The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting

by Emily Mills

Visual notetaking is the perfect skill for journaling, class lectures, conferences, and any other time that retaining information is key. Also referred to as sketchnoting, visual notetaking is ideal for documenting processes, planning projects, outlining ideas, and capturing information. And as you'll learn in The Art of Visual Notetaking, this approach doesn't require advanced drawing or hand-lettering skills; anyone can learn how to use simple lines, connectors, shapes, and text to take dynamic notes.

In The Art of Visual Notetaking, aspiring sketchnoters and journalers will find helpful "Getting Started" pages of icons and badges for common note-taking purposes, with tips and encouragement for creating your own unique icons. You'll go on to discover instruction and how-to techniques, tips, and tutorials that focus on visual notetaking for different settings, from a business meeting, workshop, or convention, to a college lecture or sermon. Expert instruction from a professional sketchnote artist and educator demonstrates how to visually arrange and compile ideas, focal points, and key concepts.

Genres: Nonfiction, Art, Business, Productivity, Drawing, How To, Writing

128 pages, Paperback

Published January 21, 2019

About the author

Emily Mills is a professional illustrator, author of The Art of Visual Notetaking, and founder of sketchacademy.com. Emily's mission is to help you get in touch with your imagination and improve your creative skills.

Reviews

[MischaS_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does anyone have an idea of why I started to research visual notetaking when I'm just finishing my studies?

There is not much to say about this book other than it should be mandatory reading for every teacher/professor and student. Before they start learning or teaching! It would make studying so much easier for everyone.

***Advance Review Copy generously provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[☘Misericordia☘ ⚡ϟ⚡⛈⚡☁ ❇️❤❣ · Rating 4 out of 5]

While the text explicitly states that visual notes are not doodle, there's plenty of doodles around the book! A useful concept otherwise and even doodles can be handy at times (hierarchy, matrix ideas, complexly involved subjects, visualizations, bordering ideas).

[Max · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an university student, I have to follow a lot of lectures, so I take a lot of notes. I'm always on the lookout for useful tips on note-taking and processing my notes. So when I saw this book, I knew I had to check it out.

It's a very helpful and insightful book. There's tips about note-taking, but also about listening to speakers in general. There's also some hand-lettering guidance. A lot of exercises are in this book to help you make the best notes. Also, all the information is summarized after every chapter.

A must-read for students and working people! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC.

[Nicki Markus · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I first came across The Art of Visual Notetaking, I thought it was something that might appeal to me. The book is nicely laid out, with plenty of excellent information and some good examples. It did concentrate on visual notetaking at events and conferences, and I might have liked to have seen a few more examples from the more personal side of things, but that is a minor complaint, as the book was, on the whole, an interesting and informative read. I liked the fact that there were spaces available in which you could practice different ideas, and everything was clear and easy to follow. I would definitely like to give visual notetaking a try after reading this text. 4.5 stars

I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Visual notetaking or sketchnotes have been a part of my life for some time now.

The book is a workbook which provides introductions to different fonts, page arrangements, and offers enough room to try out the shapes, forms, and letters.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is fantastic!

I am always fascinated by the videos and pictures of people taking visual notes as they listen to a lecture. I wish I were that talented and able to not only listen to, process but distill and visualize information so quickly and well.

This book breaks down the process for you step by step and highlights all the important factors in creating a visual representation. Emily makes sure to mention all the "basics" that are really the crucial aspects of where to sit, how to listen, how to prioritize and how to plan.

Then she talks about handwriting which she breaks down to simple steps and shows you exactly what you need to practice to get to a place that you like for yourself.

And then comes the part that I consider the hardest: the visuals. Here, too, Emily is fantastic at breaking it down and introducing a concept I'd never heard before called leveling it up where you start with the basics and keep adding to them in little bits to make it better and better.

Emily also talks about adding color, creating a visual library, headers, containers, correcting mistakes, using metaphors and other parts of your visual notetaking journey. Like with all the other chapters, she builds it up in a very consumable, practical way that makes it look achievable.

Like everything else, the only way to really get good at this is by lots and lots of practice which she makes a point of mentioning and giving lots of examples of her progression so you know what pace to expect and she also has exercises at the end of each chapter so you can practice what you just learned.

I know she makes it look much easier than it is and it will take a lot lot lot of practice but this book is inspiring and informative and encouraging in all the right ways. If you're even remotely interested in this area I cannot recommend it enough.

thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Wayne McCoy · Rating 4 out of 5]

'The Art of Visual Notetaking: An Interactive Guide to Visual Communication and Sketchnoting' by Emily Mills is a book that will help you become better at taking visual notes for yourself and for groups of people.

