The Marker Ninja Process

Example of a graphic recording from Trent Wakenight of Marker Ninja graphic facilitation, meeting design and facilitation, visual notetaking and graphic recording | San Francisco

Our Philosophy:
Amplify All Voices through Visuals

A picture is worth a thousand words. Why not use visuals in meetings and to communicate?

Pictures tap into our innate instincts and:

  • Make complex things clear and spark imagination

  • Drive engagement and speed up decision making

  • Open dialogue to inform big-picture thinking

Our Process: Proven Models Drive Success

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Line drawing of a man and a woman looking at a paper together, woman holding the paper with both hands, from Marker Ninja graphic facilitation, meeting design and facilitation, visual notetaking and graphic recording | San Francisco

1. Define the Outcomes

From the start, my consultation with you and 20+ years’ of clients’ success stories help define the tangible outcomes you want to achieve.

Line drawing of a smiling man in a suit holding a clipboard or menu, from Marker Ninja graphic facilitation, meeting design and facilitation, visual notetaking and graphic recording | San Francisco

2. Pick the Method

  • Graphic Facilitation

I design high-impact agendas that blend proven models, traditional facilitation, and visual methods to unlock opportunities and innovative thinking, and develop teamwork and culture. 

  • Graphic Recording

In big conferences and small meetings, I draw pictures of conversations in real-time to elevate group intelligence, and help connect the dots, show the whole system, and empower memory.

  • Whiteboard Videos

A mix of animation, voice, and music turns complex narratives into simple, compelling stories to increase understanding and reach target audiences. 

  • Custom Graphic Design

I create engaging custom graphics to clarify complex ideas and business challenges, and engage audiences on emotional and intellectual levels. This includes displaying data in meaningful, dynamic visuals that inspire action.

Line drawing of a man with a beard, sitting at a desk and working on a laptop, with speech bubbles and email icons around him, from Marker Ninja graphic facilitation, meeting design and facilitation, visual notetaking and graphic recording

3. Pre-Meeting Communication

Meeting attendees can learn what they are walking into and their expected role. Setting this mindset in advance – through emails, interviews, video, and a kick-off meeting – increases the rate of success before an event.

Line drawing of a man facilitating a meeting, pointing with his finger, with several people seated and listening, from Marker Ninja graphic facilitation, meeting design and facilitation, visual notetaking and graphic recording | San Francisco

4. Deliver the Product/Meeting

I use Visually-Based Participatory Decision Making in meetings to help groups craft new possibilities and new, shared stories and direction. Visual products such as videos, graphics, and placemats are delivered in any file format needed in line with clients’ communication goals.

Outline drawing of a woman and a man shaking hands, with the woman holding a presentation board, from Marker Ninja graphic facilitation, meeting design and facilitation, visual notetaking and graphic recording | San Francisco

5. Post-Event and Post-Product Delivery

My parents were business owners and taught me that the commitment to quality doesn’t end once a product is delivered. Every Marker Ninja deliverable must meet client expectations. Part of this ongoing relationship is to assess services and products for continuous improvement and customer satisfaction.

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Ready to get started?

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