Hand-drawn or Digital

When I receive an email from someone wanting to jazz up their event with live illustration, I always ask, “What is the final product you want to end up with?” Do you want sharable assets to sprinkle around social media? Do you want these illustration to strengthen a report? How do you want to use these images? It’s asking this question that helps a client decide on whether they want to use hand-drawn or digital illustration.

I am happy to offer both. Each one has wonderful strengths. Hand-drawn is often best used for spectacle, maximum engagement and for attendess to feel like people are part of the discussion. These can often be my favourite types of interactions - when people walk up to me and talk about the work happening before their eyes. I love hearing, “Oh! That’s me!” or “Yes! Those are my words!” Sometimes people take selfies next to their drawn selves. It’s a wonderful thing to witness.

Digital illustration is best for big conferences where your delegates are sitting in stadium seating/conference seating. Giant screens above panel speakers is a great use of digital illustration. They can be used to highlight the speaker’s content, visually reminding everyone the journey of the spoken words.

Sometimes it is the space that dictates what I use. The size and shape of the room might be a factor in regards to using monitors vs easels and foam boards. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider.

This is why my initial meeting with the client is vital. It helps us to discuss what is needed for the day and how to plan for that.