How do you use sketchnotes to communicate your ideas to others effectively?

For my clients it is important to have key points of their podcasts, videos, business meeting, key note session, presentations in one place. To meet this need i prefer doing sketchnotes so they can get a birds eye view on a single A4 size paper. Sketchnotes definitely clarify thinking, excite imagination and helps retain information. The reasons: Dual coding theory, picture superiority effect and hand drawing, why sketchnotes thrive. You can view my sketchnotes and doodles at wisdumbs.com

Sketchnoting, also known as visual note-taking, is the process of combining visual elements like drawings, symbols, and diagrams with text to capture and process information in a creative and engaging way. It's essentially taking notes that incorporate both your right and left brain, utilizing the power of visuals to enhance understanding, memory, and recall. Benefits of sketchnoting: Improved learning and memory Enhanced understanding Boosts creativity and problem-solving More engaging and enjoyable sketchnoting is not about artistic perfection, but about capturing and understanding information in a way that works best for you. So, grab a pen and paper (or a digital tool), and start exploring the world of sketchnoting!

To start your sketchnoting practice, avoid using pencil. Instead use a pen or a marker. Because when you use pencil you will be tempted or get used to erase your mistakes. Obviously this practice will be a disadvantage specially when you do a live sketchnoting. Doing mistakes while using a pen does not matter because you can learn how to cover your mistakes using design elements. Mike Rohde, Eva Lotta Lam, Brandy Agerbeck, Tanmay Vora are some of the big names in the field of sketchnoting.

While there's no one-size-fits-all approach to sketchnoting, some basic principles and steps can set you on the right path. Before you start: Gather your materials: Pen, paper, or a digital tablet works fine. Choose tools you feel comfortable with. Set your intention: What information do you want to capture? Are you aiming for a broad overview or a deep dive into specific points? Prepare the space: Organize your page with a header for the topic and date, leaving some space below for a summary or key takeaway. Sketchnoting is a personal journey. Experiment with different techniques, find what works best for you, and most importantly, enjoy the process of visually capturing and understanding information!

The best way to improve sketchnoting skills is consistent practice. It does not mean drawing practice only. You need to sharpen your listening+seeing+comprehension+synthesizing skills to process your understanding in concise manner. These will help you to understand what to draw. Now comes the drawing practice. To draw objects for example a bicycle, try to see is there a circle (yes two tyres)or a square/rectangle (the pedals) or a triangle (the seat) or a line (the handle) etc in that object and draw it in simple shapes so that it resembles the object. Add a label underneath it so that the exact idea of the object can be conveyed. You can learn from training sessions Mike Rohde, Brandy Agerbeck, Eva Lotta Lam, Tanmay Vora and others.

The more you practice the better are the outcomes, keep your imagination vivid, listen and observe the surroundings. Practice basic drawing skills: Don't worry about being an artist! Focus on mastering simple shapes, lines, arrows, and icons to effectively represent concepts. Explore different layouts and structures: Experiment with mind maps, flowcharts, grids, and other formats to find what suits different types of information and helps you organize your thoughts. Practice lettering and improve handwriting: Clear and consistent lettering enhances readability and overall aesthetics. Explore different styles and practice for legibility.

If you are hand drawing your sketchnotes, scan them (for better resolution) and share it, or if you have drawn them digitally ( by using Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop or Procreate) you can share it in jpg, pdf or png format on your social media.

Sharing your sketchnotes is a fantastic way to not only showcase your work but also spark discussions, connect with others, and potentially help them learn from your visual interpretations. few online mediums such as Social Media, Blogs or Personal Websites, Online Communities: Share your work in online sketchnoting communities or forums specific to your industry or interests. Get feedback, participate in discussions, and learn from others.

The power of sketchnoting goes beyond just information capture and can serve as a powerful tool to unleash your creativity and explore ideas in new ways. few egs Mind Maps: Sketch freeform mind maps with central themes and branching ideas, using visuals and connections to spark associations and new possibilities. Visual Prompts: Draw random shapes, symbols, or abstract compositions, then analyze them and use them as springboards for creative writing, storytelling, or visual art. Keyword Doodles: Choose a keyword related to your creative project and doodle various interpretations, allowing them to morph and evolve into unexpected ideas.

Yes, sketchnotes are ideal for capturing and communicating ideas from your brainstorming sessions, project status meetings etc. To facilitate such meetings you can also make fill in visual templates in advance so that the participants can fill in the respective visual section with the required information. I have seen companies have utilized sketchnotes to communicate their Vision and Mission Statements. Its applications are limitless, use drawing as a tool to capture and communicate.