Graphic Recording & The Importance of Improv

When I stepped into a career as a Graphic Recorder & Facilitator, I soon realized that being talented and quick at drawing won't be enough here. In order to succeed, I'll need to awaken a unique type of wit... the one that many of us only explore when playing charades!

I started thinking about how I could develop this skillset, and where one might exercise this mental muscle.

....so I joined an Improv club!

The importance of Improv in life

From the very start, I felt how important Improv was just for life in general. Having the flexibility and confidence to play and improvise as an adult is a gift that can truly enhance the quality of our everyday life; this playfulness and ease comes across in the way we communicate and handle the waves of life.

The importance of Improv in Graphic Recording!

However, as I had hoped, these Improv workshops helped to equip me with the tools I needed in my professional life as well. I didn't have to search long for the correlations between the two! It felt as if I was taking courses on the psychological background of Graphic Recording, and I was immediately able to apply the principles learned from Improv Comedy in my Graphic Recording work.

The more I played and learned at the Improv workshops, the faster and wittier my live work became, until I realized...

Live Graphic Recording is a form of Improv

Improv Principles for Graphic Recorders

• There are no mistakes

  • Everything is useful and can lead to great things (don't waste time erasing things!)
    

• Say YES

  • Go with the flow and see where it leads
    

• Say 'Yes, and'

  • Build on what's established and take it to the next level
    

• You don't have to be funny

  • Comedy can arise from the most unexpected of places, you don't need to force it
    

• Don't overthink it

  • Try not to let your mind get in the way and let things flow naturally - I've written an article on our 'Pandemic of Inhibitions', if you're interested in the subject
    

• Show, don't tell

  • Exposition is boring and lazy, try to bring it to life! When we draw, the more visuals and less text, the better.
    

• It's about connection

  • Before the event, spend time understanding your clients and the event's purpose. During the event, the more immersed you are, the more relevant and insightful you'll be.
    

• Focus on the here and now

  • Find that state of flow in the present, don't try to think ahead or second-guess yourself - see my article 'Graphic Recording, A Practice of Presence'
    

• Tell a story

  • Connect the points and discover the magic happening between them

  
  

Live Graphic Recording and Improvisational Comedy are like distant relatives

...seemingly unrelated yet inherently sharing so many qualities!

With its roots going back to the 15th century (Commedia dell’arte), Improv is a treasure trove of well-founded theories and principles, and has all that to offer to Graphic Recorders looking to improve their creativity and awaken their playful spirit.

I hope you'll give it a go, and enjoy your journey!

GRAPHIC RECORDING