DRAWING CHANGE
At present we find ourselves in a time period characterised by rapid change, to which we appear to react with clever organising. Rapid change goes hand in hand with an immensely high data-density: images, photos, videos play a crucial role in conveying information. Drawing is an intrinsically and intuitively intelligent tool that can be used to (interactively) record key elements of a conversation, engage participants or structure complex matters.
I offer the following services:
illustrations
An illustration, cartoon or comic strip can make a point and convey a setting at the wink of an eye – directly and concisely. It can enliven the context or break text-blocks into doable parts. In specific situations an illustration may be preferred over a photo for privacy reasons, but also because the limits of what is possible in an illustration are dictated by imagination more than by physical parameters. An illustration can be tailored carefully and relatively easily to meet specific demands.
Graphic recording
During a meeting, workshop or training I make a live drawing incorporating key elements of the discussion and the context. The result is a visual summary, which ties together discussion points and provides an overview of complex material. For those attending, the drawing functions as a quick reminder of what was said. For the absentees it can be a way to follow the process.
Visual writing
In a short film (2-4 min) my hand draws the essence of a situation, the problems involved, possible solutions or a call-for-action. The film is made following a script and storyboard. The combination of a compact voice-over with drawings makes it a powerful method to convey information with the directness of a verbal message and the richness of dedicated visuals. The complexities of scenario, lighting, camerawork and editing make that I work together with film-professionals.
Visual harvesting
Participants and facilitator work together to set goals or achieve a joint result. Visual harvesting is an effective way to structure input from different parties (perhaps with conflicting interests) or to enhance engagement: input is drawn live, as it becomes available, thereby offering the possibility for participants to react to it directly or at a later point in time. It may for example be used in community-development for new implementations but also in harvesting less tangible targets that the participants are supportive of.
Hello
My name is Olivier Rijcken. In the course of the past 20 years I have acquired non-stop experience as an illustrator, cartoonist, artist and organiser of cultural events. My education and background as an agricultural engineer help me in analysing the world, dealing with scarcity and recognising and supporting development processes.
More than before these elements seem to have come together: to contribute to change for a better world. I use my drawing talent to make graphic recordings of meetings, to assist groups in visualising their goals or to trigger creativity during a brainstorm. In doing so I always bring along a passion for ‘creating’, a strong drive for building bridges between people, and a sense of urgency to contribute to a sustainable way of life.