Sketchnoting. Getting Started with Ashton Rodenhiser.
Nov 15, 2023
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Ashton Rodenhiser, a sketch-noter artist, shares insights on sketchnoting and its benefits. She discusses the difference between sketchnoting and doodling and provides practical tips for getting started. The podcast also explores the advantages of sketchnoting in terms of improving memory, comprehension, and problem-solving perspectives. Additionally, Rodenhiser talks about dealing with rejection and the importance of believing in one's work. The episode concludes with a discussion on favorite markers for sketchnoting, including Noiland markers with their sustainability features and various sizes.
Sketchnoting combines words and drawings to visually capture and synthesize information, enhancing understanding and memory recall.
Sketchnoting can be done on paper or digital platforms, with each offering unique advantages in terms of personal experience and flexibility.
Deep dives
Drawing out your notes helps with memory retention
Drawing out your notes, even if you can't draw, can actually help you remember information better. Doodling, in particular, has been found to improve information retention by up to 29%. Sketchnoting takes doodling a step further, combining words and drawings to capture and synthesize information in a visual way. By making doodles more meaningful and relevant to the content being learned, sketchnoting enhances understanding and aids in memory recall.
Building a visual vocabulary for sketchnoting
Sketchnoting involves building a visual vocabulary of symbols and drawings to represent ideas and concepts. Starting with simple elements like lines and containers, sketchnoters gradually expand their repertoire by incorporating icons that can have multiple meanings. Drawing frequently-used symbols repeatedly helps develop muscle memory and allows for efficient capturing of information in real-time. By utilizing this visual vocabulary, sketchnoters are able to create meaningful and visually engaging notes that enhance comprehension and recall.
Sketchnoting on paper vs. digital platforms
Sketchnoting can be done on both paper and digital platforms, each offering unique advantages. Paper allows for a personal and tactile experience, making it ideal for in-person meetings or workshops where life-sized drawings can be created. The physicality of paper and the human connection it facilitates add a special dynamic to sketchnoting sessions. On the other hand, digital platforms offer increased flexibility, allowing for easy editing, reorganizing, and sharing of sketchnotes. Embracing the constraints of paper first and then transitioning to digital can be an effective approach, as it develops foundational skills and muscle memory before exploring the vast possibilities of digital sketchnoting.
Overcoming perfectionism and fear of rejection
One common barrier to sketchnoting is the fear of not being able to create aesthetically pleasing or perfect notes. Sketchnoting emphasizes that beauty is not the primary goal, but rather the meaningful representation of ideas. Perseverance and practice are essential, as the first attempts may not meet one's expectations. Overcoming perfectionism involves embracing the imperfections and understanding that sketchnotes are personal and subjective reflections of the note-taker. By adopting a growth mindset and focusing on continuous improvement, individuals can develop their own unique style of sketchnoting.
In this episode of the Triple 'T' Productivity Podcast, we dive into the world of Sketchnoting with Ashton Rodenhiser, a Sketchnotest(!), Sketchnote Artist?
I can't draw but I do doodle a lot and I was very surprised to find doodling helps knowledge retention. Sketchnoting is like doodling on steroids!
Ashton has worked with Fortune 500 companies and non-profits and she shares insights into sketching live meetings and talks about her book, "The Beginners Guide to Sketchnoting."
We're going to unravel what Sketchnoting is, how it differs from doodling, and get lots of tips on getting started.
Ashton also explains the anatomy of a Sketchnote and reveals her go-to pens for the perfect sketching experience.