For a lot of people, the mention of sketchnoting brings up an immediate mental image of someone with incredible drawing skills. Someone who can effortlessly sketch out ideas and concepts in a way that looks like they came straight from the imagination. And while it’s true that sketchnoting can be easier for people with artistic talent, it doesn’t actually require any special skills to get started. In fact, if you can write, you can start sketchnoting as well!

So, let’s understand this method and find out how to start sketchnoting immediately, in just 5 steps.

But first, what is sketchnoting?

Sketchnoting is a way to take notes and capture ideas avoiding writing, using mostly drawings, symbols, numbers, titles, and highlighted words or phrases. It’s a very beneficial method to assimilate complex messages, as it is proven that the human brain understands and fixes meaningful visuals much faster than texts.  

Sketchnoting is getting trendy

From the most innovative business teams to students, the use of sketchnoting is getting hits worldwide. That’s because this method can have several advantages for both the note-takers and the hypothetical audience. 

In the first case, it is a great tool to help memorize important information, as it is easier to associate details and fix them in the brain while sketchnoting. Likewise, if the aim is to explain something new to your audience sketchnoting can be very useful.

Start sketchnoting right away

Here are 5 simple steps to sketchnote: 

1. Use what you have at your disposal. You don't need any specific materials to get started. Paper, pens, and pencils are enough. A whiteboard is also a great device.
2. Make the main idea shine. Unlike texts or bullet points, you can choose where on the blank page to insert the central topic, but you just need to highlight it: make it big, or with a unique format, color...
3. Keep it simple, especially in the beginning. You don't need to draw in detail all the information you are getting. Shapes like circles, squares, and arrows are of great use in sketchnotes.
4. Drive the message in clear directions. You can separate key ideas by blocks, make bridges between them, and create a path to be followed.
5. Turn your sketchnote brain-friendly. The use of visual patterns is always helpful for better assimilation, like applying the same colors, symbols, or formats for related elements.

Still not confident to sketchnote?

If you are still not so sure about your drawing skills or don’t want to draw it yourself, we have the right tool to help you: Drawify, an online platform where you can put together exclusive drawings created by professional sketchnoters. You can find images from simple shapes to complex illustrations and combine and customize them with the colors and format you need. 

Want to try it? Create your free account now!