The Art of Visual Harvesting
- Julia Bakay
- May 6
- 2 min read
Updated: 3 days ago
Harvesting Ideas at Events - visually
When ideas sprout fast in meetings, conferences, or workshops, it takes a special kind of attention—and artistry—to catch them before they drift away. That's where Visual Harvesting comes in: a creative method of capturing conversations in real time through live illustration. Think of it as gathering ripe ideas from a field of dialogue and weaving them into something nourishing, beautiful, and lasting.
What Is Visual Harvesting?
At its core, Visual Harvesting is the practice of live visual minuting—also called graphic recording or sketchnoting. It’s the act of listening deeply during an event and drawing key insights, quotes, and connections in a way that makes complex conversations visual, accessible, and memorable.
Just like a farmer harvesting crops, the visual harvester selects what’s ready. Not every passing word makes it into the drawing—only the concepts that are clear, valuable, and timely. It's a process of filtering, distilling, and arranging, so that what’s gathered is rich and relevant.
"Words fly away, written word remains" "Verba volant, scripta manent" - Latin proverb
Words alone can fade from memory. But when they’re turned into vibrant visuals—colorful metaphors, icons, hand-drawn diagrams—those same ideas stick. Visual Harvesting helps participants see the bigger picture, notice patterns, and stay engaged. It turns a passive experience into a shared creation.
Can Visual Harvesting Be Done Online?
Absolutely, in fact - that's what I specialize in. Visual Harvesting has gone digital, and whether you're hosting a virtual summit, Zoom meeting, an in-person or hybrid event, I, as your visual harvester can join remotely and share my evolving artwork live via screen share. The process is seamless—and the result is just as impactful.
Remote visual harvesting also allows for more flexibility in pricing, instant delivery of the graphics which are perfect for follow-up emails, social media, or reports.
Visual Harvesting for Future Conversations
In a world overflowing with information, Visual Harvesting reminds us to slow down, listen carefully, and gather what matters most. It’s more than a drawing—it’s a living record of ideas we'd like to take along for the future.
Meet your Visual Harvesting Artist
Hello, I'm Julia Bakay, a classically trained artist, certified teacher and systems thinker.
Are you curious about Visual Harvesting? Read on—and get in touch if you'd like to collaborate!
