24 Comments
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Mike Rohde's avatar

Thanks for sharing, Zsofi! Your articles are always fun and practical.

One thing to consider for people just starting is to sketchnote topics you know well and events you’re already interested in, because you’ll have a built-in knowledge of that domain. This can help with being concerned about your skills because you’ll have a secret benefit in the area of your interest.

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

That's a great tip, Mike, I haven't thought of that but it makes total sense. A great way to practice is when you are sitting in meetings at work too, I guess that also counts as domain expertise...

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Georgina Dean's avatar

Totally agree with this @Mike! I got my very first paid-graphic recording gigue, in the field that I worked in for +20yrs, because I know the content, vocabulary, and can position myself well within it. My proposal was a strong win, and I believe I’ll get more in this sector, before branching out! What are your thoughts @Zsofi? ✨💭

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

I think it's great to start out in one field and then branch out. For me it was similar, first, non-profits here in Brussels, then design conferences, then an even wider net, slowly but surely...

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Rachna Ghiya's avatar

The disclaimer to the disclaimer :) Insightful as always, Zsofi. Do you suggest any specific course for character illustration?

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

I don't know any, to be honest. Specifically sketchnote characters?

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Rachna Ghiya's avatar

No worries, Zsofi. I think at this point, anything that would help me get over my fear of making characters...anything as simple as making sketch characters would work at this stage.

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

Start drawing and don’t show it to anyone :) copy other people’s characters until you find your own… good luck, don’t let fear ruin the fun!

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Alex Hallatt's avatar

I wondered the same thing.

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Rachna Ghiya's avatar

I will share in case I come across any :)

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Andy ‘Onegraydot’ Gray's avatar

What kind of thing are you looking for?

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Rachna Ghiya's avatar

Hey Andy, To start with, I want to learn how can one create a simple sticky character in different poses and then later on may be try making my own characters with that knowledge. But that comes at quite a later stage :)

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Andy ‘Onegraydot’ Gray's avatar

I was running a workshop last weekend at international sketchnotes camp on creating characters. When I asked at the start what would be awesome, the participants said a book of how to draw characters fast. So I said I’d make it. Essentially it’s how to draw characters as quickly and as easily as stick figures. I’ve kinda promised to make it…

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

Supercool, Andy!

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Rachna Ghiya's avatar

Wow! What more can I ask from the universe :) Thanks Andy. Please let me know whenever you release it. Following you to stay updated.

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RAJ KAUR's avatar

Your sketch notes make me wanna sketch note so bad!

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

Then it’s probably time you give it a go!

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RAJ KAUR's avatar

Yes, I’d love to get some work in this area. How many examples would you aim for on a website?

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

I don’t think there is a set number but I think I’d be comfortable with 3-4 pieces.

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RAJ KAUR's avatar

Thank you - this post was really helpful!

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

Go go go!

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Georgina Dean's avatar

Always grateful to be learning from different ‘lenses’ and experiences, so thank you always, for sharing your trade craft with us! 🙏🏻✨💭

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Zsofi Lang's avatar

I love sharing this stuff, thank kyou for reading :)

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Kyrie's avatar

I appreciate how honest you are that it’s a great side income but is best as part of a muti basket system.

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