Live Event Illustrator & Graphic Recorder, London
+44 7478864746
hi@elliefoster.com
I Turn Ideas & Information into Memorable Visual Stories
Originally from Cardiff and now based in Hackney, London, I illustrate information in a way people remember. You can either find me at my Clapton Studio (somewhere between my desk and the coffee machine), or out scribing in person. (More on my services below)
My purpose is to help people digest and reflect on important learnings, and I do that by turning words into visuals that make our brains happy! Whether I’m illustrating live at your event, or remotely creating visual notes, I’m here to bring a little magic and create something people want to share, keep and refer back to for years to come.
From panel talks and workshops, festivals, and everything in between, my ‘illustrated stories’ capture the key themes, moments that resonated most and the overall feel of the day. Or, for existing information, I transform complex topics into easy-to-digest visual summaries.
Live Illustration Examples
Live recording from a day at Whitechapel Gallery, capturing the moments that resonated most within free flowing group discussions and workshops.
Professionals working with youth in art spaces and education shared insights on improving access to art and enhancing the effectiveness of programs.
The piece was produced for inclusion in a follow-up email to all attendees.
Live scribed at Purpose Disruptors’ ‘Reimagining Advertising’ summit. Central to the event were two talks describing how models can be reshaped to benefit people and planet, along with workshops and networking. I illustrated the key information, contained within a ‘visual story’ of a character looking to the industry’s future.
Purpose Disruptor’s sparks mindset shifts, and this piece acts as a keepsake for guests to remember the moment it happened for them.
Words to Visuals Examples
Turning meeting minutes into a visual that sticks!
A collective of canal boaters in London held an event to bring people together and start a series of mini-movements to improve life on the river.
I took the jumble of notes and documents from the day, and created this graphic that the organisers can refer back to and remember what moments and ideas stood out most, as well as find joy in otherwise admin-heavy tasks.
Mental Health Awareness organisation Heads Above the Waves offer advice on common and important struggles.
I converted a few of their articles into visuals that could be shared on their Instagram, as well as printed and displayed in their Cardiff store.
Where brand colours and guidelines exist, I work within them for a cohesive and familiar feel.
Ways to Work Together
Live at Your Event
Whether it’s panels and talks, workshops or even a festival, I’ll be there with my iPad to catch the key ideas and moments, bringing them to life in real time.
We can slide the visibility scale anywhere from showing the illustration coming together on a screen through the day or at key points, to guests not knowing I was there until later!
Remote
All the magic of live scribing, without the commute.
Ideal for online meetings, workshops, or webinars where you want to keep people engaged and leave them with a visual summary that sticks. Even that Monday morning meeting can have a glow-up!
I’ll log in and shape a visual from the key points and ideas to create a shared moment for everyone.
Visuals from Words
You send the notes, I’ll make them memorable.
Perfect for turning reports, meeting minutes, studies, or strategy documents into visual summaries that people remember.
Big ideas distilled into something beautiful, digestible and shareable.
For all options, the format of your visual is customisable. I tailor to suit the primary use, whether that’s an animated clip or time lapse for socials, a printed poster or postcard, or to include in an event’s follow-up email.
Why Hire a Live Illustrator?
Capture the energy in the room.
Unlike static note-taking, live visuals reflect the tone, emotion, and flow of discussion—whether it’s hopeful, playful, or full of ‘aha’ moments!
Support mindset shifts.
When a conversation sparks a new way of thinking, having a visual anchor helps reinforce that shift over time.
A graphic recording becomes a visual artefact of the event, creating a shared memory, sparking conversation long after the session ends and helping groups align on takeaways.
Generate interest and improve engagement.
Knowing a Scribe is in the room can build excitement and demonstrates that the organisers value guests enjoying the experience.
Great for post-event reflection and sharing.
Whether in reports, presentations, or social media, visual summaries are far more likely to be read, remembered, and shared.
Why Graphic Recording?
People remember visuals.
Research shows that people retain up to 65% of information when it's paired with a relevant image, compared to just 10–20% when it's only spoken or written.
Ignites emotional connection.
Seeing your words and ideas reflected visually can be validating, surprising, or deeply resonant, helping participants feel seen and heard.
Makes complex ideas digestible & accessible across languages and abilities.
Visuals break down layered information into clear, structured snapshots—making it easier for diverse audiences to engage with the content. Graphic recordings often communicate beyond words, making content more inclusive for visual learners, neurodiverse participants, and multilingual groups.
Let's Stay in Touch
Let's Stay in Touch
Interested in working together? Fill out some info and I’ll be in touch shortly. Can't wait to hear from you!
I share behind the scenes, works in progress and few real life related things on my Instagram @ellie___foster.
