Intro to Sketchnnoting ~ Fri Aug 28 @ the SF Pen Show [live workshop]
Give your notes a creative makeover with Sketchnoting!
** This workshop is hosted by the SF Pen Show 2026 **
Visual note-taking (aka: sketchnoting) is a fabulously fun technique used to transform simple notes into rich visual summaries. It’s a great way to capture ideas, to remember them, and to share them with others. Whether used as a personal tool to develop your creativity, or as a way to share information with others, sketchnotes are a powerful way to create memorable, engaging info summaries while you also develop and express your own unique visual style.
In this hands-on workshop at the SF Pen Show, you’ll get to know the benefits of making visual notes, create a visual vocabulary of objects (things) and concepts (ideas), practice simple lettering techniques, and learn to structure information into common layout patterns. Then you’ll bring it all together as you practice creating sketchnotes in real time. You’ll further hone your skills with collaborative feedback and critique.
If you’re new to sketchnoting, this is a fun and fast way to get started. If you’re a seasoned sketcher or visual note-taker, you’ll advance your practice in a whole new way!
- 20 seats available
- $65 for workshop. Tuition does not include entry to the SF Pen Show (required to attend)
- There is also a session of this workshop on Saturday, Aug 29, 8-10:30am.
These materials will be provided:
- Regular letter-sized paper
- Pre-printed practice templates for activities
- An assortment of colored pencils for use during the session
- A box where you can store your inner critic during the session
Please bring:
- Your favorite writing pens
- Your favorite notebook/paper/journal/sketchbook
- A grey marker, pen with ink or grey pencil
- Any color media that you like to use (such as colored ink, markers or pencils)
- Your enthusiasm and energy
See you there!