Capturing the Voices That Matter: Live Illustration at Ionis Pharmaceuticals’ Why Week

On May 1st, 2025, I had the honor of joining Ionis Pharmaceuticals at their Why Week All Employee Meeting in Carlsbad, CA to create a live illustration of a deeply moving and unforgettable panel. The session, titled "In Their Words: Hearing from Individuals Representing the Communities We Serve," featured courageous voices from the patient community and caregivers impacted by rare and complex diseases.

As the founder of Inkforma, a San Diego-based graphic recording and visual storytelling studio, I specialize in capturing conversations through live illustration—also known as graphic recording, sketchnoting, or visual note-taking. This event was a powerful reminder of why this work matters.

A Visual Tribute to Courage, Community, and Resilience

During this 75-minute panel, I listened closely as five panelists shared their lived experiences navigating rare diseases—from managing daily challenges to advocating for better care and awareness.

• Amanda, caregiver to a child with Angelman Syndrome, a rare pediatric neurological condition

• Jenny, caregiver to a child with Alexander Disease, a rare pediatric neurodegenerative disorder

• Summer and Coli, both living with Hereditary Angioedema (HAE), a rare immunological condition

• Elisa, who lives with Severe Hypertriglyceridemia (sHTG)

What emerged from this conversation was more than a list of symptoms or statistics. It was a narrative of resilience, hope, and shared purpose—one that I translated in real time into a large-scale visual map combining text, symbols, and illustrations.

The final artwork not only captured the key points and emotional impact of the discussion, but also served as a unifying visual artifact for the Ionis team—one that honors their commitment to the communities they serve and centers the patient voice in their mission.

Elevating the Voice of the Patient

This project exemplifies the power of live illustration in the pharmaceutical space, especially in settings like patient advisory boards, voice-of-the-patient panels, and internal employee events. When patients and caregivers share their stories, turning those moments into visual form adds depth, accessibility, and lasting resonance.

It was a privilege to be invited to help amplify these voices and create something that reflects the strength, vulnerability, and humanity behind the science.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re a pharmaceutical company or healthcare organization seeking to elevate the patient perspective, Inkforma can help bring those stories to life—visually, meaningfully, and in real time.

📍 Based in San Diego, CA

✍️ Available for live events, internal meetings, and advisory board sessions nationwide

Contact me to learn how we can work together to turn powerful conversations into equally powerful visuals.