Notes can be made more memorable by using some design in them. This book talks about planning things out, the types of lectures and how notes can vary, leaving space to finish things, and materials. There are lots of examples in the book. There are also lots of simplified icons, arrows, and basic designs that can be sketched out quickly.

This type of note taking is quite a step beyond just doodling in the margins of notes like I do. This is an intentional attempt to make notes that can be looked at later to remember the content of lectures and meetings.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Walter Foster, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.

[Ady · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually really loved this book. I have goals to develop artistic skills as well as goals to develop better organizational skills. This book had actionable steps for a complete beginner. I can see that some of the information might become outdated in time, but it works for now and I am excited to use this as a guideline for practicing in my sketchbook.

[Ms. Arca · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome!

It was super easy to read and I was going to just flip through it first and then come back and read it... but I got so sucked in and the format, tips, writing, and illustrations were all so appealing and useful that I got totally sucked in.

I looked up and realized I had consumed the whole book and felt very inspired to give this little inkling of a passion a try.. I want to buy this book when it actually comes out because I want my own copy to refer to!

Thank so much to the publishers, Netgalley, and the author for access to an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I can’t wait to use it a ton and refer others to it.

[Michael Clayton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been following Emily's career as an illustrator, sketchnoter, and graphic recorder for a few years now and I've always been fascinated by her skills, style, positive attitude, and willingness to share what she knows about her chosen profession... and this book is just that: A collection of everything that she knows about visual note taking!

She takes you by the hand and guides you through every facet of the process of making visual notes (as I assume she does in her workshops). The way that she explains and breaks down the steps and adds skills and techniques is direct and - at the same time - caring. The illustrations (I won't call them "doodles") and examples/samples are strong, straight-to-the-point, and easy enough for a beginner to copy and practice... and gain confidence as they progress. (Note: the fact that there are large spaces to practice in are a plus.)

As great as this book is, there is one glaring thing missing from it: other voices in the choir.

What I mean by "other voices in the choir" is that I wish that there were examples from other visual note takers and sketchnoters. While Emily's "voice" has a gorgeous tone that is well trained and resonates high above the rest, a few other "voices" or examples might add to the depth of what she is teaching and reinforce what her audience is learning.

While at times the book might seem to get too elementary for someone with some knowledge of sketchnoting, I do understand that that is not her intended audience. A teachable person can learn anything from anyone, and this old dog did learn a few new tricks. (Thanks, Emily!)

[Antoinette Perez]

For years I've known that I can be a stronger visual communicator, and this book is one of many I'm currently prioritizing. I had taken most of a course on the topic by the author, which was self-guided and very well done, so I didn't do any of the exercises in the book during this read. But this book is a very comprehensive (and, as promised, interactive) guide to sketchnoting.

As I've taken a few other courses by different instructors, Mills' approach is quite different in one major way, and I think because she is the only one who makes her living by graphic recording: she places a lot of emphasis on accuracy and comprehensiveness. Every other instructor / author so far has said that distilling, encapsulating, summarizing, and communicating the "big picture" is more important than capturing every detail. And since I have zero desire to sketchnote for pay, I am inclined to maintain a more casual and relaxed approach to this than Emily Mills.

Different strokes, as they say! Great tools in the toolbox, in any case.

[Joseph Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emily does an excellent job of taking someone who has little confidence in his or her ability to draw, and showing him or her the steps to observing the information in their surrounding world and translating it onto a piece of paper - in a simple, compelling, practical, and fun manner! Subtle humor and fun imagery is strewn throughout this book, making it easy to connect with the content. Emily also addresses numerous artistic stumbling blocks and teaches good techniques that build a good foundation for any person to become a better artist and communicator. I encourage every artist and visual communicator, no matter their tenure, to add The Art of Visual Notetaking to his or her tool kit - used as both a personal reference and to help others connect to the magic that is found in visual communication.

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be prepared to practice drawing a LOT. This book gets into the fundamentals of visual note taking like type of pens, pencils, and paper to consider when selecting your tools. It's not about creating doodles next your notes. Your drawing skills need to be good enough to create visual notes in place of textual notes.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I have always drawn notes when I'm at church, or at a conference, but I have never really learned more tools on how to take it to the next level. Emily teaches you everything you need to know to get started on your journey of sketch notetaking! She goes step by step helping you get a good grasp of how to create your own style. I really love the idea of the headers. I never thought to go that detailed and actually draw the speaker. Super cool.

