What the Flip Is a Sketchnote?

A curious client’s guide, written by Mandy Johnson (Founder, Sketchnotes UK)

Right. So you’re sitting in a meeting, trying to stay awake while someone drones on about “strategic alignment” and “synergy” (whatever that means), when you glance over and see someone sketching the whole thing out—live. Not just doodles, mind you. Actual visual magic. Arrows, icons, quotes, little cartoon people with expressive eyebrows. It’s like the meeting’s soul got captured on paper.

And you think: What the flip is that? And how do I get one?

✏️ Apparently, It’s Called a "Sketchnote"

Turns out, sketchnoting is a thing. A proper thing. It’s visual note-taking, live illustration - where someone listens deeply, then translates all the blah-blah into a mix of words, drawings, and symbols that actually make sense. It’s like having your ideas illustrated in real time—minus the corporate clip art and soul-sapping bullet points.

💡 Why Would I Hire a Sketchnote Artist?

Because you want people to remember what was said. You want your event, workshop, or team session to feel alive. You want something that captures the energy in the room—not just the agenda.

Here’s what I’ve learned:

• Sketchnotes make complex ideas look simple (and dare I say, beautiful).

• They help people engage, reflect, and actually care about the content.

• They’re brilliant for reports, marketing, live events, and even internal comms.

• They make clients look like absolute pros at communication—even if they’re winging it.

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🎨 But What If I’m Not a “Creative” Type?

Doesn’t matter. The sketchnote artist does the heavy lifting. You just bring the ideas (or the chaos), and the sketchnoter turns it into something visual, clever, and oddly moving. It’s not about being artsy—it’s about being clear, human, and memorable.

👀 What Should I Look For in a Sketchnoter?

Glad you asked. You want someone who:

• Listens like a therapist, sketches like a ninja.

• Captures nuance, humour, and the occasional awkward silence.

• Doesn’t just draw what’s said, but what’s meant.

• Makes people feel seen, heard, and maybe even a bit delighted.

  
  

🧠 Final Thought

Hiring a sketchnote artist isn’t just about getting a pretty picture. It’s about capturing the heartbeat of your event, your message, your moment. It’s about making ideas stick—and making people smile while they learn.

So yes, if you’re wondering what the flip a sketchnote is… now you know. And if you fancy one of your own, we’d love to sketch your story.