VisConf 2023

When opportunities come full circle, it’s SO satisfying. Back in 2018, when I was still working in a creative agency, I went to the very first VisConf, held at the MYOB offices in Melbourne. It’s where I first met this beautiful community of graphic recorders (aka sketch noters) and learned more about this incredible art.

Fast forward to the start of 2023, and I received a lovely email from Kate Baxter, who – along with Debbie Wood, Tatum Kenna and Cat Drysdale – was organising VisConf 2023… and they wanted ME to be the keynote speaker to kick off a day of learning and connection.

My very first task was to get intel on who would be in the audience, so I could tailor my keynote to address the biggest pain points. For this crowd, it was a combination of a lack of time and feeling burnt out, which is unsurprising for any gig where you use your creative energy to serve others. So I set about illustrating my slides (how could I not for this bunch of visual legends) and geared myself up for a day of creative inspiration!

Held at the PwC offices in Melbourne, overlooking the city, my keynote went down a treat. As the first cab off the rank for the day, I wanted to get people talking to each other and in a headspace of reflection. I posed a series of questions and share the 5 most common creative blocks, wrapping things up with tips on how to melt them.

I’m so grateful to Kate and the crew for the opportunity to engage with their community again and it just goes to show that you NEVER know where things will lead!