The ONE Sketchnoting Step You're Probably Skipping (and Why It's KILLING Your Doodles) 💀

Hey sketchnoters! 👋 As a seasoned sketchnoter, I see it all the time: beautiful drawings, clever connections… but something's missing. And usually, that "something" is the most crucial step of all: Planning. 🤯

Yes, I know, planning sounds boring. You're itching to dive in, let those creative juices flow, and just doodle! But trust me, skipping the planning phase is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. You might end up with a wonky structure and a whole lot of frustration. 😩

Why is planning SO important?

Because sketchnoting isn't just about drawing pretty pictures. It's about capturing information effectively, making connections, and creating a visual representation of your thoughts. Without a plan, your sketchnotes can become a jumbled mess of random doodles, lacking clarity and impact. They become pretty but useless. And nobody wants that! 🙅‍♀️

The Step-by-Step Planning Process (AKA Your Sketchnoting Secret Weapon):

1. Understand the Content: Before you even think about picking up a pen, make sure you get the material. Read the article, listen to the talk, or watch the video. Identify the key takeaways, main points, and supporting arguments. Knowledge is power! 🧠

2. Identify the Core Message: What's the ONE thing you want your sketchnote to communicate? This will be your guiding star throughout the process. Keep it concise and clear. 🎯

3. Structure Your Layout: This is where the magic happens! Think about how you want to organize your information visually. Will you use a linear flow, a mind map, a radial structure, or something else? Sketch out a rough layout on a separate piece of paper. Don't worry about making it perfect, just get the general idea down. This is your visual roadmap! 🗺️

4. Choose Your Visual Elements: Now, think about how you can represent the key concepts visually. What icons, metaphors, or symbols can you use? Brainstorm a few ideas and jot them down. This will help you avoid drawing a blank when you're in the middle of your sketchnote. 💡

5. Consider the Flow: How will your viewer's eye move through the sketchnote? Use arrows, connecting lines, and visual cues to guide them through the information in a logical way. Think of it as creating a visual story. 📖

   
   

The Benefits of Planning:

• Clarity: A well-planned sketchnote is much easier to understand and remember. Your message will be clear and concise. ✨

• Impact: A structured sketchnote is more engaging and impactful. It will capture your audience's attention and leave a lasting impression. 💥

• Efficiency: Planning may seem like it takes extra time, but it actually saves you time in the long run. You'll avoid getting lost in the details and having to start over. ⏰

• Confidence: When you have a plan, you'll feel more confident and in control of your sketchnoting process. 💪

  
  

So, next time you're about to start a sketchnote, resist the urge to just dive in. Take a few minutes to plan, and you'll be amazed at the difference it makes. Trust me, your doodles (and your audience) will thank you! 🙏