1. MEETINGS l JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2016 •
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SERVICES
A
SHUMANS,WEare are predominantly
visual beings, responding better to
stories and content portrayed through
graphics. Visual methods of communication are
increasingly adopted to enhance conferences
and events. It is one method of unpacking
complex ideas and simplifying concepts in an
illustrative manner, augmenting the recollection
and traction of presentations.
As a visual communicator, Nicolene Louw is
living her dream through using her illustrative
skills to make processes come alive and be easily
understood for unforgettable events.
A CAREER THAT EXCITES
While Nicolene had always enjoyed drawing as
a hobby, she hadn’t considered it as a potential
career, dabbling in other interests including
occupational therapy and working on a horse
farm. She hadn’t realised that her job could be
fun and that it is possible to truly make a career
out of pursuing her passion.
Her lecturer, an illustrator himself at the
University of Pretoria, ignited the spark to
become an illustrator while she was studying
graphic design. He continued to be her mentor
when completing her master's in illustration at
the University of Stellenbosch.
Nicolene loves the variety of each project
being unique and her role of transforming
verbal content to visual, saying: “Each job is
different and requires a different solution. I
thrive on being presented with mountains of
information and then having to simplify it into
simple visual communication.”
nicolene@fine-line.co.za
fine-line.co.za
nicolenelouw.co.za
Illustrator Nicolene Louw visually represents the ideas, concepts and conversations
swirling around in meetings, conferences, award ceremonies and workshops.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
Nicolene has been fortunate to travel within
South Africa and Africa to present graphic
facilitation to impressive clients ranging from
Nedbank and De Beers to Oxfam and Barloworld
among others. A memorable project for her was
the Landscapes for People, Food and Nature in
Africa conference held in Kenya in 2014.
BENEFITS OF VISUAL COMMUNICATION
The options of services Nicolene is able to
provide include: graphic recording, whiteboard
animation and infographics.
Live drawings are created as a visual story of an
event for graphic recordings that can facilitate
discussions while whiteboard animation utilises
unique hand-drawn animated videos to outline
intricate concepts.
Advantages can include capturing key
messages for interpretation in front of live
audiences, allowing for the clear representation
of primary themes and re-enforcing main points.
A visual summary of discussions and decisions is
created through graphic facilitation for increased
content retention and boosting the delivery
of presentations.
Graphic facilitation can also perform the
function of providing light-hearted but relevant
entertainment to maintain engagement and
retention levels at an event or strategy session.
Visuals created have longevity extending
beyond the event, as they be incorporated into
feedback reporting, displayed as reminders
at the offices, used in internal and external
newsletters and social media channels.
GETTING THE MOST OUT
OF VISUAL FACILITATION
These tips will give your event the edge
and ensure excellent visual content:
PRIOR TO THE EVENT
• Fully complete the event booking
sheet and supply as much additional
information as possible to form a
comprehensive event brief.
• Supplying the agenda prior to the event
is very beneficial for Nicolene to pace
herself and anticipate the order whether
of events.
• Ascertain what is possible at the venue
in terms of whether illustrations can be
placed on the wall, whether flip charts
can be used or whether Nicolene should
bring her own easels for display.
AT THE EVENT
• Ascertain where the facilitator will be
placed while creating illustrations.
• Introduce her to the audience and
explain to attendants her role for them
to understand what to anticipate.
• Hard copies and digital versions of all
artwork will be sent to the client four
working days after the event.