Why I Work in Analog at Tech Conferences

There's something satisfying about showing up to tech conferences with paper and markers.

I love my iPad and the reach it gives my work, but sometimes? You just can't beat ink.

While the room watches, I fill a 40" x 60" surface with ink — it's motion, color and it's catnip for human brains.

Here's why it works:

Analog drawing in a high-tech room creates contrast — and contrast creates attention. People stop and look at the wall because it's unexpected. The artifact becomes a gathering point. I've watched more hallway conversations start in front of a hand-drawn visual than in front of any screen at those same events.

There's also something about the physicality of it. People can point at it, stand next to it, take photos with it. It exists in the room in a way a projected image doesn't. At the end of the day, you can roll it up and take it with you.

And honestly? There's something about a human hand making marks that signals: a person was paying attention here. Not an algorithm. Not a template. A person, listening, translating your ideas into images in real time.

That's not a bug. That's the whole point.