Hi I’m Tom McLean

I’m a live Illustrator and artist.

Colorful abstract collage with pencil and books made from paper cutouts in blue, yellow, and green.
Geometric abstract collage with green, blue, and yellow shapes on white background.

(Have a nosey around for all things live illustration and art related .)

Live Illustration

I do live Illustration! Which is to say, I specialise in live illustrating your message while you talk . I’m based Oxford but travel the world live illustrating. I simply arrive at your conference event with my iPad or big rolls of paper and illustrate summaries of your talk. Drop me a message to see how I can help create a fun and memorable experiences for your audiences!

Collection of logos for organizations including Doctors Without Borders, LinkedIn, Camden, NHS, Cambridge City Council, South Oxfordshire District Council, Camden Giving, McVitie's, University of Cambridge, University of Oxford, University of Nottingham, and National Trust.

I’ve Live Illustrated for…

Some of my past Live Illustrations

(Or don’t actually know what Live Illustration is or how it works? Don’t worry my blog talks all about it!)

Clients

Get in touch!

I’m happy to answer any questions or discuss how best to use live illustration at your event.

"Tom's ability to translate complex concepts into illustrations that are appealing and easy to understand is astounding. We have worked with him on a number of events and recommend him highly."

Dr Antoinette Nestor,  Centre for Climate Repair at Cambridge

"Tom executed the vision for a video on our annual plan beautifully. Smooth communications, super creative execution, and wonderful illustrations throughout. Tom is super talented and I look forward to working with him again in the future."

Aanjalie Roane, Director of Communicators, Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontiers Canada

“Tom was recommended to me by a colleague.  His use of animation to bring his graphic notations to life boosts your reading of the illustrations. This feature is added value, especially whilst we can’t hold live events.  A viewer can still have the pleasure of seeing the image produced before their eyes.

Tom is very patient and works quickly and efficiently, leaving room for feedback. He responsive at short notice and we’d be happy to work with him again.”

Akua Obeng-Frimpong, Arts Development Officer, Community Services, Cambridge City Council

Who Is Tom?

Hi I’m Tom McLean, an Illustrator from Derby now based in Abingdon, Oxford. I work in a range of industries, from live illustration events to placemaking and children’s illustration. Working with everyone from charities to big corporations, It’s not important who the client is, it’s the project. I’m looking to work on projects with an emphasis on social value, craft and originality.


Quick FAQs

What is Live Illustration?

Live illustration at conference events is a real-time visual recording of key ideas, discussions, and presentations, created as an event unfolds. Also known as graphic recording or sketchnoting, it helps capture complex concepts in an engaging and memorable way, making the content more accessible and impactful for attendees.

How much does live illustration cost?

Live illustration can cost anything from £500 - £5000 depending on how long, what’s involved travel etc… More detailed reply here

How does live illustration work?

Live illustration can be quite simple, I either turn up with my iPad and connect it to a screen or projector. Or I turn up with a big roll of paper and big bunch of pens. A meeting beforehand is useful to get a sense of the vibe of the event but otherwise basically it!