Work With Me

Visual tools that explain, engage and empower

Hello, I'm excited you are here!

Whether you’re an event organizer, social impact group or organization, a business leader or consultant; you probably don’t have a shortage of information you need to share – packed agendas full of talented presenters, a 100+ page document of key findings or a collection of possible ideas taking up residence in your headspace.

And you’re wondering how to: 

The Solution:

Illustration and Visual Strategy get you out of the I don’t know zone and into creative ways to engage, inform and connect with your communities so you can build a better future together.

Illustration and Visual Strategy get you out of the I don’t know zone and into creative ways to engage, inform and connect with your communities so you can build a better future together.

Why is Illustration and Visual Strategy so impactful?

Science Says Your Brain Loves Visuals!

Humans have been using visuals since cave people were walking around. Our brains are just naturally wired to recognize visuals. When we use visuals we are simplifying information enough to break down barriers in communication, generations and languages. Words are not always enough to convey big ideas. Visuals can promote collaboration, innovation, problem-solving, and learning.

FASTER PROCESSING

Visuals are processed 60,000 
times faster in the brain than text.

We can get the sense of a visual scene
in less than 1/10 of a second

MOST NATURAL FORM OF COMMUNICATION

93% of all human communication is visual

65% of the population are visual learners

INCREASED RETENTION

We recall 80% of what we see and do
and only 20% of what we read

Hear something and three days later
you’ll remember 10% of it

Add a picture and you’ll remember 65%

An illustration of a brain with text bubble that reads "You can't argue with science!"

“Emily's visual strategy services have revolutionized the way we tell our story and engage participants in helping us to tell our story!”

The Mentoring Partnership | Kristan Allen

Now, this is where I come in!

Hi, I’m Emily Marko

For two decades, I’ve been supporting people focused on social change – to help them up the engagement level at their events, in their board rooms and even within their own minds by solving problems through illustration and visual strategy.  

I have the pleasure of working with clients like:

And so many more advocates, educators, consultants, entrepreneurs and community conveners.

The Process

While conversations are happening and content is being shared, that’s where the visual magic begins! I simplify and convert those conversations into a synthesized visual – sometimes on the fly in live sessions; other times it occurs slower over several conversations

Deliverables differ depending on your goals and are always organized into my 3-part framework of See it. Think it. Do it! 

These intentional steps are what create meaningful change.

Reveal what isn’t clear. 

Visualize thoughts and words to develop a shared understanding for more effective communication.

Consider the possibilities. 

Identify patterns and discover connections to gain insights and make informed decisions.

Spark intentional action.

Create a clear path forward that builds process and strategy into your work.

The Process

While conversations are happening and content is being shared, that’s where the visual magic begins! I simplify and convert those conversations into a synthesized visual – sometimes on the fly in live sessions; other times it occurs slower over several conversations

Deliverables differ depending on your goals and are always organized into my 3-part framework of See it. Think it. Do it! 

These intentional steps are what create meaningful change.

Reveal what isn’t clear. 

Visualize thoughts and words to develop a shared understanding for more effective communication.

Consider the possibilities. 

Identify patterns and discover connections to gain insights and make informed decisions.

Spark intentional action.

Create a clear path forward that builds process and strategy into your work.

Let's Work Together

Whether virtual or IRL (In Real Life). Long-term or self-paced.
There are three ways to work with me!

Visual Strategy

It’s right for you if you need:

Make connections that build great ideas, projects + societies virtually and in-person.

Event Illustration

It’s right for you if you need:

Virtual and in-person capture available

Custom Illustration Services

It’s right for you if you need:

Explain, engage and empower with illustrated messaging

Ready to work together?

Click the button to complete a project intake form.

“Emily creates professional, visually appealing and relevant graphic illustrations that perfectly capture key concepts and highlight important pieces of speaker presentations.

Highly recommend for all presentation spaces and especially for nonprofit organizations with limited capacity.

Emily delivered with prompt reply, ease of transaction, clear set-up, fair rates, and immediate & exceptional end product.”

WV CASA | State Director, Shanna L C Gray

FAQs

Have some questions?
I've got answers!

Here are some of the most common questions I hear

Will you travel outside of Pittsburgh?

Since we are in Covid times, I’m limiting my in-person sessions. Luckily, the magic of technology always allows us to engage through the screen!  All my services can be conducted virtually. We can discuss your specific event and project needs on a Discovery call.

What if I'm not sure which service I need?

If you are here, chances are you are looking for something more to help up the engagement level for you or your audience. Share the details you know in the intake form and I’ll follow up with details on how to schedule a discovery call. We’ll work through the best ways Illustration and Visual Strategy can help you meet your goals.

How can I use my final illustration files?

Live illustration deliverables can be shared publicly through email, posted on websites, social media, etc. Please acknowledge Emily Marko as the Illustrator. Deliverables from custom illustration services and Visual Strategy sessions can be used for the purpose agreed upon in the invoice. Clients may not re-sell any deliverables. We typically discuss deliverable usage prior to an agreement and if there is ever a question after the fact, please reach out and ask.

Do you offer refunds?

The “lawyerly” answer: Refunds will not be issued for Live Illustrations, Custom Illustration Projects, Visual Strategy Sessions, Retainer Packages or Relaunch Program registration. Client is responsible and liable for paying the full amount for these services once a contract is executed for said services. If a client has to cancel a session or service due to an unforeseen and unavoidable circumstance, please reach out asap. I retain the right to decide if the service can be rescheduled for no additional cost or if a change fee charge is necessary.

What happens after I fill out the intake form?

I’ll review the project details shared to be sure I’m available and then send out my scheduler link within 48 hours. You’ll be able to book a Discovery Call so I can answer any further questions and learn more about your project needs.