Treta Shenai, Design Thinking Faculty @ StartupYou

Do you ever get lost in your notes, feeling like they’re speaking a different language with soo much content and lenghty lenghty paragraphs? I have been there and done that! But then, in 2020, I stumbled upon something that changed the game: visual notetaking workshop from CuriousPiyuesh.Since then, my note-taking experience has been revolutionized, and I’m here to share the magic with you.

 

Why Sketchnotes Matter?

Traditional note-taking methods often leave us buried under a mountain of words, making it challenging to digest complex ideas and remember key concepts. This is where sketchnotes comes in to save the day. As Dan Roam simply puts it in his book “Draw to Win,” “Visual thinking is the ability to see the world in pictures and words, and it’s the key to unlocking our ability to solve complex problems.” With sketchnotes, we transform abstract ideas into tangible images, making them easier to grasp and recall.

You might be thinking, “But I’m not an artist!” Fear not. Sketchnoting is not about creating masterpieces; it’s about visually representing ideas in a way that makes sense to you. Start by doodling simple shapes and icons during your next lecture or study session. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll become in your sketchnoting abilities.

How will sketchnote help you?

 

Sketchnotes are not just pretty pictures; they’re powerful tools for learning. By incorporating visual elements into your notes, you engage multiple senses, leading to better comprehension and retention of information. Imagine breezing through your exams, armed with colorful, easy-to-remember sketchnotes instead of drowning in a sea of text.

The beauty of sketchnotes lies in their versatility. Whether you’re studying biology, history, literature, or mathematics, sketchnotes can be tailored to suit any subject. Need to remember the stages of mitosis? Sketch it out. Trying to make sense of Shakespearean sonnets? Sketch it out. With sketchnotes, the possibilities are endless.

How did I began sketchnoting?

Step 1: Listen and Absorb
Whether you’re attending a webinar, listening to a guest speaker, or watching a lecture, the first step is
to soak up the information like a sponge. Pay close attention to key points, interesting facts, and
anything that resonates with you.

Step 2: Make Notes
As you listen, jot down your thoughts and ideas in a way that makes sense to you. Don’t worry about
making it perfect; just focus on capturing the essence of what’s being said. Use words, arrows, and
symbols to connect concepts and create a visual map of the content.


Step 3: Visualize
Now comes the fun part: bringing your notes to life with doodles and sketches! Think about how you
can represent each concept visually using simple icons, symbols, and infographics. Don’t overthink it;
the goal is to make the information easier to understand, not to create a masterpiece.


Step 4: Practice, Practice, Practice
Like any skill, sketchnoting takes practice. So, grab your sketchbook and start doodling! Experiment
with different styles, colors, and layouts until you find what works best for you. Join workshops, follow
sketchnoting accounts on Instagram, and soak up inspiration from other sketchnoters.


Step 5: Share Your Work
Once you feel comfortable with sketchnoting, don’t be afraid to share your creations with the world.
Whether it’s on social media, in a blog, or just with friends and family, sharing your sketchnotes can
inspire others and help you grow as a sketchnoter.

Sketchnoting is a powerful tool for unlocking your creativity, organizing your thoughts, and making
complex ideas easier to understand. So grab your pens, unleash your inner artist, and start
sketchnoting your way to clearer, more memorable notes!
Here are some of my favorite visual notetakers whom I follow. Dont miss to check our their work.

https://www.instagram.com/curiouspiyuesh/
https://inkfactorystudio.com
https://www.instagram.com/drawmystrengths/
https://www.instagram.com/thesketchyeducator/
https://www.instagram.com/rino_sketchnotes/
https://www.instagram.com/sketchnoteschool/