My name is Beka and I’m a live illustrator or ‘scribe’ based in the North of England.

What is live illustration? (if you don’t know already)

Live drawing or live illustration has many names including: taking visual minutes, scribing, sketch notes and graphic recording.

Essentially, it is a way to capture discussions and ideas at gatherings and conferences using drawings rather than words. Scribing happens in real time, across the course of an event.

My skills as a scribe aren’t just in drawing and illustration, but also in interpreting conversation and getting to the root of an idea or a discussion point – and then representing these ideas coherently with images and visual metaphors. I compose these images into one larger image, as I work, to create a larger piece of artwork that reflects the main headlines of each event.

Scroll down and take a look…

Examples of my work

How can I book you?

You can call me on 07947 578181 (please leave a message) or email me at beka.haytch@gmail.com if you’d like to book a graphic recording, or if you’d like to discuss anything in more detail – I’m happy to help.

How it works!

All of my clients receive:

• a short, pre-event consultation (usually a 30 minute conversation by phone or Zoom) to discuss potential themes for the drawings produced, along with preferred colour schemes (I can scribe to match any branding / logo requirements)
• half or full days of scribing throughout your event (either in person or via a live stream)
• one full day of finishing touches in order to complete and digitise all the artwork produced
• a PDF of the final artwork
  (individual images AND a composite image if more than one image has been produced)
• the physical artworks couriered to customers at a location of their choosing

In person or online?

I am happy to attend in person or I can now live-stream the creation of a set of visual minutes online with a high quality webcam, which allows me to cover events much further afield and more easily in our current global circumstances.

What will you get?

Whether attending your event in person or online, you’ll be sent the finished, original artwork (via courier), plus a high quality PDF and a lower res JPG of the final image to use digitally.

What do people say about me?

“Beka has created a beautiful work of art for us! She captured the content of our event perfectly, whilst meeting our very short timescale and with colours of choice. Also, as a person, she is friendly and smiley (we could tell, even behind the mask!), communicates well and is very organised – asking all the right questions ahead of the day. A real pleasure to work with!”

Nicola Marklew, Communications Officer, JU:MP and Active Bradford

“When looking for artists who could create visuals to bring our materials to life, our whole team was smitten by Beka’s style. We were confident that her intricate yet accessible designs could convey the complex nuances of our work in a clear, engaging, and compelling way. Feedback from students and staff has consistently been enthusiastically positive; her piece on our transformative education framework has, no pun intended, really transformed our resources on this topic.”

Dr Caitlin Kight, Manager, Academic Development and Enhancement, University of Exeter

“Beka provided amazing live illustration for our event at the University of York. She captured the essence of all of our discussion in fantastically beautiful illustrations. Everyone at the event agreed having Beka live illustrating along with us was a fantastic addition to the day! Beka was professional, friendly and a pleasure to deal with. We would 100% recommend Beka for any event!”

Dr Nina Willment, Research Associate – XR Stories, University of York

Who have I worked for?

I have created visual minutes for: Exeter University, York University, Sheffield University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Preston Council, Kirklees Council, Notwestminster, Bradford Healthwatch, Calderdale Libraries, Yorkshire Youth and Music, Active Bradford, various clients at Cognitive Media and more.

Other bits and bobs

I am fully COVID vaccinated and can provide risk assessments (including Covid safety) where appropriate. I have up to date public liability insurance and a current DBS certificate (I use the update service).

How much is it?

For one event (either a half or full day session), I produce an up to 1.2 x 1 metre image, process this image digitally, and post the original to you for £750 (plus courier costs and travel and accommodation where necessary). The fee includes materials. Travel is priced at 45p per mile in the UK.

How can I book you (again)?

You can call me on 07947 578181 (please leave a message) or email me at beka.haytch@gmail.com if you’d like to book a graphic recording, or if you’d like to discuss anything in more detail – I’m happy to help.

Where can you scribe?

Anywhere! And on (almost) any surface! In the summer of 2022, I was lucky to receive a commission to scribe on the windows at Sowerby Bridge Library, to celebrate the Queen’s jubilee. Here are the results, produced live over the course of 4 days: