Drawing Together

Reveal Insights and Paths Forward Through Nonverbal Expression (~50 min.)

“A vivid imagination compels the whole body to obey.”
— Aristotle

Purposes

In Drawing Together, participants use five simple symbols with universal meanings to share their challenges through drawings. This playful visual storytelling captures hidden knowledge—such as feelings, attitudes, and patterns—that are difficult to express with words. When logical and linear processes reach their limit, drawing can reveal new possibilities. This structure brings to life LS principle #7, Emphasize Possibilities: Believe Before You See.

A simple cartoon figure, blindfolded yet confidently straddling the gap between two separate platforms. Stepping forward on faith, before the path is visible.

Principle: Emphasize Possibilities: Believe Before You See

Five Structural Elements—Min Specs

Structuring Invitation

“Who needs words when we have symbols? Let’s ditch the dictionary and use five symbols to tell a story about a transition or challenge we are experiencing.”

Space and Materials

Chairs with access to a table or writing surface for each participant. Paper and markers for each participant [shared digital drawing space]. [Symbols handout. Breakouts of two.]

Five Drawing Together symbols — triangle, square, spiral, circle, and star-person — sit on the right, paired with a notebook-paper drawing on the left.

Drawing Together Symbols Handout

Participation Distribution

Roles include host [tech host], artists, and viewers. Minimum group size is two. Everyone is invited to create and share drawings.

Group Configuration

Alone, pairs, whole group.

Steps and Time Allocation

Intro: Share the structuring invitation. (1 min.)

Symbol Introduction: Introduce the five symbols and their meanings, drawing each. [Display symbols handout.] (5 min.)

  • Circle. Wholeness, completion, and the self

  • Rectangle. A foundation, offering support and stability

  • Triangle. Goals, aspirations, and achievement

  • Spiral. Change, transformation, and the cyclical nature of life

  • Star person (equidistant cross). Relationships and connections

Symbol Practice: Participants practice drawing the symbols to get comfortable with them. (3 min.)

First Draft: Participants weave the symbols into a visual story about a challenge they are facing or a transition they are making. No words allowed! (10 min.)

Second Draft: Participants refine their drawings in a second draft, experimenting with size, placement, and color to add depth and drama. (10 min.)

Silent Interpretation: Participants form pairs [breakouts] to share and interpret each other’s drawings. The artist stays silent as the viewer interprets the story. After both share, they discuss their intended meaning. (5 min.)

Remix and Repeat: Participants switch partners [new breakouts] and repeat the silent interpretation process twice. (5 min. per pair; 10 min. total)

All-Together Sharing: Everyone returns to plenary. Ask a few people to share their drawings, then ask the group to reflect on common themes. (5 min.)

Taking It Online

There are two options: (1) Participants can draw on paper and show their work via webcam, in which case, instruct them to draw with a bold marker and turn off background effects that could blur or obscure their drawing; or (2) Use a shared digital whiteboard with pre-populated shapes. Note that this option may not work well on small screens.

Practice Insights

Tips

Emphasize that drawing skills are not the objective and discourage perfectionism. Help participants accept whatever emerges, including emotions. Online, show the host drawing the symbols if possible.

Riffs and Variations

Have one person use the symbols to visually map conversations during a meeting (then add words if necessary). Display participants’ images in a gallery for a kaleidoscopic view of everyone’s challenges. Return to the drawings when you reconvene as a group to help lift off from where you left off.

Practical Applications

Use Drawing Together for a change of pace in a long meeting, to ease tension when perspectives differ, or to reveal hidden relationships in a complex project.

Optional String

To deepen self-discovery, string with Future~Present, Spiral Journal, and 9 Whys.

Attribution

Liberating Structure developed by Henri Lipmanowicz and Keith McCandless. Dig deeper by exploring the work of cultural anthropologist Angeles Arrien and her book, Signs of Life.

Collateral Materials

Link to supporting materials for Drawing Together.

Microstructural elements of Drawing Together in the constellation format.