Have you ever written something down only to forget it five minutes later?
Frustrating, right?
That’s where sketchnotes come in. If you’ve ever doodled next to your to-do list or added a little heart next to your favorite quote, guess what? You’re already sketchnoting.
Sketchnoting is just a fun way to mix words with simple drawings in your bullet journal. It helps you keep track of ideas in a way that actually sticks. And no, you don’t need to be “good at drawing.” Stick figures and arrows totally count. It’s more about making your journal feel like YOU while making things easier to remember.
So whether you’re mapping out your week, planning a project, or just trying to stay on top of all the life stuff, sketchnoting adds a visual twist that can make everything feel a little more doable (and a lot more fun).
What Really Is Sketchnoting?
If you’ve ever written down a doodle while taking notes, you’ve already dipped your toes into sketchnoting.
It’s a simple (but creative) way to take notes using a mix of words, quick drawings, and fun visuals like arrows, banners, and little icons. In short, sketchnoting turns your thoughts into something you can see and not just read.
Now, don’t worry you don’t need to be an artist to try this. Think stick figures, smiley faces, and simple shapes. Even basic doodles like suns, clouds, coffee cups, or lightbulbs can help make your notes easier to understand (and way more fun to look at later).
Sketchnoting is about making your notes fun to check out. Whether you’re writing down ideas during a podcast, planning a new project, or mapping out a goal in your bullet journal, adding simple visuals helps your brain remember things better.
Plus, it keeps things from feeling too serious or stuffy.
And instead of long walls of text, you get a page filled with quick snapshots of what stood out to you. And let’s be honest, flipping through cute and colorful notes beats staring at plain writing any day.
Why Use Sketchnotes in Your Bullet Journal?
Sketchnoting isn’t just about making your pages look pretty. It’s a practical way to enhance your bullet journal experience by improving memory, adding a personal touch, and keeping you engaged.
It Makes Info Easier to Remember
Visual note-taking in your bullet journal helps you remember information more effectively.
By combining words with simple drawings, arrows, and icons, you create a visual map of your thoughts. This method taps into your brain’s natural preference for visuals, making it easier to recall details later.
Even basic stick figures or doodles can make a significant difference.
It Keeps Planning Fun and Personal
Adding sketches and doodles to your bullet journal makes planning more enjoyable. Instead of sticking to plain text, you can personalize your pages with drawings that reflect your mood or interests.
This creative approach turns your journal into a space that’s uniquely yours, making you MORE likely to use it consistently.
It Helps You Stay Focused and Engaged
Incorporating sketchnotes into your bullet journal keeps you actively involved in the planning process.
Drawing requires attention and thought, which helps you stay focused on the task at hand. This engagement can lead to better organization and a clearer understanding of your goals and tasks.
By integrating sketchnotes into your bullet journal, you enhance its functionality and make it a more effective tool for managing your life.
Quick and Simple Sketchnote Tricks for Your Bullet Journal
Sketchnotes are all about using small, simple drawings that help you remember things better and make your pages easier to read.
Here are quick and simple sketchnote tricks that you can do to your bullet journal.
Use Simple Icons for Tasks, Ideas, and Events
Icons are tiny doodles that stand in for words.
For example, a checkmark means something’s done. A heart can mark something you loved. And a lightbulb is great for ideas.
These little sketches save space and help you find what you’re looking for faster (especially when your brain is tired and your to-do list is still long).
Add Banners, Arrows, and Boxes
Banners help label stuff like “To-Do” or “Reminders” so it stands out. Arrows are great for showing steps in a process or moving from one idea to the next.
Boxes can help group related notes together. Think of these like little signs that keep everything from turning into a big mess on the page.
Use Color to Keep Things Clear
You don’t need a rainbow of pens. Just two or three colors can help a lot. Use color to highlight the most important stuff, track your moods, or make things easier to find later. A little color can also make your pages more fun to use.
But, Where Should You Start?
If you’re curious about sketchnoting but feel unsure where to begin, don’t worry it’s simpler than it seems. You don’t need to be an artist to start; just begin with the basics.
Begin with Familiar Elements
Start by adding elements you already use in your bullet journal, such as boxes, lists, and simple symbols. These can serve as the foundation for your sketchnotes.
For example, when creating a to-do list, try adding a small icon next to each task to represent its category, like a fork for meal planning or a dumbbell for workouts.
Take It One Page at a Time
Instead of overhauling your entire journal, experiment with sketchnoting on a single page.
Choose a spread you’re comfortable with, like your weekly planner or habit tracker, and add simple visuals to enhance the information.
This approach allows you to gradually integrate sketchnoting into your routine without feeling overwhelmed.
Practical Examples to Try
- To-Do Lists: Add small icons next to tasks to indicate their nature or priority.
- Meal Plans: Use simple drawings to represent different meals or dietary preferences.
