Illustration by Reilly Dow with ellipses of different sizes around it, on a yellow background.

We’re here to help you…

see the system

navigate complexity

weave connections

…using visual facilitation.

Abstract illustration by Reilly Dow with of elongated, irregular black shapes on a yellow background.

Abstract illustration by Reilly Dow with black circles on a yellow background.

Reilly Dow, visual scribe, drawing on a large piece of paper at an event with Waverley Foundation in Mexico City, with a marker, surrounded by chairs and a monitor displaying text.

Scribing is drawing and writing while people talk, to create a visual record of process, ideas, and key concepts in real time.

Our purpose is to listen deeply to help people understand themselves, one another and the world – and take informed action towards a more just, sustainable, and joyful world for all.

We believe that creativity is essential for collective flourishing, and that visuals help bring perspective and clarity in challenging times.

Find out more

Reilly Dow, visual scribe, a woman with glasses, shoulder-length hair, and a striped dress smiling while holding a marker, standing in front of whiteboards with drawings and symbols.

Hi, I’m Reilly.

Listener, artist, and scribe with nearly two decades of international experience.

Since 2008, I have supported groups and organizations on four continents. My background is in early childhood education and I hold an MA in Interdisciplinary Studies. I have completed advanced training in generative scribing, systems thinking and am a certified Warm Data Labs host.

I grew up in Canada and live in Mexico City with my husband and our son.

Get in touch

Four people from above, drawing at a creative workshop facilitated by Reilly Dow

Why scribing?

Collectively, we face massive challenges at all scales. We need each other, and we need to get creative if we’re going to make it as a species and sustain more-than-human life on this planet.

Fortunately, there’s still so much left to protect. We believe in dialogue, collaboration, care, and mutual learning.

We use visual methods like scribing to help groups build bridges between disciplines, make sense of the moment, and chart possible pathways forward.

As scribes, we bring deep listening, a systems perspective, and a quick hand to the room, to translate what we hear into visible maps on the wall.

Start a dialogue

Our work

Portfolio

A colorful illustrated infographic about the relationship between life and nature, featuring a tree, animals, plants, and cityscape elements, emphasizing connections, symbols, and ongoing practices.

A colorful illustrated infographic about labor human rights, featuring text, drawings, and icons. It includes statements about the value of life, job insecurity, lack of labor contracts, and the need for collective responses. The infographic also hig

A cluttered table covered with colorful posters, markers, pens, a phone, a cup of coffee, and a person's hand writing on a blue poster. The posters contain various hand-drawn text and illustrations in different colors.

Colorful illustrated infographic discussing investments, ecosystems, and the environment. It features a bar graph, multiple raised hands, a network diagram of Mexico's ecosystem index, a tree, and various handwritten notes in green and black, includi

A conceptual illustration of the connection between art, emotion, and perception. The artwork features a tree with roots and branches, highlighting themes like drawing, listening, courage, trust, and the creative process, with references to artists a

A colorful illustrated diagram about a model of practice in art or therapy with sections on perceiving, knowing, power, and attributes such as visual language, online presence, and community engagement, including sketches and annotations.

A hand drawing on a digital tablet with a white stylus, displaying notes, diagrams, and sketches related to sustainability and the environment.

What we do.

Services

We work with clients to capture in person events, online events, and animated videos and graphics.

Black Wi-Fi symbol on a yellow background, illustration by Reilly Dow.

Virtual events

Capture an event in real time, in digital form, anywhere in the world.

Hand-drawn map marker icon on yellow background, illustration by Reilly Dow.

In person events

Capture an event in physical or digital form, in real time, on site with the group.

A hand-drawn play button icon inside a circle on a yellow background, illustration by Reilly Dow.

Video and infographics

Create animated videos like these examples we have made, or get in touch about infographics and illustrations.

Request quote

Learn to scribe

Sign up here for Intro to Scribing — our online, self-paced course.

Register here

Get in touch.

Let’s work together.

FAQs

Send us an inquiry so we can understand your needs and if applicable, check if the dates for your event are available. We will ask you some questions to learn more about how we can help—e.g. the objectives you are hoping to achieve, who will be gathering, where and how you will be working and connecting etc. From there, we will send you a proposal.
Scribing is drawing and writing in a visible format for a group, while people talk, to create a visual record of process, ideas, and key concepts in real time. It is a social art, created with and for a group of people, and can be used at conferences, meetings, and other events. Participants can see their ideas as the conversation unfolds and takes shape—this creates a feedback loop between the group, the scribe, and the visual artifact itself (Bird, 2018).
At the end of your meeting or event, if working on paper or boards, we will take a digital photo or scan the graphics and create a clean digital version of the images for you to use. The original copies of the graphics are yours to keep.
You are deeply involved in both the day-to-day realities and the long view of what you do. As an outsider and a curious, dedicated listener, a scribe is able to bring a fresh perspective and visually reflect back what they hear. Having a scribe present means you're able to focus on the people, purpose, and task at hand.
As the conversation is documented visually, ideas and connections rise to the surface. Different textures and tonalities are invited in. Questions and insights take shape.
Visuals act as a form of public memory. People often say they feel heard and acknowledged, and recognize the importance of their active participation as they watch their words being captured in a visual way. Continue reading .
Reilly lives in Mexico City and can travel wherever your session or event may be taking place, or recommend someone from our network of trusted colleagues.
We connect a tablet to the videoconferencing platform so participants can view the scribing images live and in real time. Please get in touch or take a look through this brief guide to learn more about digital scribing for remote sessions and events.
When working in person, we bring all drawing materials and arrange for other equipment as needed (see examples here). We will usually use several large sheets of paper or boards, and ideally we can provide an exhibition space for the group to view them throughout. We also offer digital scribing on a tablet, which can be connected to a projector for the group to see the work throughout the session, or at specific moments. Afterwards, you will receive digital copies of your graphics. Any originals on paper or boards are yours to keep as well.
Some ideas for using the graphics:
- hang them in your office or workspace
- store them carefully and take them out after some time has passed, to reconnect and rekindle the conversation
- add ideas on Post-Its to continue reflecting and generating engagement.
- print them out as postcards, or larger posters for the wall
- include them in a presentation, article or report
- crop a small section of an image to use as an illustration
- share and reflect with a broader group, perhaps including folks who were not able to attend the meeting or event.
We charge by the hour or by the day, depending on the specifics of your project. Our fees include a 30 minute scoping call to connect and understand what you need; materials and drawing supplies; live scribing at the per-hour or day rate; and digital copies of all graphics. Additional costs such as travel and accommodations, or shipping costs for materials if needed, are not included. We require a 50% deposit to reserve the dates for a meeting or event. Please contact us for a quote.
Yes, sign up for our self-paced, online Intro to Scribing course here ! I'm also available to teach custom workshops and give talks. Workshop experiences are designed to be engaging, activate group creativity, and connect with your practical, everyday reality. Please contact us for more info.