Sketchnote Podcast

By Mike RohdeEducation Arts Self-Improvement How To Visual Arts

Sketchnote Podcast episodes

July 07All The Tips — Season 1
Hey everyone, it’s Mike Rohde, and I’m here with another All The Tips episode, this one wrapping up Season 1 of the Sketchnote Podcast.
One of the most popular episodes is “All The Tips.” I think hearing tips from all the guests in one single episode with a little inspirational music is a great way to wrap up the season. It’s always one of my favorite episodes to put together because I know how well it’s received by all of you listening or watching.
Danny Gregory
Embrace constraints and personal projects. Constraints challenge your mind and spark problem-solving. Limit yourself to drawing only food on your next trip, or use only two colored pencils. Create a daily list of ten ideas, such as dishes you could cook with radishes or dead people you’d like to have dinner with. Do this for a year, and you’ll have 3,650 ideas (maybe five of them are great). Combine constraints with personal projects to create a sense of obligation and purpose that keeps you motivated.

Break through plateaus with a beginner’s mind. After a year of drawing, you’ll hit a plateau where your improvement stalls. To overcome this, try new subjects, tools, or styles, breaking your routine. Danny’s weekly YouTube stream, Draw With Me, encourages this by drawing 40 different items in an hour, upside down, with your non-dominant hand, or watercolor.

Redefine practice: drawing exercises like eggs, grids, cubes, and shading charts are just tools, not fun activities. Think of practice as professionals do… something you simply do and apply. To improve at drawing noses, fill a sketchbook with varied portraits of interesting noses. Keep it engaging and relevant to what you care about.
Sarah Greer
Learn to navigate the shitties. The creative process is a roller coaster. Every project (whether it takes a day or a year) will have a low point. The shitties are real, but they’re also just part of the process. Go for a walk, step away, hang in there. It’s always darkest before the dawn. Knowing that the low is coming means you won’t be surprised when it arrives, and you’ll know it will pass.

Challenge yourself often. Growth comes from discomfort. Sarah’s example: picking up an iPad for the first time and going straight into a live client meeting with it a week later. Or diving into Mental Canvas with no experience. Whatever tool or skill you’re curious about, dive in. Don’t wait until you feel ready because you won’t. Just go.

Find inspiration outside your daily practice. Go to museums, plays, musicals, and shows. Get fresh eyes on the world. Even crawling around on the floor with a grandchild and seeing things from a different height can shift your perspective. Inspiration rarely comes from staring at the same thing every day.
Adrian Peryer
Set the environment up right. If you want to do more and do it better, create the conditions for flow. Figure out what space, setup, or ritual gets you and others into a productive, creative state. Don’t leave your environment to chance — design it intentionally.

Find your wise mind every day. Try to be balanced, level, and check your ego at the door. For Adrian, that path led to yoga (inspired by Sarah), and it’s been the single best way to start each day in the right mode. Your path may be different, but finding something that centers you before creative work matters.

Remember that emotions are a wave. It never goes according to plan. Under pressure, when things don’t go the way you expected, pause. Remember that emotions — frustration, disappointment, overwhelm — are a wave. They will pass. It will get better. Give it time before reacting.
David Armano
Use AI to get unstuck, but push it. AI is sycophantic by default and will tell you what you want to hear. But if you know yourself well enough, you can push it to give you genuinely useful counsel. David has found it a surprisingly good substitute for a human career coach when used selectively and with self-awareness. The key is knowing what you want from it before you ask.

Protect your ability to be intentional. Step away from screens regularly. Consider going analog: David switched from an iPad to a Remarkable tablet that feels like paper and found it helped him be more deliberate and focused. Our biggest nemesis these days is technology and distractions that erode our ability to be intentional with our time. Watch out for brain fry (the opposite of flow state) that comes from multitasking across too many AI tools at once.