- Weekly Spreads: Incorporate banners or arrows to highlight important events or deadlines.
- Habit Trackers: Design creative ways to visualize your progress, such as filling in shapes or coloring sections.
Remember, the goal is to make your bullet journal more engaging and personalized.
By starting with these steps, you’ll find that sketchnoting can be a fun and effective way to organize your thoughts and plans.
Easy Sketchnote Page Ideas to Try in Your Journal
Sketchnoting isn’t just for meetings or lectures, it can add a creative touch to your bullet journal, too.
If you’re looking to make your pages more engaging, here are some simple sketchnote ideas to get you started.
Daily Snapshot Pages
Think of this as your day’s highlight reel.
To do this, you can draw a small doodle of something memorable. Maybe it’s a steaming cup of coffee, a sunny sky, or even your favorite snack.
Then, next to it, just write down a quick note about why it stood out.
Mind Maps for Big Ideas
When you’re brainstorming or planning, mind maps can help organize your thoughts.
Start with a central idea in the middle of the page. From there, draw branches to related thoughts or tasks. Use simple icons or keywords to keep it clear.
This is a great way to see the big picture.
Visual To-Do Lists
Transform your task list into something more engaging. Instead of plain checkboxes, use icons like a shopping cart for groceries, a dumbbell for workouts, or a book for reading.
It adds a bit of fun and can make your list MORE motivating.
Monthly Mood or Energy Maps
Track your moods or energy levels with a visual chart.
To do this, you can assign colors to different feelings like blue for calm, red for energetic, yellow for happy. Then, each day, fill in a square or circle with the color that matches your mood. Over time, you’ll see patterns emerge, helping you understand your emotional rhythms.
Adding these sketchnoting elements to your bullet journal can make planning more enjoyable and reflective.
Remember, it’s not about having some serious artistic skill; it’s only about making your journal a space that resonates with YOU.
Simple Supplies to Get You Started
You don’t need a ton of fancy stuff to begin sketchnoting in your bullet journal. A few basic tools can make your pages look great without making things complicated.
Start with a good pen. A smooth black pen is perfect for writing and drawing. It helps keep your lines clean and your notes easy to read.
Add some color. Mildliners or fineliners are great for highlighting important points or adding a pop of color to your pages. They can make your notes more engaging and fun to look at.
Use stickers and washi tape. These are easy ways to decorate your journal without spending a lot of time. They can also help you organize your pages by marking different sections or highlighting key information.
Choose the right paper. A journal with thick, smooth paper will prevent ink from bleeding through and make writing more enjoyable. Look for one that’s designed for bullet journaling to get the best results.
With these supplies, you’ll be ready to start sketchnoting in your bullet journal. Keep it straightforward, and you’ll find it easier to stick with your journaling habit.
Make Your Journal More Than Just Notes
Sketchnoting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about making your bullet journal more fun and useful. Whether you’re doodling your to-do list or sketching out your next big idea, it’s all about what works for you.
Adding simple drawings can help you remember things better and keep you engaged. Plus, it makes your journal uniquely yours.
If you’re ready to try sketchnoting, check out the Bullet Journal Starter Kit. It has templates and layouts to help you get started with visual note-taking. Whether you’re tracking habits, planning meals, or jotting down ideas, this kit can support your sketchnoting journey.
Give it a try and see how sketchnoting can make your journaling more enjoyable and effective.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I Need To Be Good At Drawing To Start Sketchnoting?
Not at all. Sketchnoting is about capturing ideas visually, not creating art. Simple shapes like circles, squares, and arrows are often enough. Stick figures and basic icons can effectively represent your thoughts. The goal is to make your notes more engaging and memorable, not to showcase artistic talent.
2. What Are Some Simple Sketchnote Elements I Can Start With?
Begin with basic icons to represent tasks, events, or ideas. Use arrows to show connections between concepts. Banners can highlight headings or important points. Containers like boxes or circles can group related information. These elements add structure and visual interest to your notes.
3. How Can Sketchnoting Help Me Remember Information Better?
Visual elements like doodles and diagrams engage different parts of your brain, making it easier to recall information later. By combining text with visuals, you’re creating multiple pathways to remember the same content. This technique is especially helpful for visual learners.
4. Can I Use Sketchnoting For Planning And Organizing Tasks?
Absolutely. Sketchnoting can make planning more interactive and enjoyable. For example, you can create visual to-do lists with icons representing different tasks, or use mind maps to brainstorm ideas. This approach can make your planning process more engaging and personalized.
5. What Supplies Do I Need To Start Sketchnoting In My Bullet Journal?
You don’t need fancy tools to get started. A good pen and your bullet journal are sufficient. As you become more comfortable, you might want to add highlighters, colored pens, or stickers to enhance your pages. The key is to start simple and add tools as you see fit.