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Re-inventing how we take notes

It's time for another episode of Feelin' Sketchy—the newsletter that brings you the best tips, articles and links on all things sketchy. In this issue we talk about sketchnoting, or visual note-taking

I was actually in Brisbane last week, attending a design conference (and teaching some workshops on sketching). I captured a number of the sessions I attended as sketchnotes, and have since referred to them a few times. They're just so much more interesting than written notes, don't you think? Read on for some tips on how to create your own.

 
 

Featured Video: 
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Reposit Power
 
 

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A short comic about sketchnoting

Sketchnoting 101: How To Create Awesome Visual Notes

I always receive lovely comments when I'm sketching at a conference. Sketchnoting, or visual note-taking, is not only a novel way to capture a presentation that you're attending. It can also help with recall and retention! This is also one of the services I offer my clients who run workshops and conferences.

Here are some tips to give your notes a boost.

  1. Tool Up

    Be sure you have a blank notebook, felt tip pen, and a grey or coloured marker for highlights.

  2. Practice On A Recording

    Instead of watching another episode of Big Bang Theory tonight, plug your load up some inspiring TED talks, and get sketching!

  3. Master Sketching Common Objects

    Build up a visual vocab of common objects in your head, so you don't have to think "how do I draw that?" every time.

  4. Latch Onto Quotes

    When you hear someone say a phrase that resonates or beautifully summarises the point being made, jot it down and wrap it in some fancy talking marks or a speech balloon.

  5. Use Consistent Type

    This is a fancy designer way of saying “make your handwriting neat and the same.” If you can't read it, how can we hope to?

 Read the full article.

A collection of simple sketched objects
 
 

Sketchy Links

 
 
Changing Education Paradigms

Changing Education Paradigms

The team at the RSA animate Sir Ken Robinson's question: "What if schools were not conveyor belts, and kids were not products to be churned out?"

 
 
Trash Electronics

Trash Electronics

The Story of Stuff folks throw down the gauntlet to designers: built-in obsolescence in our technology is so last century!

 
 
The Grimace Project

The Grimace Project

A wonderful interactive tool for exploring and combining emotions. Hours of fun (and a useful reference for when you're stuck trying to find that right expression).

 
 

I hope you guys enjoy the content of this newsletter as much as I do pulling it together. Here's to an awesome week!