Sketch Notes – The Visual Structure

 

Sketch Notes for Beginners

 
Before starting sketch note-taking, it’s essential to think about which visual structure you will use. Each design has advantages and will work best for different kinds of information. Each sketch note example contains infomation about taking sketchnote.  Make sure you read the inside of each sketch note illustration in this post.
 
 

The Flowing Structure

The Flowing Structure for Sketch Notes

The flowing structure works best for a sequence of events, functioning like a timeline.
The flowing structure also works for information that branches out like the branches of a tree.

 

The information in this graphic (above) also gives you tips on getting ready to take sketch notes.

 
 

The Modular Structure

The Visual Structure of Sketch Notes - The Modular Structure for Sketchnotes
The modular structure works best for containing different topics. For example, you can add connectors to show how information in one frame or container connects to another area.

 

The information in this graphic (above) also discusses the advantages of adding visuals to sketch notes.

 
 

The Vertical Structure

The Visual Structure of Sketchnotes - The Vertical Structure for Sketchnotes

The vertical structure for sketch note-taking is good to use when dividing the information into two or more categories. Some people might prefer this type of sketch note-taking because it appears more orderly.

The information in this graphic (above) talks about conveying emotions in your stick figures by using body language, lines, and symbols.

 
 

The Web Structure

 
The Visual Structure of Sketchnotes - The Web Structure for Sketchnotes
The web structure for sketch note-taking works excellent when you are brainstorming or starting with a central idea and generating ideas that stem from the main idea or topic.
 
 

Connectors

 
Connectors show how the information connects to other ideas with visual lines or arrows.
 

Ideas Not Art

 
This graphic (above) talks about the essential part of sketch notes is conveying information. The quote “ideas not art” is repeated in several blogs across the internet. However, sketch notes can be very visually interesting. People should not be intimidated by their (perceived) lack of artistic skills. If you can draw stick figures, arrows, boxes, and other simple shapes, you and put sketch notes into use. The more you take sketch notes, the more you will build your visual vocabulary to include symbols and shapes from your visual memory bank.
 
 

Sketchnotes Toolbox

 

I’ve created a Sketchnotes Toolbox full of ideas that you can use to get more visual examples for your students. In addition, you can download free high-quality copies of the images in this blog. Get them in my Sketchnotes Graphic Images.

 

If you’d like some Tips for Teaching with Sketchnotes, then check out my other blog post. 

 
 

References

I found these blogs helpful when researching sketch notes.

This blog post by Core 77 gives practical information about getting started.

 

This blog post and Prezi created by Derek Bruff will show you a few more examples of Sketch Notes and why they are better than traditional note-taking.

The Benefits of Drawing

Click on the image to get your free infographic!

Use this infographic to display in your room or share with parents, administrators, or other teachers as a way to point out some of the academic benefits of learning to draw. While they are not the only reason for using drawing as part of a balanced curriculum, they are certainly worthy of celebrating and may help you advocate for including drawing as part of your art or classroom learning experiences.

You can read more about The Benefits of Drawing in this blog post.


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A sketch note diagram with "Ideas not art" written in the middles cloud shape. It is surrounded by other shapes to make a graphic organizer with the benefits of sketch notes written in the shapes. The text says, "The Visual Structure - Sketch Notes".
Stacey Peters

Stacey Peters

I create engaging drawing resources that help students build confidence and express themselves through art. I'm a former elementary art teacher of 25 years turned business owner. Giving you the tools you need to bring more drawing into your classroom brings me joy.

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