Get expressive!

Identity visualisation is a tool we introduced in our first co-creation session with our network. It serves as a tool to bridge language and provide a creative way to get to know each other. It invites participants to express aspects of their identity visually rather than verbally, helping to bridge differences in language, background, and communication styles.

What You Need

One sheet of paper per participant
Drawing materials (pens, pencils, markers, crayons, collage materials if available)
A quiet space with tables or floor space
20–45 minutes total (flexible)

How It Works

Set the intention
Explain that this is not about making a “good” drawing. It’s about using images, shapes, symbols, or words to express something about who you are or how you experience the world.
Distribute materials
Give each participant one piece of paper and drawing materials.
Offer a prompt
Choose a prompt (examples below) (or let participants choose from several). Read it slowly and clearly.
Create (5–10 minutes)
Participants work individually and in silence. They may draw, write, map, collage, or use symbols.
Share & discuss (10–25 minutes)
Participants share their visualisation in pairs, small groups, or the full group.
The creator decides how much they want to share.

Discussion Guidelines

Speak from your own experience
No interpretation or analysis of others’ drawings
Curiosity over judgement
Listening is as important as speaking

Possible Prompts;

Introductory Prompts

Use these when people are meeting for the first time.

“Draw something that represents where you are right now.”
“Visualise a place, object, or symbol that feels like ‘home’ to you.”
“Draw your name as an image.”

Identity & Experience Prompts

These explore background, values, and lived experience.

“Draw the parts that make up who you are.”
(These can be people, places, roles, cultures, interests, or experiences.)
“Create a visual map of influences that have shaped you.”
“Draw what you bring with you into this space.”

Process & Change Prompts

Useful for ongoing collaborations or project-based groups.

“Draw yourself at a moment of change.”
“Visualise something you are learning or unlearning.”
“Draw where you feel tension and where you feel energy in your life or work.”

Collective / Network Prompts

For groups that want to reflect on shared identity.

“Draw how you experience this network or community.”
“Visualise your role within a larger system.”
“Draw what connection looks like to you.”

Reflection Questions (Optional)

After sharing, invite reflection with questions such as:

What was easy or difficult about expressing this visually?
What surprised you while drawing or listening?
What did you learn about yourself or others?
How did this exercise change the way you see the group?