World Sketchnote Day

World Sketchnote Day: Celebrating Visual Note-Taking

World Sketchnote Day is an annual celebration of the art and practice of visual note-taking, combining sketches and text to capture ideas and information in a creative and memorable way. This unique holiday honors the power of visual thinking and encourages people to explore new ways of recording and processing information.

Quick Facts

When is it?: January 11th annually
Tagged as: Visual note-taking, creativity, learning
What’s the hashtag?: #WorldSketchnoteDay
When was it founded?: 2016
Who founded it?: Mike Rohde and Mauro Toselli

History of World Sketchnote Day

World Sketchnote Day was established in 2016 by Mike Rohde and Mauro Toselli, along with a small group of designers and producers. The holiday aims to showcase the technique of sketchnoting, which disrupted traditional note-taking methods and visual communication. Sketchnoting combines words, images, and structures to create visually appealing and memorable notes.

Timeline

2007: Michael Rohde experiments with a new approach to note-taking at a design conference
2016: The first World Sketchnote Day is celebrated
2018: “Pass the Sketchnote” initiative kicks off, gaining attention on social media
2021: The Sketchnote Army community continues to grow and showcase artists worldwide

World Sketchnote Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	January 11	Saturday
2026	January 11	Sunday
2027	January 11	Monday
2028	January 11	Tuesday
2029	January 11	Thursday
2030	January 11	Friday

Observed World Sketchnote Day

World Sketchnote Day is observed globally by visual thinkers, educators, and creative professionals. Participants share their sketchnotes on social media, attend workshops, and engage in challenges to improve their skills. The day serves as an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and explore new techniques in visual note-taking.

Many educational institutions and businesses have embraced sketchnoting as a powerful tool for learning and communication. The observance of this day has led to increased awareness of the benefits of visual thinking in various fields, from education to business strategy.

The Sketchnote Army, a community founded by the holiday’s creators, plays a significant role in organizing events and showcasing talented sketchnoters from around the world on this day.

Fun Facts About World Sketchnote Day

Sketchnotes don’t require high drawing skills but focus on visual synthesis and summarization
The technique uses a “Visual Alphabet” of basic shapes and symbols
Sketchnoting engages multiple senses, improving learning and retention
Education Scotland uses sketchnotes to document school inspection findings
Sketchnoting has become particularly popular at tech conferences

Quiz

Who coined the term “sketchnotes”?
In which year was World Sketchnote Day first celebrated?
What is the annual date for World Sketchnote Day?
What is the name of the community founded by the holiday’s creators?
Which department in Scotland uses sketchnotes for official purposes?

(Answers: 1. Michael Rohde, 2. 2016, 3. January 11th, 4. Sketchnote Army, 5. Education department)

FAQs

What’s the difference between a drawing and a sketchnote?
Sketchnotes are hand-drawn records of information combining drawings and text, while drawings are purely illustrative.

Why do people use sketchnotes?
Sketchnotes help improve memory retention, decrease stress in note-taking, and engage multiple senses for better learning.

Do I need to be an artist to create sketchnotes?
No, sketchnoting doesn’t require high artistic skills. It’s based on simple sketches and can be adapted to suit individual needs.

Can sketchnotes be used in professional settings?
Yes, sketchnotes are used in various professional settings, including conferences, business meetings, and even for documenting official findings.

How can I start sketchnoting?
Begin by practicing basic shapes and symbols, then gradually incorporate them into your note-taking process. Many online resources and books are available for beginners.

Importance of World Sketchnote Day

World Sketchnote Day plays a crucial role in promoting visual thinking and creative note-taking techniques. It encourages individuals to explore alternative methods of processing and retaining information, which can be particularly beneficial for visual learners.

The holiday also fosters a sense of community among sketchnoters worldwide, providing a platform for sharing ideas, techniques, and inspiration. This collaborative environment helps advance the practice of sketchnoting and pushes the boundaries of visual communication.

Moreover, World Sketchnote Day raises awareness about the cognitive benefits of combining visual and textual elements in note-taking. It highlights how this approach can enhance memory, creativity, and problem-solving skills across various fields and professions.