Reflection Graphics was founded in Northern California in 1998 and was built upon the Graphic Recording practice of founder, Mary Brake. In 2002 the firm moved to Devonport, Auckland, New Zealand where Chris Keenan joined the organization, bringing advanced 3D graphics capabilities to the firm.
Mary was part of a group of San Francisco Bay Area professionals that pioneered the graphic recording field. In the US she accumulated extensive experience working with many of the world’s largest organizations. She returned to New Zealand at the end of 2001 and has introduced Graphic Recording to scores of organizations throughout Australasia and Asia Pacific. She is called to work at meetings around the world and brings the benefit of emerging techniques in organizational change to every meeting. Mary has astute listening skills and focuses on accurately reflecting meeting content, into easily understood and memorable graphics with text.
Her graphic recording skills encourage whole brain thinking and, ultimately, help individuals, teams and organisations become more effective and successful. Mary has particular expertise in strategic planning, culture change and engagement, stakeholder consultation, and process planning. She has a law degree from Canterbury University, New Zealand and her initial experience was in criminal justice and social work. She was involved with alternative dispute resolution for the University of Auckland and the NZ Housing Corporation. After moving to California, she joined California Lawyers for the Arts. Transitioning into Graphic Recording, Mary studied art and design. She is an experienced offshore sailor and competes each year in the Mahurangi Classic Boat Regatta.
Chris is a computer industry veteran with 20 years experience as president of successful technology firms. His California Company provided 3D software and solutions for architecture, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, and multimedia markets. Chris gained recognition with interactive software and has served on the software reseller advisory boards of AutoDesk, Macromedia and Softdesk. He has engaged with many of the world largest corporations including AT&T, Lucas Film, PG&E, Pacific Bell, Bechtel, Electronic Arts, United Airlines, Ford Motor Company, ABB, 3M and the State of California. In 2001 Chris sold the business, moved to New Zealand and created the 3D division of Reflection Graphics, Ltd.
In New Zealand Chris applied his 3D knowledge to animation, filmmaking and organizational graphics. A major client has been the NZ Department of Conservation which presented Chris with a conservation achievement award. He is an advocate of sustainability and has filmed parts of the Hauraki Gulf island restoration program for the DOC. He is passionate about renewable energy and his views on energy reform have been published in the New Zealand Herald. Chris also consults at UNITEC’s Architecture School as a senior lecturer on 3D Animation, Film Design and Renewable Energy. He has a keen interest in naval architecture and using 3D software, he designed and built a new 12 meter yacht. In addition to a background in offshore sailing, his experience includes an early career as a professional pilot. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration and is US FAA rated as a Multiengine Airline Transport Pilot.
Reflection Graphics utilizes talented associates to provide graphic design, illustration and graphic recording services. Our pool of artists, cartoonists and digital designers can develop engaging graphics for your organization.