Post by: Erica Bota, West Coast Team Lead for ThinkLink Graphics
One of the things I appreciate most about graphic recording is that it never stops teaching me.
Recently, I was creating a digital graphic recording for a virtual event when one of the illustrations I drew didn’t resonate with a participant. After the session, they shared their concern with the organizing team.
When my client reached out to me about it, they weren’t looking to place blame. They wanted to make sure the graphic could be shared publicly in a way that reflected the care and respect the project deserved.
Together with the client, the speaker, and the Chief Administrative Officer (both of whom brought lived experience related to the image), we talked about why the illustration missed the mark and what a better approach could look like.
What happens when a Graphic Recorder GETS IT WRONG?
As graphic recorders, we make hundreds of visual decisions on the spot. Every image carries meaning, and sometimes our assumptions don’t align with how people see themselves or wish to be represented.
I’m grateful to everyone involved for approaching the conversation with honesty, patience, kindness, and a shared commitment to getting it right.
I feel that when our mistakes are met with this approach, they become opportunities to create more thoughtful and inclusive graphic recordings.
