Meet Ashton Rodenhiser, the creative mind behind Mind's Eye Creative Consulting, specializing in graphic recording, live illustration, and sketchnoting education. In our insightful interview, Ashton shares her journey into the world of visuals and how they've transformed her business.
Discover her tips for success, the power of visuals in getting new clients, in sales calls, and much more.
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Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business. How did you get started, and what inspired you to use visuals to help grow your business?
I'm Ashton Rodenhiser, and I'm the founder of Mind's Eye Creative Consulting, a business specializing in graphic recording, live illustration, and sketchnoting education.
My journey began in 2013 when I was introduced to graphic facilitation while working as a facilitator. Experiencing the transformative impact of visuals firsthand, I recognized the immense potential they held. This realization inspired me to dedicate time and effort to honing my skills and sharing them with others.
How do you use visuals to communicate your ideas or products to your audience?
I leverage visuals in various ways to communicate ideas and products to my audience.
This includes live illustration and graphic recording, where I visually capture and represent concepts in real-time during meetings or events.
Additionally, I specialize in graphic facilitation, which involves using visuals to facilitate discussions and enhance understanding.
Lastly, I teach sketchnoting, empowering individuals with the skills to take effective visual notes.
Social media platforms where you share your content.
Twitter, Linkedin, Instagram, Pinterest
Can you share some specific examples of how using visuals has helped you attract new customers or clients, or helped you stand out from competitors?
I constantly share the graphics I've crafted during conferences and meetings.
These visuals are highly shareable, particularly among those who attended those sessions.
In many cases, I acquire new clients through this practice.
When people witness my live drawing, they directly experience the effectiveness of visuals, often leading to inquiries and referrals.
What tools or software do you use to create and edit your visuals?
Sketch drawing
Are there any tips you have for someone who is just starting out and doesn't have a lot of design experience?
For those starting out, seek inspiration from others in your field or those who have achieved what you aspire to do.
Most people in the industry are open to helping newcomers, so don't hesitate to reach out to those who inspire you.
Engage with professionals on your preferred social media platforms,
Connect with them on LinkedIn, and
Observe their work for valuable insights.
Remember, you don't need formal art training or to be a professional artist to pursue a creative career.
How do you measure the success of your visual content? Do you track metrics like engagement, clicks, or conversions, and how do you use that data to inform future visual content?
I don't gather extensive data. But when I notice that a specific drawing is particularly well-received (with more likes or engagements than usual), I take note of it.
I consider creating more content in a similar vein in the future.
Do you have any advice for other creators/ solopreneurs who are just starting out and want to use visuals to help grow their business?
When you're in a sales call, consider illustrating your discussions.
Afterwards, share the visual summary with the prospective client to demonstrate your attentive listening during the meeting. T
his thoughtful follow-up can leave a lasting impression and help you stand out.
What are some common mistakes to avoid, or tips for creating visually engaging content on a budget?
Use helpful platforms like Canva to streamline your visual content creation.
There's no need to reinvent the wheel with every project.
Develop your unique style to differentiate yourself effectively.
Website/ Social media
Twitter: https://twitter.com/mindseyeccf
Website: www.mindseyecreative.ca
Website: www.sketchnote.school
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