Make yourself memorable in person. Find ways to be experiential, distinctive, and ownable. Remote work and podcasting are great, but when there’s an opportunity to show up in person, take it. Face-to-face connection is more valuable than ever. Find your thing — wear the unusual sport coat, bring personality, and do something that makes people remember the experience of being with you.
Andrew Tan
Draw directly with a pen. Skip the pencil rough and go straight to pen. A diary comic or a sketchnote is spontaneous. You don’t pre-plan a diary; you just let it flow. A pen prevents overthinking and over-editing. Whatever mistakes appear, cancel them or leave them. The imperfections look more charming and more honest, and drawing directly builds your confidence in ways that penciling first never will.

Add black to create contrast and focus. A common problem in illustration is too many mid-tones and not enough contrast. Find the most important area in what you’re drawing and make it darker, almost solid black. A hat, a pair of eyes, or a shadow area. When everything is outlined in gray, the viewer’s brain has to work harder to figure out where to look. A little black makes the focal point clear.

Give yourself permission to be imperfect. Beating yourself up over small mistakes slows everything down. Give yourself little permissions as you draw; if it’s a bit distorted or a bit off, just leave it. Andrew found that accepting imperfection helped him draw better over time. And sometimes the wonky line or the slightly off proportion is what makes a drawing look human, warm, and alive.
Tabitha Walker
There is no right or wrong way to do this work. Everyone processes information and puts it on the page in their own unique way. The way you sketchnote won’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s not a problem; it’s the point. Don’t get caught up in whether you’re doing it correctly. Just start.

Practice to find your unique style and let it evolve. Your style will change over time, and that’s okay. The way Tabitha’s work looks now is different from how it looked five or ten years ago. Sketchnoting and graphic recording are living practices. Keep doing the work, and trust that your voice will continue to develop.

Don’t try to look like someone else. It’s tempting to look at the best in the field and think your work has to match theirs. It doesn’t. Whether you work in black and white, full color, all caps, or cursive… that’s your style. Own it. When your work has its own identity, people will recognize it as yours. That recognition is one of the most valuable things you can build.
Atom Brum
Let go of the filter. Just get it out. When you’re sketchnoting a live talk or lecture, overthinking headers and lettering means you miss what’s being said. The purpose of a sketchnote is visual communication and recall, not a finished piece of art. Let it flow. Accept what comes out. The act of doing it is already the benefit.

Make it easy for yourself with the right materials. Are you prepared? Do you have paper on hand? Do you have pens that feel satisfying to write with? The materials matter more than people realize. Adam’s go-tos: the Marvy Le Pen for a uniquely satisfying writing feel, and Micron 01, 03, and 08. Keep your toolkit simple and portable, and make sure it’s always with you.
Georgina Dean
Struggle first, then ask AI. Don’t go to AI for the answer before you’ve genuinely tried to work it out yourself. The struggle is where learning and memory happen. Georgina spent three hours fighting with a printer before finally asking for help, and she’ll never forget that experience. Creative friction is valuable. Give yourself a real shot before turning to a tool for the answer.

Use AI to analyze, not just to answer. Once you’ve done the work, AI can be a useful coach, helping you understand what went wrong, what you could do differently, and how to improve the process next time. It doesn’t have to be just a shortcut to the answer. Used reflectively, it becomes more like a mentor than a search engine.

When stuck on a visual, ask AI for words, not images. If you can’t visualize a concept, request text suggestions, such as metaphors or descriptions, instead of images. Your imagination, based on words, yields personalized results. Also, upload a finished sketchnote for feedback, but note that files uploaded to non-enterprise OpenAI may be used for training, so protect your work.
Zsofi Lang
Follow your passion. Sophie posted science comics on Instagram out of love, which led to a deal with a publisher. The journey from personal hobby to career isn’t direct but begins with consistent effort and sharing. Try new things and pursue what excites you.
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
52 min
June 30Zsofi Lang: How a Passion Project Became a Book Deal — S1/E9
In this episode, I welcome back Zsofi Lang, a Brussels-based illustrator and graphic recorder who shares how a personal passion project, drawing science comics for her daughter during COVID, unexpectedly led to a six-part children's book deal with UK publisher Flying Eye Books.
We dig into what made her sketchnote-influenced style attractive to a publisher, why self-disqualification holds so many visual thinkers back, and how following your curiosity can open doors you didn't know existed.
Running Order
Introduction to Zsofi Lang and her return to the podcast

