Graphic Jam

Purpose

Graphic Jam is a fast visual brainstorming exercise where participants sketch as many visual metaphors as possible for abstract words or concepts. It builds the group’s visual vocabulary, warms up drawing confidence, and creates reusable icons and imagery for presentations, posters, and documentation.

At a glance

• Group size: 4–20
• Duration: 15 minutes
• Difficulty: Beginner
• Facilitation style: High-energy, timed sketching
• Setting: In-person or virtual (with drawing tools)

How to run

1. Introduce the concept (1 min). State an abstract word: “innovation”, “trust”, “growth”, “collaboration”.
2. Sketch round (3 min). Each participant draws as many visual representations of the word as possible. No words allowed — only images.
3. Share (3 min). Quick gallery: participants hold up or post their sketches. The group calls out favourites.
4. Repeat (2–3 rounds). Use 2–3 different words, keeping the energy high.
5. Harvest (2 min). Select the strongest visual metaphors. Photograph or save them for later use.

Materials needed

• Paper or sketchbooks (one per participant)
• Thick markers (forces simple, bold drawings)
• Timer
• List of 3–5 abstract words

Pitfalls & common mistakes

• Judging artistic quality. Emphasize: this is about communication, not art. Stick figures are welcome.
• Using words instead of images. Enforce the no-text rule to push visual thinking.
• Spending too long on one sketch. Speed generates quantity; quality comes from selection afterwards.

Inclusion & accessibility

• Reassure non-drawers that the goal is visual thinking, not art.
• Offer verbal description as a parallel exercise for those who cannot draw.
• Use thick markers that are easier to grip and produce visible results.

Variations

• Competitive Jam: Award a point for each unique metaphor no one else drew.
• Team Jam: Pairs work together, building on each other’s sketches.
• Digital Jam: Use tablet drawing apps or digital whiteboard tools.

When NOT to use this

• When the group is deeply uncomfortable with drawing and would disengage.
• When you need detailed, polished visuals — this is a generative warm-up, not a design session.

Source & further reading

• Gray, D., Brown, S., & Macanufo, J. (2010). *Gamestorming.* O’Reilly Media.
• Roam, D. (2008). *The Back of the Napkin.* Portfolio.