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In the digital age, where most of us spend our time in front of screens, traditional handwritten note-taking might seem outdated. However, research and experiences of many creative minds show that combining text with quick sketches can be a powerful tool for stimulating creativity and innovative thinking. In this article, we will explore how creative note-taking can enhance our understanding of problems and lead us to discover unconventional solutions.

The Power of Combining Words and Images

When we combine text with quick sketches, we engage both hemispheres of the brain simultaneously. The left hemisphere, responsible for logical thinking and analysis, works on the text, while the right hemisphere, associated with creativity and imagination, is activated by drawing. This synergy leads to a more comprehensive and creative approach to problem-solving.

Quick sketches allow us to visualize abstract concepts, often leading to a deeper understanding of the subject. Diagrams, mind maps, or simple icons can help capture complex ideas in an accessible form. Moreover, such a multisensory approach to note-taking significantly enhances our memory and ability to recall information in the future.

Handwritten Note-Taking and Brain Stimulation

The very act of handwriting and drawing has remarkable stimulating properties for our brain. Unlike typing, which is automated, handwritten note-taking requires full engagement and focus. This allows us to be more present “in the moment,” reducing distractions and improving concentration.

The physical act of writing activates brain areas associated with learning and information processing. Studies have shown that students who take notes by hand understand and remember material better than those who use laptops. Additionally, the slower pace of handwriting compared to typing allows for deeper reflection and more conscious processing of information.

Creative Note-Taking Techniques

There are several creative note-taking techniques we can use to stimulate our creativity:

1. Mind Maps: A central concept surrounded by related ideas, connected by lines or arrows. This method allows for a visual representation of relationships between different concepts.
2. Sketchnoting: A combination of text, simple drawings, and icons. Ideal for quickly capturing key points during presentations or brainstorming sessions.
3. Cornell Method: A structured note-taking format with space for main notes, questions, and a summary. It supports active learning and critical thinking.

Experimenting with different techniques will help us find the method that best suits our thinking style and needs. The key is to find a balance between structure and freedom, allowing our minds to flow creatively.

Creative note-taking is not just a way to record information, but a tool for actively processing knowledge and generating new ideas. It allows us to look at problems from a new perspective, see unconventional connections, and find innovative solutions. In a world where creativity and innovation are highly valued, it’s worth reaching for a pen and notebook to give our minds the space for creative development.

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I would like to share something that has recently inspired me and, I hope, will interest you as well. It involves the note-taking methods used by Paul Klee and currently employed by Carolyn Sewell. The techniques from both creators seem not only very creative but also practical to me. Therefore, they can be useful to anyone interested in an innovative approach to learning and creative work.

Paul Klee was a Swiss-German artist born on December 18, 1879, in Münchenbuchsee and passed away on June 29, 1940, in Muralto. His work was incredibly diverse, encompassing various movements such as expressionism, cubism, and surrealism, although his style was so unique that it is difficult to classify it definitively. Klee was a pioneer of abstraction, and his works are full of symbols, grids, and fantastic forms, making him one of the main representatives of abstract art.

One of the most important stages of his career was his work at the Bauhaus, where as a teacher, he influenced the shaping of the program and philosophy of this famous school, combining art with craftsmanship and technology. His lectures on color theory had a significant impact on generations of artists and designers. Klee was also known for experimenting with artistic techniques, often combining different media and creating his own methods of work. His work was characterized by a deep connection with music, which was reflected in the harmony and rhythm of his compositions.

Klee had a unique way of taking notes. However, imitating or being inspired by Paul Klee’s notes can bring many benefits to people who are not artists but wish to develop creative thinking in the context of innovation and problem-solving in business and everyday life. Klee’s notes, full of symbols, abstractions, and experiments, can inspire thinking outside the box, which is crucial in business, where innovative solutions often require abandoning traditional methods and seeking new paths. Experimenting with form and color, characteristic of Klee, can be translated into experimenting with different strategies and solutions in business. This approach also allows for the quick testing of new ideas. Klee placed great emphasis on the development of individual expression and intuition. This strategy greatly supports the creation of innovative solutions.

Carolyn Sewell is a talented designer, illustrator, and master of sketchnoting, or visual note-taking. She lives in Northern Virginia and is known for her unique approach to combining text with drawings, which makes her notes full of life and energy. Her works have been published in renowned magazines such as *Communication Arts* and *The Washington Post*, and her clients include brands like Starbucks and *The New York Times*. Sketchnoting, as practiced by Sewell, is not only a way to capture the essence of lectures and meetings but also a method that makes information more accessible and easier to remember.

For those who are not artists but want to take notes like Carolyn Sewell, sketchnoting can be an excellent tool for developing creativity and organizing thoughts. To start, it is worth building your visual “alphabet,” a set of basic shapes and icons that can be quickly drawn. It is also crucial to experiment with page layouts and different writing styles. This allows for highlighting the most important information and adding dynamics to the notes. It is important not to be afraid of making mistakes and to remember that perfection is not the goal; sketchnoting is a process that becomes more intuitive and fluid over time. With regular practice, you can not only improve your skills but also make the note-taking process more engaging and satisfying.

I encourage you to try a bit of note-taking madness by experimenting with these techniques in your daily work or study. I am sure it will enable you to discover new ways to develop your skills and express yourself. Good luck with your creative note-taking.

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