Are pictures really worth a thousand words?

We’ve all heard the saying, “A picture is worth a thousand words.” But is it really true? Can a single image actually do the heavy lifting of a whole paragraph (or ten)? At Sketchnotes UK, this is something we think about a lot — because visual storytelling is at the heart of everything we do.

So let’s dig in: can pictures really say more than words?

Visuals Speak Volumes (But Not Always)

The idea behind the phrase is simple — that a single image can communicate something rich, layered, or complex, faster and more effectively than a wall of text. And actually, science backs that up.

Studies show that we’re wired to process visuals faster than words. In fact, we remember 80%

Mandy and Becky drawing on a wall together at the London Coffee Festival

of what we see and do, compared to just 20% of what we hear and only 10% of what we read. That’s huge. When it comes to making information stick, pictures really do punch above their weight.

This is exactly why sketchnoting, graphic recording, and live illustration work so well. Whether we’re capturing an event, workshop, or big idea, the visuals help people stay engaged, absorb the message, and remember it later.

Pictures + Emotion = Magic

Beyond retention, images also have the power to make us feel. They can build emotional connection, spark joy, raise eyebrows, or even challenge assumptions — all in an instant. This is why pictures are everywhere in marketing, activism, and storytelling. They’re not just decorative; they’re powerful tools for empathy and connection.

But — and this is important — pictures don’t always do the job better than words.

When Words Win

Sometimes, you need the precision that only language can offer. In technical, legal, or scientific contexts, a single word can hold more clarity than even the best illustration. And pictures, without the right context, can be misinterpreted or leave too much open to guesswork.

That’s why at Sketchnotes UK, we believe the sweet spot is in bringing words and visuals together. When you combine the emotional clarity of imagery with the structure and accuracy of language, you get something that’s more than the sum of its parts.

It’s what we do every time we pick up a pen at a live event or create a visual summary from a complex report. It’s sketchnoting for communication — not just to make things look pretty, but to help ideas land, stick, and move people.

So… Worth a Thousand Words?

In many cases, absolutely. But not always. The real magic happens when you use pictures and words, intentionally and thoughtfully, to communicate with clarity and heart.

Because it’s not really about choosing one over the other. It’s about using the right tools to tell the right story — and making sure your audience not only understands the message, but feels it, too.