The Center for Graphic Facilitation

Learning to Draw? Start Simple.

People often ask us: "How did you learn to draw so dang good!?!"

We usually reply: "Doodling our lives away!"

If you need some help with how to get started, here are some of our favorite books by Joy Sikorski, Mark Kistler and Ed Begley. (Great for adults and kids!)

Read the rest of this post for links.

Christopher Alexander Reveals the Secret of Patterns

Alexander attempts to define and understand the essence of a "living" structure. He talks with NPR's Jennifer Ludden onAll Things Considered, January 29, 2005.

LISTEN to Alexander's interview.

Innovation and Collaboration

Dave Pollard, a consultant on innovation and product development, posts his papers on business innovation & knowledge management.

We found his article Innovation as Collaboration thanks to Innovation Tools.

Pollard covers dozens of topics ranging from general creativity to concrete the blogging process with observations on why bloggers write and how to incorporate reader feedback.

Picture Mechanics

For inspiration from the best visual storytellers out there, dip into this barrel full of talent at Picture Mechanics.

In December 2000, the collaborative was formed uniting the top illustrators in the industry. What started out as a simple portal link to each artist's web site blossomed into a creative consortium of 40 artists that has gallery shows, sells stock illustration and collectible products.

I go to this wellspring of imagery to learn how to communicate with style!

CLICK HERE to see portfolio of artists.

Mel Levine: Teaching All Kinds of Minds

Listen to the extended MP3s of Dr. Mel Levine discussing how his philosophy about learning evolved, including:

• Interest in Medicine, and Difference
  
• The Lives of Animals
  
• Learning Issues -- and Change
  
• Productivity and Happiness
  
• Preparing for Adulthood
  
• Confronting Problems
  
• Future of Schools

Simple Rules for Brainstorming

Everyone needs a little guidance before leaping off the cliff of creativity and brainstorming a way to break the fall!

These simple rules are reflected in the methodologies of IDEO, ThinkShop, Russell Williams Group and many, many others.

NovaMind

One of the best mindmapping tools out there for the Mac. Plenty of helpful suggestions for using the tool, including a nice overview of Buzan's 10 Laws of MindMapping.

www.nova-mind.com

Launch of Graphic Facilitation.com

This site is for all who are interested in a new way of working. Actually, it is a very old way of working, going back 20,000 to 40,000 years; namely attempting to understand the world through telling stories and drawing pictures.

With a job description like "graphic facilitator", I am often asked to explain what I do at family gatherings. Consequently, I default to describing my vocation as "doodling for dollars".

This, rightly so, appalls my business partner, who is also my spouse. However, my description can't be more accurate!