Graphic Recording requires a unique and niche skillset; it's a truly valuable service when done properly. Just like with most things in life, whether you're servicing your car or hiring a tutor, the highest quality likely isn't the cheapest, and yet it's absolutely worth the investment. The question is - how much is that investment and what do you get for it?
Let's take a look into typical Graphic Recording Rates!
What factors influence the price of Graphic Recording?
The type and length of your event will definitely influence the pricing of Graphic Recording - whether it's a half-day Board Meeting or a 3-day-long Global Summit!
Whether it's In-Person or Virtual Graphic Recording, as the former includes:
travel expenses
material costs (if analogue)
travel fees (artists may charge a half day rate to cover travel time)
If you opt for Virtual Graphic Recording, more options open up, such as Visual Notes taken real-time, or perhaps based on a recording
Rates depend on the Graphic Recorder's level of experience. I've come across rates from $700 to $5000/day throughout my career - and I realize that's quite an extreme range - so I've written an article that may help you find the best Graphic Recorder for your event!
Your location - pricing of Graphic Recording will vary depending on where you are in the world. Rates are the highest in North America and Australia, followed by European Countries
Are Graphic Recording rates calculated by the hour or by the day?
Many Graphic Recorders have 'day rates' and 'half-day rates' depending on how long the 'real-time illustration' part will take. In reality, this pricing can be a bit misleading - the work starts far before we show up to create the live illustration.
To deliver the quality you've seen in our portfolio, much more has to go into the Graphic Recording process than what you see happening during the conference - if you're interested in what goes on behind the scene, check out 'My Recipe for Successful Event Visualisation'!
Beyond the time we spend preparing for an event, there are a few steps we can take together to make sure the engagement will be successful!
What is included in the Graphic Recording Rates and Service
When I quote for Graphic Recording, I like to include everything I consider to be important for a successful Graphic Recording Experience
Pre-event planning calls to understand your organisation, your work, the purpose of your event, and your goals
A Branded Digital Template - brand colours, preferred visual style, logos, etc
Developing the visual style and format that suits your event and message
A technical rehearsal prior to the event
Digital Graphic Recording for the duration of the program, using your own vibrant colours
Optional screen-sharing during the event - as it unfolds or at the end of the day
The polished graphics in both high-resolution and low-resolution are provided within 24 hours, so you can send them out in a follow-up email or share on social media
A round of edits is included in the quote, so you can go through the graphic and suggest changes before receiving the final version
Ideally, you don't just see the artist for the first and last time at the event! As in every professional field, there's a great deal of variation in what you'll get from different Graphic Recorders.
There are scribes who'll walk up without much preparation and fill the sheet with real-time sketchnotes - and if that's what you're looking for, you may be able to book that in for cheaper than average. However, if you'd like something a bit more comprehensive, like the full service listed above, you'll have to invest more in this special, creative collaboration.
The depth and style of Graphic Recording
Personally, I've developed multiple approaches to Graphic Recording to make the pricing more flexible. I wanted to make the service more accessible without having to sacrifice on the quality of Live Graphic Recording - which for me, is a priority.
Fortunately, I work in various styles, and that has been a great way to adapt to different needs - here are a few examples to showcase the range of opportunities!
Are the most expensive Graphic Recorders the best?
We can each decide that for ourselves - as how you like a Graphic Recording piece will be entirely subjective. In my experience, once over a certain level of experience (which is generally reflected by their rates), higher price doesn't necessarily equal higher quality.
There aren't all that many of us, but even the ones offering this more comprehensive type of service have wildly different styles and approaches! I've written an article that may help you to find the best Graphic Recorder/Live Illustrator for your particular event, and I hope once you find the one, this explanation of Graphic Recording Prices will help you to better understand what you might be getting.
To learn more about the great world of Live Graphic Recording, read on!
You'll also find more specific information on my rates.