bonnema.ink

sketchnoting, graphic recording, videoscribing

  • Home
  • About
  • Blog
  • Podcast
    • Sketchnoting, Graphic Recording, and Visual Thinking Podcast
  • Resources
  • Contact

Sketchnoting For Absolute Beginners

I've taken up sketchnoting recently, and I love it! So, what is sketchnoting? Why is it useful? And how do you get started?

The answer to the first question is pretty straight-forward: Sketchnoting is a way of note taking that involves not just notes, but also sketches. Mike Rohde, the godfather of sketchnoting, defines it as taking rich visual notes, mixing handwriting and drawing to create a more appealing set of notes. And that's exactly what it is.

To me, sketchnoting is appealing, because as it turns out I've been doing it for the past decade, thinking I should really structure my “mind maps” more like Tony Buzan‘s. Then, I saw an awesome TEDx vid by Rachel Smith from The Grove Consultants and encountered The Sketchnote Army. It dawned on me that what I'd been doing had a name, was not as strange and uniquely “me” as I'd previously thought, and it was gaining momentum as a cool thing to do at conferences and meetings. I decided to get better at sketchnoting and went looking for ways to do so. I joined a Meetup group by Petra Hegenbart. Never made it to one of those meetups, but in the online discussions we had leading up to the meetups, Petra mentioned an online Rockstar Scribe course by Alphachimp. I enrolled in the course and subsequently read The Sketchnote Handbook by Mike Rohde.

Rockstar Scribe & Sketchnote Handbook

And now, I'm hooked. I've developed the sort of passion for sketchnoting that keeps you in a continuous flow. I _love_ to sketchnote, and feel like I _have_ to do it. Now, in and of itself, the fact that I think it's fun is probably not enough reason for you to try your hand at it. So what is?

The main reason to start sketchnoting, in my opinion, would be that it allows for true active listening, where you engage with a topic in a holistic way allowing you to focus your attention and fully immerse yourself in a subject, be it a talk at a conference, a meeting or a group discussion. If you show what you're doing to the people around you, e.g. by drawing your notes on a whiteboard, flip chart or projector, sketchnoting can contribute to a highly interactive and adaptive meeting. There is something about seeing the group discussion being drawn as they speak that captures people's imagination and holds their attention in a way that just doesn't seem to happen with a Powerpoint, Keynote or even a Prezi.

So, how do you start? That's the beauty of sketchnoting: You're probably ready to start right now. Just get some paper and your favorite pen and you are ready to go. Just start listening for metaphors and models in the conversations around you and draw those images combined with carefully calligraphed text. If you're like me though, you like to select “the best” gear for everything, including sketchnoting. If that's you, this is my kit:

  • Analog Sketchnoting
    • Paper: Moleskine, A4, A3, flip chart, plotter paper.
    • Markers: Black, grey, one color. I prefer 0.7 ArtLine fine liners, Edding 345 grey markers, and Stabilo felt pens for color.
    • Tape: Masking, Duck, Scotch.
  • Digital Sketchnoting
    • Computer: Wacom Intuos 5 Tablet + Sketchbook Pro.
    • iPad: Pogo Connect Stylus + Sketchbook Pro.

Any way your structure your notes is fine, but there are a few common layouts you could use to get started. A two- or three-column spread with a header and footer, for example. Or a nine-box layout with the main topic in the center (yes, just like a mind map!). Basically, any page layout you find in a magazine or on a website might be useful.

I've done two presentations/workshops on sketchnoting so far. One at Xebia, the other at Agile Holland. Both were very successful in that most, if not all, participants have now taken up sketchnoting, have bought the book, and are having entirely too much fun!

Success! Now check your email to confirm your subscription.

There was an error submitting your subscription. Please try again.

  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • twitter
  • google+
  • pinterest
  • stumbleupon

Previous Post

Dead Simple Guide to Beating Procrastination
Dead Simple Guide to Beating Procrastination

Next Post

Dazzle Your Audience By Doodling
Dazzle Your Audience By Doodling

Related Posts

  • Dazzle Your Audience By DoodlingDazzle Your Audience By Doodling
  • Dead Simple Guide to Beating ProcrastinationDead Simple Guide to Beating Procrastination
  • Three Challenges That Are Holding Me Back
  • Freedom To Learn And To Teach

Comments

  1. Claire Boyles says

    February 23, 2013 at 19:41

    thanks Laurens! Through a stray tweet earlier I got talking to Mike Rhode, and now I can't wait to read his book!!

    it's a great tool for live presentation, and of course video presentations too, I'm researching using Google Hangouts as an additional tool for my clients, developing sketchnoting as a skill will be very helpful to me!

    Reply
  2. Sacha Chua says

    March 16, 2013 at 17:29

    That's great! Welcome to the community. =)

    I noticed your 5-year plan has sketchnoting books in it. I've got a number of book sketchnotes up at http://sketchnoteindex.com/collections/76 – if you share any, please e-mail me at sacha@sachachua.com or tweet me a link at @sachac so that I can include it! (Ditto for other sketchnotes.)

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

CTA

Podcast Reviews

  • Awesome!
    October 19, 2015 by MartinHunt from United Kingdom

    I really love this podcast Laurens. It’s great to know there is someone out there who is as passionate about sketching as I am. That passion really does shine through in the episodes. Keep up the great work.

  • Great podcast
    October 1, 2015 by Alexliehappo from Netherlands

    I met Laurens at New Media Europe and was amazed at hit sketchnoting. I never heard of it before. This led me to this podcast. Great audio and great guest. This is a whole new world to explore. Keep it up.

  • I love this!!
    September 15, 2015 by @_TOUGH_GIRL from United Kingdom

    I met Lawrence at the NMEU conference. He is such a talented individual. I could hardly pay attention to the lecture as I was too busy watching him draw his notes. I had no idea this was even a thing. I'm now hooked. I don't have any talent! But I can appreciate good work and passion when I see it. He is so passionate about this topic. You can't help but be inspired!! Well done!! Looking forward to learning more!!

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Youpreneur
Powered by

Copyright © 2023 · Engine Theme on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in