One common challenge after learning the basics of SketchNoting is choosing the right topic to create a SketchNote. New beginners often wonder, ‘Which topic should I choose to practice SketchNoting?’ This can sometimes lead to a cyclical loop: If I dont create, then how can I practice? 

I understand this concern since I kind of went through this one myself. I started my SketchNoting Journey in 2022. After I learnt the basics, I started creating and sharing SketchNotes for the books that I read. After the initial burst, I came to a road block. I could not find the right topics to SketchNote. I scoured through online forums looking for the right topics or threads. Sometimes I wasted hours searching for the right topic. It did feel that I might lose the practice and I wanted to address that.

In search for the answer, I stumbled upon an artist practicing his skill in a crowd. He was sitting with his Sketchbook and practicing drawing the human figures. He didnt wait for the perfect model, He was picking a random person right in front of him and enjoying the skill of drawing. Thats when I realized the mistake. I was too stuck about the perfection. One reason I picked up SketchNoting was to pursue creative hobby, and all I had to do was create without worry about perfection. So To put this into practice, I started SketchNoting for almost anything and everything. 

In the office, I used it take Meeting Notes, explain stuff to my colleagues. In personal side I used it for Daily Journalling, Weekly reflections, major decision making. I SketchNoted favourite movie plot points or my review of them. Very recently, I even SketchNoted lyrics of my favorite songs, inspired by a challenge by Ashton Rodenheiser. Most of this was not published online but it gave me the practice that I needed to hone my skills. More important it gave me the joy of creation.

“To be the creator you have to create” – Austin Kleon. If you are into SketchNoting or drawing, just start. Choose the most mundane topic or a personal one and start working on it. All you have to do is put pen to paper and let it flow.