Rebecca Osborne – From SNS to SPE: Live Illustration in Action with OPITO

I’m thrilled to share a few snapshots from my recent live illustration work with OPITO at SPE Offshore Europe in Aberdeen. This dynamic project brought together energy sector insights, engaging conversations, and real-time creativity — all captured in visual form as the event unfolded.

The opportunity to collaborate with OPITO at such a high-profile industry event came about thanks to the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR), and I’d like to extend a sincere thank you for their continued support. It was during SNS2025, hosted by EEEGR earlier this year, that OPITO first saw my live illustration work. Their interest and enthusiasm led to this exciting new partnership at SPE.

As part of the event, I had the privilege of visually capturing both the Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce Business Breakfast and some of the panel discussions, distilling key themes and discussions into illustrations that reflected the tone and forward-looking nature of the session.

Throughout the event, my apprentices and I were also stationed at the OPITO stand, where we invited visitors to share their thoughts on the future of the energy industry. These responses — from industry veterans to students and new entrants — were brought to life through visual storytelling, creating a colourful and collective summary of sector sentiment.

The power of live illustration lies in its ability to communicate complex ideas quickly and clearly — something that’s especially valuable in the energy sector, where innovation and transformation are constant themes. Capturing these moments as they happen not only adds a creative energy to events but also leaves behind a memorable and accessible visual record.

Thank you again to EEEGR for the platform, to OPITO for the collaboration, and to everyone who stopped by to watch the illustrations come to life in Aberdeen.

Stay tuned — more live sketching ahead!