How to become a Remote Graphic Recorder?

I often get this question from colleagues, so thought I'd share what I've learned over the years: how and why I've become a Remote Graphic Recording specialist.

Graphic Recorder in-person vs. remotely

To begin with, let’s look at the two types of Digital Graphic Recording.

• In-person Graphic Recording is when I take my tablet and show up at the venue in person. I sit at a desk on the side, and we project my canvas in the room in real time.
  

• Remote Graphic Recording can take place at online, hybrid, or in-person events! In this case, I join to illustrate an event online via a video call. I spend the duration of the program the same way - listening and drawing - and still project the canvas onto people's screens, or in the room where everyone is!

So ultimately, the difference is whether the Graphic Recorder is creating the artwork on-site or remotely. If done well, the attendee experience - seeing the Live Visual Notes unfold - will be the same.

Pros and cons of Graphic Recording in-person

Every time I attend a conference in person, I spend the following days buzzing from the experience…✨I'm sure most graphic recorders would agree that it's great to soak in the energy of the room and meet people in person.

However, Graphic Recording in-person quickly takes it out of you. The preparation, logistics, travel, etc., are exhausting if you have to do it regularly and for short amounts of time.

But the main drawback is what it takes energy away from…

Being a Graphic Recorder is a highly creative profession

So we could really use that energy better! As a Graphic Recorder, you have to be at 200% during the event, much like a keynote speaker or an actor on stage. We’re not just creating logical, witty, and beautiful Graphic Records, it’s also a performance, shared live with hundreds of people in the room!

Remote Graphic Recording allows for more presence & focus

Personally, I also find it far easier to focus on the event when I’m tuning in from my studio. On-site distractions are somewhat inevitable, whereas remotely I can give my full attention to the key takeaways.

Benefits of hiring a Remote Graphic Recorder

I've specialized as a Remote Graphic Recorder over the years, and I'm very grateful for it. To me, Remote Graphic Recording - whether it's for an in-person, hybrid, or online event - has always made far more sense to me. That’s why I’ve been encouraging it since the beginning of my career.

Why hire a Remote Graphic Recorder?

▪️It's much more cost-effective, as there are no travel fees or related expenses

▪️It involves less pre-event and on-site logistics, just connect the computer to the projector (which probably already is!)

▪️The experience is the same: you’ll see my canvas on the big screen in real time!

▪️You’re free to work with any artist in the world, not just the ones within travel distance

▪️You get the visuals delivered digitally, immediately after the event. These files are easy to handle, edit and share

▪️It’s the more sustainable choice, so if you're aiming for a low-waste event, this helps reduce impact even further

Why become a Remote Graphic Recorder?

▪️Less travel means more time preparing for your event: researching, practicing visual vocabulary, or simply recharging to do my best

▪️I don’t have to block out valuable creative time for travel. I could even say yes to other events or projects for the day before or after the event. When travel is involved, that time goes into booking, packing, being in transit, and then recovering from the journey

▪️Working from my studio actually allows me to focus much better on your content, without the usual on-site distractions

▪️On a personal note, I get to spend the evenings with my family... 

Getting Started as a Remote Graphic Recorder

Building Confidence in Remote Scribing

Looking at the lists above, I have no doubt most artists would opt for Remote Graphic Recording. So, in order to offer this, you need to become confident with the technical side of it; get the correct software and hardware, and build confidence with live streaming.

Educating clients about Remote Graphic Recording

I’m also confident that, understanding the many benefits it has, many organisers would opt for Remote Graphic Recording. The problem is, they often don’t know that it exists as an option, or they just don’t want to take any “risks.”

So my advice to my fellow Graphic Recorders is to take it into your own hands, you’re the expert!

You must:

• explain why it's better for them to go with Remote Graphic Recording

• demonstrate what this will look like at their event (whether live, hybrid, or virtual)

• and reassure them about its reliability
  

For example, I built a complete Guide on Virtual Graphic Recording, where my clients can familiarise themselves with the concept.

Challenges of Remote Graphic Recording

Explaining the concept of Remote + Graphic Recording

It always takes a couple minutes to explain what Graphic Recording is, but when on top of it it's all virtual, it might just become a bit too abstract for people to understand. Therefore, in your communication and marketing, you have to find new and new ways to explain what it is, how it works, and why your clients would benefit from it.

For example, here’s a video explaining the concept of Remote Graphic Recording through visual storytelling.

This also applies post-event: you won’t have photos of yourself at the venue, but rather images of you tuning in remotely. So you’ll have to get more creative in sharing your experience of the event - but it's worth the effort!

Misunderstandings around Remote Graphic Recording

A common challenge is that when people don’t see a person, they may assume the work isn’t created live—or even by a human at all. Although AI can’t actually do Graphic Recording, the growing belief that “AI can do everything” can lead people to view remote work as something artificial. Ironically, the higher the quality, the greater the risk of being mistaken for a machine. When the process is slower, messier, and visibly human, observers are more likely to recognize the person behind it.

The best way to prevent this is to ensure the event or meeting - online or in person- starts with a brief explanation of what Graphic Recording is, ideally paired with a short personal introduction from the artist. Being able to say a few words at the beginning, and then returning at the end to walk attendees through the graphic, makes a huge difference.

The more people understand the Graphic Recording process, the more they value the work.

Key Takeaway for aspiring Remote-first Graphic Recorders

All in all, what your Graphic Recording practice looks like - analogue or digital, primarily in person or remote - is actually your choice. There's no need to ride the 'waves of the industry' as you get to create your own work! It depends on how you present yourself, what you communicate, and how much you invest in informing your clients about their options.

I believe there are endless opportunities to work, even in the world of remote Graphic Recording, so there’s no need to offer it all. Choose the form that feels most authentic to you, most suitable to your lifestyle, and most joy to do. Have patience, stay consistent, and you’ll attract the clients who are looking for what you’re offering.

Good luck! :)

To learn more about the great world of Graphic Recording, please read on!

GRAPHIC RECORDING