Is Scribing dead?

It’s a provocative question to begin with, but one worth exploring. I’ve been reflecting on this idea recently, spurred by observing patterns that seem to repeat throughout history. At 50, I’ve accumulated a wealth of experiences and stories, some big and some small, which provide me with the opportunity to share a few thoughts on this topic.

From graffiti to street art

I first fell in love with graffiti when I was about 16. It reignited my passion for drawing and creativity, and I took to painting graffiti anywhere and everywhere—day or night. At the time, graffiti wasn’t well-known. Finding a spray can in a specific color was a challenge, and there were limited options for different caps. The internet didn’t yet exist as a massive resource for tutorials and inspiration. Everything was do-it-yourself, involving collaboration with friends, lots of trial and error, and the excitement of both discoveries and failures.

Rome, where I grew up, became a hub for European graffiti artists. The city’s metro trains and walls were rapidly covered with vibrant works, and graffiti grew into a trend. Suddenly, new spray can brands emerged, specialized caps were available, magazines replaced fanzines, and websites like Art Crimes catalogued graffiti images at the speed of a 56k modem!

Graffiti evolved into street art, and while I admire much of its development, it also became something accessible to anyone, thanks to the overwhelming amount of online inspiration. Street art transitioned into galleries, trends, and fashion, taking on many different forms in everyday life—some successful, others less so.

From graphic design to graphic services

Naturally, my love for drawing and creating evolved into a career in graphic design. Back then, you had to unplug and replug your computer to connect a scanner or printer (there was only one SCSI port!), and storage space was always a challenge. ZIP disks were revolutionary. My formal training consisted of just one Photoshop course; the rest was self-taught through a lot of mistakes and experimentation.

Despite the growing internet, much of my inspiration came from friends, colleagues, and books. I had a "book dealer" who would come to the studio monthly, offering the latest must-have design books. I spent a significant portion of my earnings on these, and I still treasure, collect, and share them today.

Then one day, seemingly out of nowhere, everyone became a graphic designer. Print shops, once focused solely on making copies, suddenly offered graphic design services. It became difficult to convey the value and uniqueness of professional design, as the tools—computers and software—seemed to offer a shortcut for everyone.

Are we there yet?

Which brings me to scribing. I don’t believe scribing is dead, but I find the question worth pondering for several reasons.

Scribing as a commodity

The role of a scribe has often been misunderstood, and I suspect it always will be. Many people see a neat drawing or clear lettering and assume that’s the product. For years, we’ve tried to elevate the perception of scribing by emphasizing “Graphic Facilitation” over “scribing,” hoping to show that it's more than just drawing. Listening deeply, adapting to the moment, and capturing insights are key elements of the practice. However, many clients still request a scribe simply to draw or sketch, often asking for portraits. The true value of scribing remains elusive for many, and there’s still work to be done in educating others about its potential.

Clients

In times of crisis, like today, companies and organizations focus on the essentials, often cutting costs and prioritizing the cheapest option over quality. We’ve seen this with graphic design, and now it’s happening with scribing. The market increasingly emphasizes price over expertise, which diminishes the perception of value. This trend isn’t unique to scribing—it’s evident in industries like food, fashion, and entertainment—but the results are rarely positive.

Practitioners

There are many scribes out there now, and a quick scroll through social media reveals an abundance of scribing in all its forms. I struggle to distinguish between them anymore. The messages and styles often feel the same, and while I appreciate the variety, it’s overwhelming. Scribing began as a movement to change the world’s conversations, one marker at a time, but I wonder if that original purpose still holds.

AI

Artificial Intelligence won’t replace scribes, in my opinion, but it does add pressure on practitioners to define their role. AI is improving rapidly, but there’s a shared belief that the we still need human brains in the creative process. I think a great article Dan Newman shared with me a few weeks ago says it all about it. Nevertheless, AI contributes to the growing confusion about what visual facilitators and scribes actually do. It’s adding noise to an already crowded field, and we must ask ourselves what will set us apart from AI in the future. What unique skills will be valued in this emerging landscape?

Post-scribing world

I learned scribing by truly connecting with the people and the energy in the room. One of my earliest experiences involved participants imagining a future scenario that, remarkably, became reality a few years later. That was the purpose of the exercise: to prepare for the unexpected. I ask if scribing is dead because I want to consider what a post-scribing world might look like. Could we, as facilitators, find new ways to help organizations, to listen, and to bring clarity if visual tools were no longer part of the process?

But for now, we live in the present, and here are some thoughts.

Scribing or Graphic Facilitation?

Scribing is increasingly viewed as a commodity, often separated from its core function: facilitation. At its best, scribing enhances collaboration, helping teams visualize their conversations, test ideas, and shift perspectives. When disconnected from the concept of facilitation, it risks losing its meaning and power.

Being a voice in the room

A scribe is not a silent participant. We are observers and listeners, capable of seeing what needs to be captured and shared with the room. Our drawings communicate insights, and it’s essential that we articulate the value of our contribution from the outset. We are not just there to create something visually pleasing; we are there to help solve problems in real-time.

Creative Emergence

Scribing is one of the most effective tools for bringing ideas to life. Visualizing concepts helps them take shape, making them tangible and open to refinement. Scribing creates space for ideas to evolve, change, and improve.

Somebody has been listening!

Recently, a participant told me, “Wow, somebody has been listening!” In today’s fast-paced world, the ability to truly listen, reflect, and share insights is a rare and valuable gift.

As scribes, our primary role is to listen—before we illustrate or write. We are knowledge workers, using our hearts to hear, our minds to process, and our hands to express.

Let’s not forget that.