If you’ve ever been to a conference or event where someone is drawing ideas on a big wall or screen as the speakers talk, you know how powerful visual storytelling can be. In-person graphic recording and digital scribing are both amazing ways to capture the essence of an event — but which one is right for you?
Whether you’re hosting an in-person workshop, a virtual webinar, or a hybrid event with both live and online audiences, you’ll want to choose the visual approach that best fits your needs. In this article, we’ll break down the differences between in-person graphic recording and digital scribing, and help you figure out which one will make your event even more memorable and impactful.
Ready to dive in? Let’s explore how these two creative tools can help take your event to the next level.
What is In-Person Graphic Recording?
In-person graphic recording is the art of creating visual representations of ideas, concepts, and discussions as they happen. An artist works on large surfaces like paper or whiteboards, drawing out key messages, ideas, and themes in real time. This process happens in full view of the audience, adding a dynamic and interactive element to the event. Often, these visual records are drawn on large-scale murals or posters, which can be displayed after the session as a visual summary of the discussions.
Benefits of In-Person Graphic Recording:
- Engagement and Interaction: One of the primary benefits of in-person graphic recording is its ability to engage the audience. Watching an artist in-person visually represent key points as they’re being discussed is not only captivating but also helps participants connect more deeply with the content.
- Creates Energy and Atmosphere: The physical presence of a graphic recorder, creating a colourful visual story in front of the audience, brings an energy and vibrancy to the event. It feels like the audience is watching a story unfold in real time.
- Tangible Takeaways: At the end of the event, the graphic recording can serve as a permanent visual record of the event, which can be photographed, displayed, or even used as a piece of marketing material. This tangible artefact can be an inspiring reminder of the event and its messages.
In-person graphic recording is ideal for:
- In-person conferences and conventions
- Workshops and team strategy sessions
- Collaborative brainstorming sessions and ideation meetings
- Public events, festivals, and conferences
The key appeal here is the visual impact: the larger-than-life artwork in-person not only grabs attention but also builds excitement as the audience anticipates what will be drawn next. This sense of “magic” as the visuals unfold keeps attendees engaged, creating a dynamic atmosphere where ideas feel more tangible and connected. The growing anticipation adds to the overall energy of the event, making the experience even more interactive and memorable.
What is Digital Scribing?
Digital scribing, also known as remote graphic recording or digital live sketching, is the process of creating real-time visual notes on a tablet or digital screen. The artist uses software and a stylus to draw illustrations, words, and ideas, which are displayed instantly on a screen. The visuals are typically projected onto a large screen during the event, allowing attendees to see the images as they’re created. Digital scribing can also be easily shared with remote participants, making it a popular choice for hybrid and virtual events.
Benefits of Digital Scribing:
- Instant Sharing: One of the main advantages of digital scribing is the ability to instantly share the visual content. This is especially valuable for virtual and hybrid events where audiences are participating remotely. Digital files can be easily saved, emailed, and shared online, providing immediate access to the content.
- Ideal for Hybrid and Virtual Events: Digital scribing is perfect for any event with remote participants. The visuals can be projected onto a screen or shared live with virtual attendees, ensuring that everyone, no matter their location, can engage with the content.
- Clean, Flexible, and Modern: Digital scribing offers a clean, professional finish. It’s also highly versatile — you can add layers, adjust colors, and refine details as needed. These polished visuals can be easily used for social media posts, reports, and other content marketing materials.
Digital scribing is ideal for:
- Webinars, live streams, and virtual conferences
- Hybrid events that involve both in-person and online audiences
- Social media content creation and sharing
- Corporate webinars, training, and virtual workshops
The clean, digital format makes it easy to store and repurpose visuals, offering a flexible solution for events of all sizes. It’s a great option if you’re looking to capture the event visually but don’t have the physical space for a live graphic recorder. Plus, it can be a delightful surprise for attendees when they receive digital copies to share after the event, ensuring the experience stays with them long after it’s over.
In-Person Graphic Recording vs Digital Scribing: How to Choose?
When choosing between in-person graphic recording and digital scribing, there are several factors to consider. Both options have distinct advantages depending on the type of event you’re hosting, the goals you wish to achieve, and your desired audience experience. Let’s compare the two in more detail.
| Factor | In-Person Graphic Recording | Digital Scribing |
| Event Type | In-person events with a live audience | Virtual or hybrid events with online participation |
| Audience Engagement | High engagement with in-person attendees | Allows for real-time engagement both in-person and online |
| Audience Size | Suitable for small to medium sized audiences | Works well with any audience size, especially large or remote groups |
| Visual Impact | Large murals or posters that create visual impact near the speakers | Digital images that can be shared instantly on screens |
| Post-Event Use | Tangible physical takeaway (mural, photo, gift to speaker, scanned to distribute to attendees) | Instant access to digital files for future use, sharing, or publication |
| Venue Setup | Requires physical space for set-up | May require a projector, screen, or virtual platform |
Which One is Right for Your Event?
1. In-Person Events
If your event is in-person, in-person graphic recording can help create a dynamic atmosphere that draws people in. The physical presence of the graphic recorder is a powerful visual attraction that adds a unique element to your event. In-person graphic recording is great for events where engagement and audience interaction are priorities.
2. Hybrid Events
For hybrid events, digital scribing provides flexibility. It allows you to share visuals in real time with both in-person and online participants. If you have a significant virtual audience, digital scribing ensures everyone has access to the same content, creating a more inclusive experience.
3. Virtual Events
For virtual events, digital scribing is by far the better choice. It allows you to engage remote participants and instantly share visuals through screens or digital platforms. The immediate availability of digital files after the event also makes it easier to repurpose content for marketing or reporting.
Why Not Both?
Many events are now combining both in-person graphic recording and digital scribing to get the best of both worlds. Imagine having an artist creating a live mural during keynote speeches while another simultaneously providing real-time visuals for online participants via digital scribing. This combination maximises engagement for in-person and remote audiences alike and ensures content is accessible to all.
Final Thoughts
Both in-person graphic recording and digital scribing offer unique benefits for capturing and conveying complex ideas visually. Your choice depends on the nature of your event, your audience, and how you want to engage your attendees.
If you want to create an immersive, high-energy atmosphere at an in-person event, in-person graphic recording might be the perfect choice. On the other hand, if you’re hosting a virtual or hybrid event, digital scribing is an ideal solution for real-time sharing and accessibility. Ultimately, both options provide valuable ways to enhance your event, capture key insights, and leave a lasting impression on your audience.
Need help deciding which option suits your event? Contact us today— we’d love to help make your event unforgettable.