What Zsofi does: live illustration, graphic recording, and a new shift into children's books

The origin of her science comics series on Instagram during COVID

Discovering publisher Flying Eye Books through Adam Ming's Substack

How reaching out to a publisher led to a six-part book deal

The reframing: from "How to Explain Science to a Five Year Old" to "How to Explain Anything to Grown-ups"

Writing and illustrating for seven to ten year olds

Why a sketchnote style was exactly what the publisher wanted

The danger of self-disqualification and discounting your own work

Passion as the key ingredient: doing 20 comics before ever pitching

Kevin Kelly's quote on becoming the most improbable person you can be

AI, authenticity, and leaning into your unique perspective

Privilege, accessibility, and finding ways to express creative passions

The practical process: working with subject consultants, visualizing facts, and adding personality

Experimenting with personal projects and reviving buried work

The Milwaukee party at South by Southwest: a story about doing things without permission

Collaborative murals: team building through paint-by-numbers style projects

Where to find Zsofi
Resources & Links
Zsofi Lang on Substack

How to Explain Book

ZL Drawings (graphic recording and illustration)

Flying Eye Books

Adam Ming on Substack [Need Correct URL]

Kevin Kelly
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from an experience you've had, just using the photos and memories you've got?
In the Reflective Travel Workshop Video Replay, I'll guide you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes and then help you reflect on your own photos and memories so that you can make travel sketchnotes of your own trips, too!
This 2-hour recorded video includes a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates and a process to kickstart your own travel sketchnoting practice.
All this for just $20.
Get the Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
43 min
June 25Georgina Dean embraces visual thinking and balance in education and life — S1/E8
This episode with Georgina Dean explores how visual thinking, digital balance, and project-based learning can transform education and personal growth.
Georgina’s insights highlight the importance of tactile exploration, the balance between analog and digital, and the power of visual tools to enhance memory and engagement, especially in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Running Order
Welcome and Georgina’s background in education and sketchnoting

How COVID-19 triggered Georgina’s journey into visual thinking

The science of memory, metacognition, and multimodal learning strategies

Pedagogy explained: How we learn and teach across ages

The impact of drawing and annotation on information retention and recall

Balancing digital tools with analog experiences for children’s development

The return to tactile activities and the influence on human connection

The importance of balance between technology and humanity in a digital age

The cultural shift from analog to digital and back to equilibrium

How companies and parents can support responsible tech use and understanding

The era of creativity and innovation — exploring new learning playgrounds

The role of visual thinking in teacher training and classroom engagement

Real-world applications: sketchnoting in classrooms during lockdown and beyond

The importance of in-person teacher workshops and community building

Creative projects with students: from anime to storytelling and visual summaries

Project-based learning as a tool for real-world skills and critical thinking

Scaffolding and differentiation through project work and digital tools

Learning from struggle: the importance of perseverance and exploration

Using AI tools for feedback, brainstorming, and visualizing ideas

Integrating reading, writing, drawing, and tech in a cohesive practice

The power of community events like Sketchnote Camp to inspire and connect

Final thoughts: transforming education with visual thinking and purpose-driven technology
Resources & Links
Wonder with Georgina — Substack

Georgina’s Website

Georgina on Instagram

Georgina on LinkedIn

Adobe Fresco
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from a trip, using only photos and memories you already have?
In this 2-hour recorded video replay, I walk you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes, then guide you through your own photos and memories so you can do the same for your trips.
You'll also get a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates to help you get started.
The full video replay and templates are just $20.
https://rohdesign.com/travel
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
1 hr 14 min
June 16Atom Brum: Embracing Heart and Humanity in Creative AI Work — S1/E7
In this episode, I talk with Atom Brum of Studio Heartfelt to talk about how he's built a deeply personal creative practice that blends hand-drawn illustration, needle felting, and AI tools, without losing the heart and intention that make his work uniquely his.
We dig into his origin story, his workflow, why story always comes first, and what it means to stay a creative person through a period of real upheaval.
Running Order
Introduction to Atom Brum and his unique artistic approach

