I first became aware of sketchnotes when someone on Twitter posted a link to Mike Rohde’s SXSWi sketchnotes. I was blown away. I had never seen notes like that before. These are a joy to look at, a far cry from the scribbled mess that my notes usually are. And so expressive! They gave me a real feeling for the full experience event, not just for the content. I learned more about SXSWi from these notes than from any of the blog recaps I encountered. Not to mention the fact that the design and aesthetics of them makes them simply more fun to read than most blog posts.
Seeing these notes, I cringingly remembered the notes I took during IXD’09 which I’ve only wanted to look back on once or twice, and I experienced some serious note-taking skill envy! So when I saw that VizThink was offering a VizThinkU webinar on sketchnoting with Mike Rohde and Austin Kleon (someone who I follow on Twitter and whose work I admire) I didn’t pass up the opportunity.
The webinar started with Austin teaching some sketching fundamentals like how to draw a better stick figure, easy rules for different facial expressions and expressive figures. Mike talked about his experience and process and shared some tips for taking sketchnotes during a conference. Sunni Brown closed the webinar by talking about being a graphic recorder and facilitator for group meetings. It was interesting to hear their (sometimes very different) perspective on the practice or taking graphic notes, and it was inspiring to watch them create their own during the course of the class.
I sketchnoted along with the whole thing, and I swear could feel my brain unfolding and opening up creatively as I was doing it. It was an immensely valuable experience for me, and now I take sketchnotes whenever I’m taking notes during a meeting or presentation. It has DRASTICALLY changed the quality of my notes, and possibly even the quality of my engagement with the content.
Below you can see my notes from the class. They’re not perfect, but they still make me happy, and I’ll never go back to my old note style again!
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Sarah, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on the webinar and sketchnotes! I just found your post today through a search and am sorry I hadn’t found it earlier.
I’m excited to hear how our little webinar has impacted you for the better with regard to your notes. That’s the best Austin, Sunni, Dave and I could hope for as a result of it. I’m always encouraged when others take up sketchnoting and bring their own personalities to them.
Keep on going! I hope the sketchnote technique continues to help you process information, I know it has helped me immensely.
Thanks!
Mike
Thanks for the note, Mike! Your sketchnotes are definitely an inspiration, and I’ve had a few people thank me just for sharing the link to them.
I haven’t looked back since I started sketchnoting, and I’m really looking forward to seeing how the pages and I will grow together in the future.
Great to hear Sarah! It’s so encouraging to hear you’re taking sketchnotes and running with them!
Sarah,
I don’t know how I missed this, but it’s really wonderful. Thanks so much!!
- Austin