Years of experience: More than 10 years
Services provided:
- Graphic Recording (Analogue)
- Graphic Recording (Digital)
- Graphic Facilitation
- Rich Pictures / Illustrations
- Videos
Portfolio
Biography Andy is a multidisciplinary visual and musical artist and has worked for over 10 years as a graphic facilitator and recordist. He has worked deeply across a very broad spectrum of private and public industries, both independently and as part of collaborative delivery teams in both small and large organisations. Andy works digitally and analog. "While, of course, I revel in the visual aspects of doing the work- whether that's on an iPad and a projected screen; or using markers, inks or charcoals on large material boards- the real meta-skills are listening, translation, and the ability to support a sense of physical and mental presence for those in the room, who are often working through complex or emotional challenges, or sometimes just very dense material. Doing the work of graphic facilitation has so many positive outcomes for clients, both as the event unfolds and long after it is finished. By visualising the work, we define not only the specific challenges at hand, but our values, identities and stories at large. It's well understood that there is a real power in, for instance, personal journalling. My work, in part, is to create a large, shared visual journal for a group of people. More than just a useful artefact and visual record, it's also very much about creating a sense of purpose and energy for those who are contributing their thoughts and experiences" In addition to his visual art, as a musical artist, Andy's work has garnered many accolades, including four ARIA awards nominations, and seven US Daytime Emmy wins. Andy also has background in Strategic Partnerships in media. "Creating brand partnerships is very much about listening to peoples stories, but at a commercial, organisational level. I listen for what it is people need to fulfil whatever destiny they feel calls them forward, often in relation to a specific product, and then we divine what is standing in the way of it so that we can close the gap." Drawing upon his listening and communication skills, and a deep well of experience, Andy also dedicates a portion of his time to coach pro-bono a group of musical and visual artists across Australia and North America who are grappling with artistic and logistic challenges in their own creative careers. "Something that I believe is true of people across all domains, and at all scales, is that most people don't want, and often cannot use, apparent 'solutions' that are handed to them. What almost all people need - very deeply - are conditions that allow them to think and feel clearly for themselves. If you can create those conditions, then meaningful insights and possibilities begin to emerge. I think this is true of all manner of complex logistic, emotional and strategic challenges. I see graphic facilitation as a corner stone of creating these conditions where individuals can both listen and be heard. Whatever the nature of a problem- wherever the complexity lies- it helps immensely to have a witness, a mirror; somebody to ennoble your process by figuratively, and in this case literally drawing it down, out of the intellectual abstract and into material reality, right before you, as it's taking place."
Testimonial 1 Andy was commissioned to support the Western Sydney Citizen Juries in 2023 over two weekends. He sat with us, interpreting the conversation that was evolving as the jurors absorbed and interrogated the evidence. It was an exciting weekend. It was the first time ever that a Primary Health Network had conducted anything like it, to find out what the people want from investments into local health and social care. Everyone was excited and engaged, and having Andy there to capture with superb insight, and amazing graphic skill, not only what was going on, but the inside story, the mood and the insight that he pulled beautifully from the events. Frequently over the weekend the jurors stopped to soak up what Andy was drawing and capturing, and at one stage the jury asked him to speak to them about what he was hearing, and this was important in digesting the complex information and making sense of it. I recommend Andy to anyone who wants to free up the creativity in a room full of people, in a way that is not only powerful, but playful.
Testimonial 1 Name Dr Coralie Wales Ph.D. / Lead Facilitator - Community Partnerships / WentWest Limited
Testimonial 2 I have had the pleasure of working with Andy Bull over the past 10 years and I have seen his unique skill in graphic facilitation transform discussions into captivating visuals that not only engaged everyone but also crystallised key concepts. Andy possesses a unique talent for skilfully capturing the insights and substantive content of a conversation while adeptly representing its emotional nuances. Whether guiding a small workshop or capturing a large conference, his ability to balance these elements elevates the entire experience. I recommend Andy to anyone seeking to raise their gatherings to a new level. He is wonderful to work with and his talent for not just drawing, but for actively listening and understanding the core message, then turning it into a visual artwork that resonates with the audience is brilliant.
Testimonial 2 Name Emma Shumack / Director Communications and Engagement / National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Housing Association
Testimonial 3 Andy’s presence meaningfully enriches our clients’ experiences, and my experience as a facilitator. Participants value highly the way Andy brings their discussions to life as they unfold; keeping eyes, minds and even emotions engaged; enabling participants to become more sensorily involved with work that is important to them; and endowing their work with a sense of occasion and worthiness. He listens with great understanding to the many large and small details of peoples’ experiences and processes, distilling abstract concepts with tremendous insight (and when called for, a bit of gentle wit) and energising participants during what are oftentimes very demanding discussions. Andy is an astute listener and an insightful, analytical thinker with an expressive and aesthetic graphical style, as well as a deep experience in the field. He is also good humoured, dedicated, and consistently wonderful to work with. I look forward to working with him again soon.
Testimonial 3 Name Dirk Vos / Owner & Director / TwoCollaborate