How AI amplifies Atom's visual storytelling and character design

The multifaceted nature of AI: helpful tool vs. distracting fad

The importance of capturing emotion over technical perfection

Stories that defy Hollywood conventions, rooted in authenticity

Atom's visual and narrative style — simple moments, deep messages

Finding inspiration through everyday observation and mindfulness

The origin of the "green nose" signature and playful branding

Atom's creative background and how it influences his process

The importance of organic, unfiltered creation and embracing imperfections

Practical tools: drawing on paper, digital platforms, and AI workflows

Using AI platforms like Nano Banana for character stylization and scene building

The challenges and opportunities of AI in creating complex scenes with many characters

The limitations of current tools and the importance of human oversight

Moving from digital characters to physical needle felt creations

The impact and ethics of AI — control, control, control, and environmental considerations

Tips for creatives: letting go of filters, preparing materials, and trusting the process

The significance of humor, playfulness, and authenticity in artistic expression

Atom's playful "green nose" as a symbol of fun and spontaneity

Building resilience and a positive mindset amid rapid technological change

Final thoughts and encouragement for fellow creatives
Resources & Links
Studio Heartfelt

Atom on Substack

Procreate

Concepts App

Flora AI Platform
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from a trip, using only photos and memories you already have?
In this 2-hour recorded video replay, I walk you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes, then guide you through your own photos and memories so you can do the same for your trips.
You'll also get a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates to help you get started.
The full video replay and templates are just $20.
https://rohdesign.com/travel
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
1 hr 1 min
June 09Tabitha Walker: Visual Thinking, Travel Sketching, and Finding Your Style — S1/E6
I sit down with Tabitha Walker a professional graphic recorder, instructional designer, and travel artist based in the Washington DC area. We talk about how her background as an analyst shaped her approach to visual work, the toolkit she's developed, and why her travel journal from Mongolia became the spark for Sketch Journeys. We dig into developing a personal style, staying impartial in the room, and why there's no single right way to do this work.
Running Order
Introduction to the podcast style and guest

Who is Tabitha Walker, and her background

How travel journaling sparked her visual work

The story behind her Mongolia trip and visual travel log

Early artistic influences and formative childhood experiences

Transition from analysis to graphic recording

Challenges of large-scale drawing and building confidence

The meditative state during recording sessions

Developing a personal style and learning from others

The role of randomness and serendipity in career paths

Impartiality and filter skills in graphic recording

Handling logistical challenges with tools and venue surfaces

Building adaptable workflows and preparing for mobile recording

Managing equipment and logistical planning, including vetting venues

Exploring digital tools like iPad and Procreate for remote work

Techniques for digital versus analog recording

Creating effective readouts and summaries post-event

Innovating with digital presentations and paid add-ons

Practical advice for visual thinkers: practice, style, authenticity

Three tips for aspiring visual thinkers

Connecting with Tabitha and her online presence

Closing remarks and appreciation
Resources & Links
Sketched Journeys — Substack

Sketched Journeys — Business Website

Procreate

Neuland Markers

Faber-Castell 9000 Pencils

Pentel Slicci 0.25

Uni-ball Signo DX 0.38

Watercolor Pencils — Faber-Castell

White Acrylic Markers
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
1 hr 2 min
June 02Andrew Tan: Embracing Creativity, Reflection, and Tools — S1/E5
In this episode, I sit down with Andrew Tan, a freelance illustrator, art teacher, and creator of Drewscape, to discuss his journey from daydreaming about being a business major to becoming an independent illustrator in Singapore.
We dig into how his years as an advertising art director shaped his approach to working with clients, his love of vintage fountain pens, the push-and-pull between analog and digital tools, and what he’s learned about confidence, contrast, and giving yourself permission to be imperfect.
Running Order
Introduction and Andrew's journey from YouTube rabbit holes to professional illustration

