Mariah's Biography

Mariah works as a meeting designer, teacher, and visual thinking specialist. She helps clients like non-profit organizations, corporations, and community groups to translate their visions, processes, plans – anything! – into engaging images. Whether she’s listening to a keynote at a large conference or sitting at the table during a small meeting, Mariah captures her clients’ key messages and themes in Visual Records – metaphors, images, and words that she draws in real time. She also loves designing meetings that tap into the wisdom of groups and their ability to think together. Mariah teaches the practice of visual thinking in public and private workshops, building on participants’ innate creativity and desire to communicate effectively. She lives in beautiful Oakland, CA, with her husband and lots of art supplies.

Please contact her at howard.mariah@gmail.com to find out how to bring visuals into your work.

Her clients include: Genentech, Salesforce.com, PepsiCo, Nike, The United Way, GlaxoSmithKlein, AAA, Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), The Veteran’s Association, and many more!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Mapping from home, a Cyber Cafe on privacy

This map was commissioned by the National Science Foundation through a wonderful company called weDialog - experts in offering on-line conversations and events. What you see above is one of the results of an on-line World Cafe, called 'SaTC Cyber Cafe'  aimed at identifying "critical issues in cybersecurity...designed to encourage collaborative research between computer science and the social sciences."

From the comfort of my home studio I listened to two, forty minute dialogs on the subject of cybersecurity and privacy. I drew while I listened, scanned my notes, added color in Photoshop and voila! You can see the results. 

I believe the art of hosting on-line discussion, complete with Visual Recording of course, is a critical 21st century skill. We need to bring together voices from around the world in an on-line platform by maintaining a space that mirrors the intimacy of in-person conversation. 


Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Synthesis Map

Here's an example of Synthesis Mapping: during an event I make small notebook size map and then review it with key stakeholders while the large group is on a break. We have a brief chat, check out the highlights that were captured in a small map, and decide what info and imagery should show up in the Synthesis Map. Then I get to work!