Beyond Childish Doodles: The Serious Power of Sketchnotes

Note: In this blog and my work, I use the terms "visual notes" and "sketchnotes" interchangeably. Both refer to the same concept of capturing ideas visually.

You want to convey your message or story as clearly as possible—to inspire, engage, or get your colleagues on board. In a world where nobody has time to read a 25-page document, sketchnotes can be a fantastic solution. you might turn to sketchnotes for help. But then, you might hear someone say they look childish or immature. Trust me, I’ve been there!

Mindset Shift: Redefining Drawing Together

Let’s talk about this for a moment. I truly believe that to address this perception a mindset shift is needed. 

If we can look past the idea that drawing is just for kids and see it as a powerful tool to communicate, we’ll unlock its potential as a strategic asset. When someone calls graphic recording or visual notes childish, it often says more about them than about the value of the tool itself.

Sketchnotes aren’t just fun doodles; they’re a way to include everyone in the conversation. We all process information differently. Just because one person doesn’t connect with them doesn’t mean the other 99% won’t find them helpful. In fact, you can offer both the 25-page document and a visual note, allowing everyone to choose how they want to understand the information through their preferred way of processing information. 

The Purpose of Sketchnotes

Let me remind you about what sketchnotes are really about. They’re designed to make complex information simple and keeping the essential information. And here’s the thing: they’re not meant to be pretty. They’re meant to be clear! Here’s why simplicity matters:

• Simple is not the same as childish.

• Simple shows you understand your message deeply.

• Simple means cutting out the extra stuff.

• Simple leads to clarity.

I love this quote from Albert Einstein: “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.” It’s a powerful reminder that our goal should always be to make things easier to understand.

Tips for creating professional sketchnotes

If you’re worried about sketchnotes looking childish, I’ve got your back! Here are some easy tips how I make my sketchnotes look more polished and professional:

• Limit Color Usage: Stick to a few colors to keep things from getting overwhelming. Focus on showing just the important parts—less is often more!

• Establish Clear Structure: Use numbers, arrows, or boxes to organize your ideas. This not only helps people understand but also makes your sketchnotes look neater.

Focus on the bigger picture ;-) 

When you’re thinking about whether to spend time creating a visual note, consider the nine other people who could benefit from it instead of the one who doesn’t like it. Your goal is to get everyone on the same page and help your people understand better.

If there's one takeaway I want you to have from reading this, it's that sketchnotes are a valuable tool for communication, and their perceived childishness shouldn’t hold you back. Remember, it’s not about pleasing everyone; it’s about making information accessible to all. So, embrace sketchnotes for their potential to inspire and connect, and watch as they transform your communication efforts.

Need a visual note for your work?

If you’re excited about the power of sketchnotes and visual notes, I can help you create visuals that not only capture attention but also enhance understanding. Just e-mail me at contact@raanii.eu to check my availability or visit my Visual Notes page for more information.

Let's get started on your visual journey today!