[Sue Fernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Net Galley and the publisher for an e-ARC of this title. I also ran this by my 18 year old daughter, who is dyslexic and soon to enter college. We both loved this book. Everyone has a different learning style, and this connects the dots for those who might that typical note taking doesn't help them retain the information. This gets a thumbs up from both of us.

[Quinn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a well done book on notetaking. But it should not be the only one you read. It feels a lot like a textbook, which it could be. This is a good first book on sketchnoting, but if you think, from this book, that visual communication is not for you, read a few others, including the two by Willemien Brand (Visual Thinking and Visual Doing.)
This book makes a great class--there are steps and reasons. My only disagreement (and this is my opinion, not a fact) is the list of what sketchnoting is not--and it is not, according to the author, doodling or illustration. I get that she is trying to say it's communication, but for me, doodling is a lot about communication. Still, a good first book.

[Niena Aniesza]

Visual note-taking is a great way to convey information and make it memorable. This book is suitable for a beginner who wants to learn sketchnoting.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say that I loved this book would be a complete understatement. It would be more accurate to say that it was rather brilliant! I spend what feels like half my working life notetaking for my Deaf students in my role as a Communication Support Worker and creating visuals for my students in my role as tutor of adults with special education needs. This alternative way to record notes using a visual perspective is just perfect for what I do. However, the target audience for this book is anyone, in whatever setting they happen to be in, who prefers to take their notes visually or who tend to use a visual thought-process to retain information.

They say that a picture can tell a thousand words. Well it most certainly can if you follow this practical guide to the art of visual notetaking.

Many thanks to Netgalley for a copy of this ARC for which I have given my voluntary and unbiased review.

[Ken Broeren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Taking notes is such a critical part of the learning process. Emily's book makes it easy to get the information permanently fixated in your brain through the use of sketching. She makes it easy to start - which can be intimidating for most. She addresses the "I'm not an artist" and "I can't draw" attitudes (which I definitely relate to) and gently pushes us to just create. I'll be using these techniques when I attend conferences, seminars, lectures, but also for notes about books I'm reading. I'm certain Emily's techniques will help me become a more efficient learner!

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sketch notes and visual note taking are gaining popularity in education and as an English Language Arts teacher, I have adopted this practice with my students. It really is a fantastic method for students to express their knowledge and to code information and learning to memory. Emily Mills' book, The Art of Visual Notetaking is an ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC resource! It is so informative and practical. It is loaded with examples and practical hands-on tips on how to effectively take notes visually. And there are so many tips on how to make your notes and drawings look better. While I love doodling and drawing pictures, my artistic ability is fairly minimal. This book makes visual note taking possible for anyone.

In the introduction, the states that the format of the book follows the structure of her workshops. Having read this book, I would love to attend her workshop. The Art of Visual Notetaking is an incredible resource. I have already e-mailed our teacher librarian about ordering this in for our students.

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice for those who do get more out of visual note taking or making a presentation that is more than just words. You get pros and cons sections. Does show images of what is being talked about and to show point. Reader does get some practice sections and a few exercises. So nice take on visual learning.

[Zumrud Huseynova · Rating 4 out of 5]

Go for recognizable over realistic!

Remember: the most important thing is to prioritize accurate information above illustration.

“I wanted to learn all the languages in the world, so I learned to draw.”
- Alejo Porras

Information has zero value if it can’t be remembered or shared!

[Martin Baggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most people take notes at some point. Whether they are students in a school lecture, business people at conventions, worshippers at church, it’s something they do to retain information. Most are dense words on paper, taken frantically, forgotten quickly. So, how do we take notes that stick? Emily Mills gives us an answer — take visual notes.

I was fascinated and intrigued by the title and the concept, despite not being an artist or even very artistic. Mills defines visual notes as “an artistic and creative expression of information”. That would seem to rule out those like me who are inartistic, yet she spends a significant part of the book showing us how to draw. She focuses on people, demonstrating how to draw heads, faces, hands, bodies, etc. She shows us her work in these areas and supports her argument that anyone can do this. The product does not have to be perfect. She gives plenty of exercises and leaves space in the book for them, although I suspect most readers would prefer to practice in their own blank journals.

Probably the most important point Mills makes is this: "If there’s one thing to remember about keeping your visual notes looking good, it’s this: keep it simple. Go for memorable over masterpiece. Don’t get carried away trying to create a work of art when the whole point is to make the information stand out.”

I liked seeing her finished notes. As a professional notetaker we would expect her notes to be good, and they are. But she shows how they looked before refinement and afterwards, and the simple touch of adding color, for example, clearly makes the critical points jump off the page.

