Blog

Video: A future visioning tool
I've made another video - this time it's one where you actually see my face! I hope you like it. I'm on a mission to get more comfortable with creating videos (I find it strange not having an audience!) so I'd love to hear what you think and what tips you have for...

A fun icebreaker for you to try
Icebreakers for virtual training - what's the verdict? In my opinion, it's even more important to have an icebreaker for a virtual training session than it is for an in person one. Why? When we partake in virtual learning sessions we miss out on the in person chit...

Video: Meditative Drawing
Yesterday saw the last session of Secrets of Simple Graphics for 2020 and as we munched on our (non-virtual) cupcakes at the Afterparty Elevenses, the discussion shifted to the benefits drawing brings to our mental health, a topic I touched on previously. As such, I...

How drawing helps with stress
Sometimes, when feeling stressed, the last thing you want is someone handing you a set of coloured pencils and a notebook, urging you to channel your stress in a creative manner. Yet creative pursuits are generally seen to be a helpful antidote to feelings of stress...

Video: How to draw icons for future
Ahead of the launch of my *brand new** Draw Out Your Future programme I thought I'd create this short video with instructions on how to draw an icon that represents future. Click on the image below to be taken straight to the video. If you were to graphically...

The story behind my discovery of graphics
When I talk about my journey to visual thinking I speak about when I moved to Edinburgh in 2002 and started working for a disability organisation. It was whilst working at this organisation that I received training in Person Centred Planning - a facilitation...

Infographic: 10 ways simple drawings bring joy into our lives
Hello and welcome to another September week. It's that time of year where I feel inspired to draw autumn leaves, mugs of hot chocolate, and thick, stripy socks. In the meantime, I've been reflecting on all the little ways simple drawings can bring joy into our lives....

Video: How to use the draw function in PowerPoint
I’m a big fan of blending hand drawn graphics into existing ways of working. I often see how overwhelmed people feel when thinking about how to incorporate hand drawn graphics into their work. Start with what you’ve got. If you currently use PowerPoint slides, for...

Meeting our needs
Ever since being trained in the use of Person Centred Planning MAP and PATH tools back in 2002, I've always been a fan of using visuals for planning. I use visual planning in my own business, as well as with individuals and teams. More recently I’ve been considering...

Case Study: Secrets of Simple Graphics Online with Rachel Weiss
We caught up with Rachel Weiss, who attended Secrets of Simple Graphics Online in June 2020, to ask some questions about her experience. What motivated you to attend the training in the first place? What problems were you experiencing that you hoped the training would...