I’m stuck! What should I do? Advice from new graphic recorders
A question that new graphic facilitators always ask in our courses, is “what do you do if you’re stuck?” We’ve all been there. It happens!
And I could answer this quickly with “it’s all about the planning, because we don’t just show up and draw” – but sometimes, this question is about something much deeper. It’s about getting unstuck, and staying grounded. At our graphic facilitation/graphic recording workshops, we love to ask new graphic recorders what do you do to get unstuck? and, how do you stay grounded? because the advice they give themselves and each other is more powerful than anything I could ever say. It’s crucial that you do make a wise move and get unstuck, because you have a valuable and unique role in the room. And like someone in the workshop said, remember “you’re the one brave enough to try!”
Complexity and uncertainty means there isn’t one clear answer
Graphic facilitation is about planning as much as the situation requires, and, it’s also about our confidence, trusting our skills and the group, and also firmly being okay with uncertainty. Most of our meetings and discussions are complex, so things could unfold in a multitude of ways. Even when we ask the same question, or have lots of experience, each time will be different. The answer isn’t in trying to control the outcomes, or trying to control the people in the room.
Graphic recorders, what do you do when you’re stuck?
How do new graphic facilitators stay grounded? Advice to ourselves
As a graphic facilitator, staying grounded when we’re in these complex situations is key. There’s a balance for visual practitioners in knowing where we want to go with a group, while staying open to what is not-yet-knowable.
When graphic facilitators stay grounded ….
We follow the group, and we’re able to change course.
We stay grounded, even when we don’t agree.
We draw what the group means, we don’t visualize just what we hope they’ll say.
We honour the power held by the group, not just in the person holding the pen: we’re not the only one with “the right” answer.
Here’s wise guidance from new graphic recorders to themselves – and to anyone who’s doing something creative and new.
PS. In 2023, I spent so much time doing what I love: teaching. It’s such a good way for me to listen to what the broader field needs, and to hear how the questions from learners change over time. One highlight was teaching in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories for two weeks. Thought it might be fun to share some visual highlights from my sketchbook from my trip up North, and if you’re interested in our training courses head over here.