If you are an artist, a budding artist, someone who wants to make your notes more memorable, or just someone who likes to experiment with your note taking, this book is for you. It is a very quick read but the information and drawing examples are worth the price of the book. I recommend this book. I will certainly give this a try in my own notetaking!

My thanks to the publisher Walter Foster Publishing and to NetGalley for giving me a pre-publication copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting book that was shorter than I expected but packed quite a lot in. The book is split into five main sections: the Basics, Tools, Prep work, Hierarchy & composition and Improvements.

It comes with exercises that you can try yourself, along with blank pages to practice on. The book gives pointers on how to listen and see visual cues as to when something might be important enough to make a visual note on. It suggests the pens and paper that are useful. It also includes how to pad out the basic stick man or house, so its much more visual than its basic form.

I had requested this ARC as I'd hoped it would be geared towards note taking for educational purposes as my daughter is in her first year of high school. It's mainly aimed at taking visual notes at meetings or presentations, although online there is an additional download that includes information for students. However that is only one page, so a little disappointed. Having said that, I can see that the block and cursive lettering, picture ideas, flows and types of pens used are perfect for a student to get their ideas and notes onto paper.

I found the yellow highlighting of titles throughout the book a little jarring on the eye. I can see why it's done, but I didn't like it. Perhaps using the authors own ideas such as containers, bubble writing, etc would have made it easier on the eye and put the ideas into practice.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

[Jessica G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Saw this pop up on Netgalley and decided on a whim that I wanted to read it. I’m super glad I did, because it gave me a lot of insight into something I had little-to-no knowledge about. As a Uni student, lectures are a constant in my life, which means that note-taking is also a constant. Although this book is mostly relevant for visual notetaking as a profession, I definitely learnt a whole bunch of techniques to help with my own notes. My Music History notes won’t know what’s hit them!
The advice was clearly lain out (as expected of a profession note-taker!) and there was some solid advice there. It got a bit repetitive after a while, but the author did say that was the intention in her notes, so I can’t really be mad about that. It’s stuck in my head so I have to say it worked well.
I recommend that Uni students and primary school teachers should take a look at this. It makes some interesting suggestions that would be great to take on board!

[Jaki · Rating 2 out of 5]

It's good to rethink how you process and share information. Text alone is not always the best format. (I know, on a website filled with book nerds, a potentially controversial opinion!)

But...this book did not make a compelling case for visual notetaking changing your life. The hierarchy section was actually not super readable, at least to my eyes -- a little too much going on, a lack of sufficient white space to create clear distinctions between information at glance. Some lessons seem quickly thrown together or have errors (such as the human face exercise's list of emotions, in which "hurt" appears twice in the edition I had).

As a general idea -- you should experiment with sharing information visually, and learn some of the fundamentals of drawing and graphic design -- great! -- but in execution, the exercises and explanations did not leave me impressed.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

My Review: I love this book about visual notetaking. It was so informative and had space for practicing the steps in the book. I do wish that it would have given more complete samples. But these really remind me of those infographic. I am excited to try and do some of these for the books that I read as I think that they would help me with keeping my thoughts in order to do reviews. And of course its so freaking cool looking!!! This would be great for all skill levels and I like that the author drops the hammer that you should keep all of your work. So that over time you could see how much you have learned.

I could see someone using this for school as well as for work. It just has so many applications. That the possibilities are endless.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via Netgalley.

An accessible introduction to the whys and hows of visual note-taking. I've always been terrible at drawing, so while visual notes are appealing to me, I've doubted that I could do them myself in any way that wouldn't be a dismal failure. I still don't think I'll ever be drawing beyond an elementary school level, but this book gives tips that can help smooth the waters if you're drawing challenged like me. You can still take visual notes even if your drawings aren't realistic.

I recommend this book for anyone who wants to get started with visual note-taking either to replace or supplement the usual type of word-heavy notes most of us take.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book on the art of visual note-taking. Based on the fact that the majority of people are visual-learners and that most information comes to us visually, this book aims to help you record information in an interesting and stimulating way.
The instructions start off gently and through exercises, build up to more advanced levels. There are chapters on writing styles, the use of colour, visual libraries and much more.
A very comprehensive book that is fun and inspiring to read.
I received a free review copy of the book from the publisher in exchange for my honest and unedited review.

[Jessi · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book that I think would be better read as a physical book than in ebook form. It was also shorter than I thought it might be but I really liked a lot of the concepts. It's been a few weeks since I read the whole thing but I've been utilizing visual notes and, not only are they more fun to re-read, it is easier to find larger concepts because I remember the picture that I drew as much as where information is on the page or what color I was using that day.