What is graphic recording?
Graphic recording is the practice of capturing spoken content in illustration and words, in real time. Yen draws in digital form using an iPad and Apple Pencil. Her style is a balance of text and image, big ideas with personal touches of energy drawn from the group. It’s an invaluable tool for conferences; staff meetings; strategic planning, futuring; student voice; civic, government, municipal gatherings; and executive meetings.

Why have it?
It conjures memories, incites action, and holds people accountable. The illustrations entertain and solidify teaching and sharing. Used by itself or complemented with translators, interpreters, and/or closed captioning, it is a deeply engaging and accessible tool for visual learners. To serve those that are blind/visually-impaired, a text transcript with description of the content is provided with all graphic recordings within 24 hours of the event closing.

Yen specializes in human-centered topics such as health, education, food access, social and racial justice, technology, sustainability and climate action, DEI and BIPOC leadership. Her goal is to enhance each session by imparting an impactful piece of hand drawn collateral—half art, half artifact.

How does it happen?
What is drawn on the iPad can be streamed during a virtual session or shown on a screen during an in-person gathering for immediate impact. It can be unveiled at the end of the session for a real “wow” moment. A time lapse video and still digital images are sent immediately and yours to use, however you wish.

To provide the best results, Yen needs:
• A table and chair next to an electrical source -or- two people’s worth of space at a communal table
• Close proximity to HDMI/switcher hook up, if presenting to a screen/projector
• Stable Wifi access
• Access to water, snacks and/or meals, when available

When does it happen?
In real time! That means that your virtual or in-person event would be enhanced by my live capture of illustration and text. Please note, projects that require comprehensive illustration and pre-scripting or planning should be treated as illustration commissions, not graphic recordings. Jump over to Illustration to learn more.

What is the process?

• Email Yen at hello(@)yenazzaro.com

• An initial 30-minute discovery meeting discusses who your attendees are, how the graphic recording will serve your organization, the structure of the event to identify how many recordings will be needed, what key components should be captured, technology needs, and branding. You will decide if the graphic recording will be shown in real time or saved for a reveal at the end of event.

• A proposal with quote and samples will be shared

• Once the proposal is approved, an agreement will be signed to lock in the date

• Yen will arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the start time to set up; 20 minutes earlier for virtual engagments

• Graphic recordings will be captured and uploaded on site (assuming stable Wifi)

• Transcripts of the content will be delivered by the end of day

• The files are yours to share, use, and promote — as much as you’d like! Simply credit YenAzzaro.com, when applicable

What is included?*

• 30-minute consultation to learn about audience, application of graphic recordings, goals for messaging, branding, color palette, #hashtags, technical set-up, location/floorplan
• Up to 60 minutes of preparation and research on the topic and its speakers
• Day of recording and early technical check-in with your A/V point person or team
• Portraits and templates done in advance, as applicable with permission from speaker(s)
• Timelapse video (mp4)
• Still images (PDF and jpg)
• “Light” edits including a word change here or there, an omission or quick add (additional edits and redrawing incurs hourly fees)
• A transcript of each graphic recording will be included in the folder with the graphic recording. This offers accessibility for those that are visually-impaired/blind.

Virtual packages are available in hourly increments
Travel packages are available in half and full day increments
* Videos and images are not edited. Referrals for editors, videographers and voice actors can be made. Just ask!