8 lessons from 8 years of Sketchnoting
I made my first sketchnote some time in 2014.
it sucked (like most people’s).
- The images were badly drawn
- There was no logical structure
- and you couldn’t read the handwriting.
Since then I’ve learned a lot.
Here are 8 sketchnoting lessons
#1. Ideas not art
This quote from @rohdesign was a game changer for me.
Focus on sharing an idea, not making a beautiful image.
In time, your skills will come.
2. Layouts unlocked everything for me
I had no idea how to fit and organize content into a sketchnote.
It paralyzed me from trying sketchnoting.
Discovering stock sketchnote layouts changed that.
Now I could use a template and know it would be orgainzed.
3. Steal like an artist
In the last year I’ve taken this @austinkleon quote to heart.
Each week in my newsletter, I share a sketchnote I like the style of, and steal some aspect of it:
- A copy
- The style
- An approach
Since doing this my artistic abilities have skyrocketed.
4. Play with pens
Have fun making mistakes as you learn a new tool.
I love getting a new pen (or procreate brush) and trying to use it AS it wants to be used, and how it DOESN’T want to be used.
You find great opportunities that way.
5. Not everything needs to be an image
I used to try and turn everything into an image.
Now, I know when text is best or when text and visuals can combine for an even more powerful effect.
Don’t be afraid to write in your sketchnotes.
6. Leave space for later
Struggle with drawing in live sketchnoting situation?
Leave a gap for later.
You can
• Draw an outline, then add details
• Write a note, then add an image
• Leave space to draw
When you have more time or ideas, you can finish.
7. Sketchnotes should be personal & opinionated
The power of sketchnoting comes from synthesising the information.
So your sketchnotes need to relate to yourself.
• Focus on what matters to you situation
• Draw connections with other topics
• Add questions
8. Less is more
Whitespace is underrated in sketchnotes.
Giving your images and text space helps them standout more.
You don’t need to save piece of information, jus the most important information for you.
What have you learned sketchnoting?
Leave a reply and let me know.
Read this post and more on my Typeshare Social Blog
