things that grounded her practice.
Over time, Erica got involved in projects that were more relational and long-term. Alongside her meaningful event work, she began supporting processes that unfolded over months, where trust and care is crucial. With a trauma-informed approach, Erica focuses on honouring the voices and lived experiences in the room, often working alongside Indigenous communities and helping translate stories and knowledge into stunning graphic recordings. She has brought meaningful and respectful visual depth to conversations that have centred such topics as medical assistance in dying and also the ongoing process of truth and reconciliation in First Nations communities across Canada.
When Erica decided to move to the West Coast, she again challenged herself to forge a new role. As the West Coast lead of ThinkLink Graphics, she continues to centre collaboration, deep listening, and respect in every project – ensuring that her visuals reflect not just what was said, but what was shared in the room.
We adore Erica and are so grateful for the inspired, thoughtful leadership she brings to our team.
Recently, I asked Erica to answer a tiny Q+A to help give some insight into her unique approach to graphic recording:
Q: What’s the first thing you listen for when a meeting starts?
A: I love the moments before I put marker to paper. I listen closely to the storytelling, often from an Indigenous Elder opening the session in a good way, that might become a visual thread throughout the graphic. I often feel like I could draw an entire recording just from what the Elder shares. There is so much wisdom in those beginnings.
Q: What kind of detail do you secretly love drawing over and over?
A: I love drawing rocky rivers, full of vegetation and water life. I enjoy mixing blues and greens to bring out the flora and fauna both beneath the water and along its edges. When I can, I like to let the river flow through the entire graphic, a metaphor for ideas moving, living, and changing.
Q: When things get complex, what helps you stay grounded while drawing?
A: I find that the more complex a conversation becomes, the more useful imagery is. I try to trust the power of visuals and my skill in drawing the right ones to reflect the core ideas, rather than trying to capture every word in text.
Q: What’s a small thing you do to help clients feel seen or supported?
A: During breaks, I often chat with people in the room. I like to ask, “Do you see yourself reflected in this graphic recording? Is there anything I could add, change, or remove that would help you feel seen?” I also listen for moments of humour and try to weave them into the graphic. Humour is a powerful force for connection, and it feels important to capture it authentically alongside the more serious ideas being shared.
Q: How do you hope people feel when they look at your finished graphic?
A: Most importantly, I hope people feel valued and uplifted, that their experiences and who they are truly matter. When someone points at the graphic recording and proudly says, “That’s me!” or “I said that!”, I feel that pride right along with them.
You can see for yourself what a “day in the life of” Erica Bota looks like: CHECK IT OUT
And, if you want to work with Erica, or any other artist on our team, please reach out to hello@thinklinkgraphic.com
