Graphic recording: an art in taking meeting notes

When Body Shop founder Anita Roddick, the author of Take It Personally, spoke at a seminar in Auckland recently, graphic recorder Mary Brake was on hand to sum up Ms Roddick's words in images.

Why did you choose this line of work?

The opportunity to work in graphic recording arose about eight years ago when I was living north of San Francisco and working for California Lawyers for the Arts. I was attracted because of the mix of skills required - listening, analytical and creative - and the ability to work on interesting projects of great variety in many locations in the US and around the world.

This is quite an unusual job - why is it important?

The charts created by a graphic recorder help participants to see their discussion. It becomes easier to see patterns, links between ideas and helps people to think more creatively. Information isn't lost and the charts become the common group memory of the meeting which can be used beyond the session. It helps to create meetings that are more interactive, engaging, focused and productive.

Best part of the job:

Working at events, such as the [March] Anita Roddick presentation at Totem, where there is a great venue, interesting speakers and stimulating discussion.

Most challenging/difficult part of the job:

Not having a large flat wall space in a meeting room makes it really tough. Also, being faced with a blank sheet of paper when the topic being discussed - usually one more technical in nature - isn't graphics-friendly, and the creative juices aren't flowing.

Oddest thing you have seen/heard in this job:

Being able to play with some giant-sized beetles at a meeting for a group planning to establish a butterfly park in San Francisco.

Your strengths?

Being able to listen intensely and keep up with the discussion while organising, writing and drawing. A background in law and arts is a helpful combination for this work.

Your weaknesses?

Being a bit too much of a perfectionist and critical about my work.

Where do you want to be in five years' time?

I've just moved back to Auckland after 11 years in California. I want to be doing the same work with even more skill and expertise with a group of regular clients in this part of the world and be in the forefront of technologies to offer graphic recording via the internet.

What do you do first thing on Monday morning when you start work?

I don't necessarily work on Monday morning. My schedule is very flexible. At the meeting, I help set up the room, tape up large sheets of paper and prepare all the art supplies.

What is the best piece of advice you can give to someone seeking a career in graphic recording?

It is about networking and practice really. You need to work at a lot of meetings to get experience in writing and drawing fast and legibly. You probably need to start by volunteering graphic recording services at various organisations.