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Perspectives of a Visual Thinker

Iryna Molodecky – May 14, 2025
Iryna Molodecky – May 14, 2025

As we continue navigating an unpredictable world, I find myself reflecting on the past year. It’s been a journey of change, growth, and learning. Much of what I held onto was relinquished, yet the essence of what truly matters has become clear. As I move forward, I carry with me three core principles: grit, grace, and gratitude. These guiding words have shaped my perspective through uncertainty: grit to persevere when the road gets tough, grace to embrace moments of pause, and gratitude for the incredible community that supports me.


I am deeply grateful for the connections I’ve fostered, the inspiring people I’ve encountered, and the invaluable lessons I’ve learned. 2024 was a year of both excitement and productivity, as I continued my exploration of visuals as a gateway to creative thinking.


In 2019, I embarked on the ambitious journey of developing a visual card deck to bridge visual thinking and creative problem-solving. The uncertainty of 2020-2022 provided a unique opportunity to dive deep into this project. In October 2023, I proudly launched the Visual Thinking Strategies Card Deck at the IVLA conference, an event that exceeded my expectations with its positive reception.


2024 marked a significant milestone for the VTS deck with several successful presentations and workshops across North America at major conferences: CPSI (June), IFVP (August), and IVLA (October), as well as inspiring workshops through the Belleville Art Association and others in Ontario, Canada. Another memorable opportunity to integrate these visual thinking strategies presented itself while teaching Creative Thinking at Loyalist College. We had a lot of fun visualizing solutions to business challenges. All these experiences were full of rich discussions, playful learning, and a shared spirit of collaboration.

Key Highlights from applying the Visual Thinking Strategies

  • The integration of Visual Thinking with Creative Problem-Solving was especially well-received.

  • The Pause category, where we explored the power of drawing your breath, resonated deeply with everyone. This simple yet profound act of slowing down allowed space for reflection, a vital reminder to embrace grace in our processes.

  • The method of simplifying drawing into nine basic shapes unlocked numerous “Aha!” moments, sparking both creative insights and spontaneous storytelling.

  • The VTS workbooks and surprise gift bags, complete with cards, brought joy and excitement, creating an atmosphere of engagement and connection.



Grit, grace, and gratitude have also opened doors to exciting new collaborations this year:

  • I had the privilege of leading a visual thinking session for medical students at the University of Buffalo, an experience that was both challenging and rewarding.

  • A colleague’s presentation of the Visual Thinking Strategies Card Deck at Mindcamp near Toronto Canada, garnered positive feedback, further solidifying the power of visual tools in diverse settings.

  • Interest in integrating the VTS cards into schools in Austria showed me the international appeal and versatility of this tool.

  • In South Africa, the VTS cards played a pivotal role in developing a successful, fundable solution at the D-School, demonstrating how creativity and collaboration can lead to meaningful change.

  • A collaboration with a Creative Collective in Australia further underscores the global reach and potential impact of visual creative tools in education.


Looking ahead

In early 2025, I took a four-month pause for self-care—an intentional decision rooted in grace, to recharge and reflect. I spent the time walking on the beach barefoot, meditating, and painting. I remembered how easily art creation gets me into the state of flow, curiosity, courage, discernment and allowing. I return to this work now with renewed energy and a deeper sense of purpose, ready to continue my creative journey with an open mind, allowing it to unfold. Expect exciting updates on the VTS toolkit, including:

  • Digital cards, templates, and posters to enhance your creative problem-solving process.

  • Instructional videos designed to inspire and guide.

  • A Creative Visual-Solving course that brings together the principles of grit, grace, and gratitude in an accessible and impactful way.


Feel free to download “10 Ways to Pause” graphic along with one Pause card and enjoy drawing yourself into Presence.

Get visual. Stay creative.


 
 
 

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