2026 YYC Graphic Recording Workshop

Curious about graphic recording? You've come to the write place (see what we did there?). And if you have found this workshop you likely have an idea about what graphic recording is.

So, grab your favourite mark making tool and join us in Calgary this November for a fun-filled, hands-on workshop where sketches become diagrams, conversations become colourful visuals, and "I can't draw" quickly turns into "Hey... I did that!"

Whether you're a facilitator, educator, creative, note-taker, or simply someone who loves learning in new ways, you'll discover practical techniques to capture ideas with confidence, clarity, and a whole lot of personality.

No artistic superpowers required—just curiosity, a desire to learn, and a willingness to get out of your comfort zone.

Come learn, laugh, experiment, and leave with new skills, fresh inspiration, and a few new friends who also get ridiculously excited about markers, lettering, and turning big ideas into bold visuals.

In this hands-on workshop, you will discover the art of graphic recording and its practical applications. Led by two local professional graphic recorders, you will learn various techniques to visually represent information, ideas, and discussions in real-time. Whether you are a student, professional, or simply curious about this exciting field, this workshop will provide you with valuable skills and insights.

What to expect:

• Introduction to graphic recording and its benefits
• Essential tools and materials
• Basic drawing techniques and layouts
• Live practice sessions
• Tips for effective visual storytelling
• The business side of Graphic Recording

Who should attend?

• Graphic Recorders and Facilitators
• Professionals who work in facilitation, coaching, consulting,or any field that involves leading group discussions or workshops
• Artists and Designers
• Teachers, Trainers, and Educators
• Business Professionals
• Students studying various subjects, including business, communication, education, or the arts
• Event Organizers
• Trainers and Coaches
• Anyone interested in Visual Communication

Graphic recording is a versatile skill that can be applied in various contexts, so this workshop welcomes participants from diverse backgrounds. It's not limited to those with a specific expertise but can be adapted to suit the needs of different individuals and professions.

Joleyne Mayers-Jaekel is the Principal of ViClarity Inc., a professional graphic recorder and aspiring lettering artist based in Calgary. She helps individuals, teams and organizations make complex information more accessible and engaging through the creation of visual representations of ideas, conversations, and presentations in real time.
She is a member of the Bow Valley Calligraphy Guild and has always been creative at heart!
Joleyne holds a MA in Leadership (Health) from Royal Roads University, is an Appreciative Inquiry Facilitator and avid gardener.

For the past ten years, Sam Hester, of The 23rd Story, has worked as a graphic recorder in Calgary/Moh’kinsstsis, creating visual stories that draw upon deep listening skills, a passion for community-building… and has gone through a lot of markers.

When she’s not taking notes at live events, Sam does independent comics journalism and advocates for the graphic medicine movement.
Sam attended the Universities of Calgary and Toronto, as well as OCAD University, way back when it was still the Ontario College of Art and Design.

With over 20+ years of professional graphic recording experience, both Joleyne and Sam, are excited to team up again to offer this workshop. Each brings their unique styles and ways of working, different materials and tools, and will share successes and lessons learned along the way in this in-person workshop. They are excited to share their expertise, get the tools in your hands, and grow the graphic recording scene in Alberta.

Think of it this way- you get two for the price of one!