From crisis comms to creative calm: why I’m using live illustration to help good causes tell their story
Live graphic recording of a talk by Kate Raworth, author of Donut Economics, at the Byline Festival, 2025.
Back in 2021, after over 20 years working across journalism and charity communications — including more than a decade at the British Red Cross — I was promoted to Head of News. Professionally, I was flying high, it was my second promotion during a challenging period personally and this one came in the middle of a global pandemic.
But after 18 months in the job, something didn’t feel right. One particular day stands out. I was on the early train to London when the news broke that 27 people had drowned attempting to cross the English Channel — a tragedy quickly dubbed "the deadliest day of the migrant crisis." I supported the Red Cross media team as they crafted statements, briefed the CEO and organised interviews to leverage a rare moment of empathy to advocate for a more humane asylum policy.
By lunchtime, our talented and dedicated team had got our CEO onto the rolling news channels. By evening, we were being praised for a job well done. But something big changed for me that day. After decades focussing on the stories of people in crisis, I realised I was struggling. That night, I hid tears behind my Covid mask on the train back to Bristol. It may sound strange, but I actually drew that journey in my sketchbook.
You see, drawing had always been my outlet throughout childhood and adolescence and I’d returned to it during the pandemic, almost instinctively. Half an hour of drawing each evening became my way of processing the relentless news cycle and intense demands of my role at the Red Cross. As a journalist and communications professional, I’d always used words, photographs or video to tell stories — now I was using my drawings.
I ended up with a book...
Drawing life - One Day At A Time
“Half an hour of drawing each evening became my way of processing the relentless news cycle and intense demands of my role at the Red Cross. As a journalist and communications professional, I’d always used words, photographs or video to tell stories — now I was using my drawings.”
That was the start of a transition that’s taken four years - a rickety, exciting and, at times, slightly nauseating rollercoaster ride taking me from the Red Cross to roles at other charities to life as a freelancer, giving me time for studies that would gradually get me closer to my childhood dream of becoming an illustrator. Today, at the ripe old age of 49, my business card and website say ''illustrator'' and, at last, it's what I proudly and confidently say when people ask me the ''what do you do?'' question at parties.
I love seeing the smile on people’s faces when I hand out my business card. It’s so different from the corporate cards I used to hand out in the past. I love being my own boss and shaping my own professional identity.
My work now falls into three strands:
Graphic recording – capturing live events and conversations in real time, with words and pictures. I like being there in person, using big sheets of paper and big (refillable) pens to sketch as people watch but I can also provide this remotely, online.
Illustration – including infographics, graphic novels and comic strips - bringing ideas, people and messages to life visually.
Workshops – creating safe, joyful spaces for others to rediscover drawing and use it to collaborate and develop ideas together.
Of these, graphic recording is the one I’m especially excited to offer to charities, social enterprises, and other good causes.
Bex with her live graphic recording of a panel discussion at the Frome International Climate Film Festival in May, 2025.
Bex holding her live illustration of Pete Rolliston’s introductory speech at TPS Business Coaching’s 90-day planning workshop in summer, 2025.
Graphic recording is a powerful and inclusive tool for engagement. Whether I’m live-scribing a strategy workshop, panel event, away day or discussion space, my role is to translate complex ideas and conversations into a visual summary that resonates long after the event is over. It’s not just note-taking — it’s storytelling. It helps participants feel seen and heard, and creates shareable visual content that can build understanding and support. I see huge value in it in the context of documenting and helping facilitate the different stages of co-produced projects, something I'm also extremely passionate about.
You can see examples of my work — from capturing a climate film festival panel discussion to an all-day business planning event to visualising public speaking showcases — on my website: www.bexgilbert.com/graphic-recording
Live graphic recording/live illustration of panel discussion on the concept of Thrutopia, at the Frome International Climate Film Festival in May, 2025.
Here's what my recent client Jo, from TPS Business Coaching, said about me after I live illustrated her one-day workshop earlier this month:
"Bex's artwork quickly became the focal point during breaks, sparking conversations and admiration from attendees. She managed to distill the energy, insights, and key moments of the day into a series of unique and engaging visuals. I would highly recommend Bex. Her presence is calm, her process seamless, and her final work truly memorable.”
What I’ve learned is this: my values haven’t changed. I still care deeply about people, purpose, personality and social justice. But it's time for me to try a different way of expressing those things — a new vehicle. As Ralph Ammer puts it in his TED talk, “drawing is bigger than art!” For me, it’s been healing, empowering, and clarifying. And now, I want to use that to help others.
So, to all my business and third sector friends and former colleagues, if you're planning an event and want to make it more engaging, inclusive and memorable, or anything else here sparks ideas for collaboration — let’s talk.
#graphicrecording #visualthinking #illustration #charitysector #nonprofits #goodcauses #drawingchange #liveillustration #eventillustrator
Blog first published on Linked In in June, 2025.