The significance of sketching as a reflection tool and its flexibility

How culture and background influence Andrew's artistic path in Singapore and America

Transitioning from art direction to independent freelancing

How Andrew's art direction experience shapes his illustration work

Insights into Andrew's tools: vintage fountain pens, monoprints, and more

The impact of storyboarding and speed training in Andrew's skillset

Effects of the pandemic on Andrew's professional projects and his COVID Chronicle series

Cultural perspectives on comics and visual storytelling in Asia and Singapore

Changing perceptions of comics from kids' entertainment to sophisticated storytelling mediums

Favorite tools: iPad Pro, Procreate, and challenges with digital vs. traditional mediums

Embracing imperfections and the psychology of confident drawing

Techniques for sketching and illustration workflow, combining paper and iPad

Practical tips for visual thinkers in a creative rut: spontaneity, contrast, and permission

Connecting with Andrew: YouTube, website, and ongoing courses
Resources & Links
Drewscape — YouTube

Drewscape — Website and Blog

Andrew's Skillshare Courses

Procreate

Adobe Illustrator

Greg Minuskin Vintage Fountain Pens

Monoprint Techniques — Overview
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from a trip, using only photos and memories you already have?
In this 2-hour recorded video replay, I walk you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes, then guide you through your own photos and memories so you can do the same for your trips.
You'll also get a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates to help you get started.
The full video replay and templates are just $20.
https://rohdesign.com/travel
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
48 min
May 26David Armano: Unlocking Creativity in the Age of AI — S1/E4
In this episode, I sit down with David Armano to talk about how visual thinkers and creative professionals can navigate an increasingly AI-driven landscape. We dig into how to use AI tools effectively, develop a style that's distinctly your own, and stay memorable whether you're working remotely or in person.
Running Order
Introduction to AI and creativity in the digital age

David’s background in design and experience with web and AI tools

Evolution of design education before tech and navigating change

How manual processes shaped early digital work and the push-up in quality with new tools

Lessons from Photoshop’s early filters and digital experimentation

Blending analog sketches with AI fine-tuning for authentic style

Training AI to match your visual aesthetic and guidelines

The importance of structure and boundaries in AI-generated design

Building consistent visualizations and curating style through feedback

Using AI to manage content and automate visualization in ongoing projects

Combining human and AI efforts for scalable, reliable outcomes

Identifying your niche to stand out and create memorable, in-person experiences

The power of in-person presence, personality, and memorable engagement

How to differentiate your work and avoid being commoditized

Creating memorable sketch notes and in-room experiences that evoke “magic”

Developing a unique style that stands up to AI mimicry

Transitioning from designer to creative director—guiding AI as a tool

Embracing the opportunity for anyone to leverage AI, even with simple sketches

Tips for overcoming creative rut and the importance of reflection and intentionality

Resources to follow David Armano and stay connected

Final thoughts on innovation, community, and future opportunities
Resources & Links:
David by Design

David's Homepage

TBDaily — David’s curated and AI-generated daily update.

Launch by NTT Data

DALL-E 3 — for image generation with prompts

David on LinkedIn
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from a trip, using only photos and memories you already have?
In this 2-hour recorded video replay, I walk you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes, then guide you through your own photos and memories so you can do the same for your trips.
You'll also get a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates to help you get started.
The full video replay and templates are just $20.
https://rohdesign.com/travel
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
56 min
May 19Sarah Greer & Adrian Peryer: Rethinking Meetings — S1/E3
In this episode, I sit down with Sarah Greer and Adrian Peryer, co-founders of Shared Vision Toolkit, to talk about how they've spent decades transforming ordinary meetings into immersive, co-creative experiences.
We dig into their Design-Centric Facilitation™ approach, the magic of a well-designed room, why 80% of the work happens before anyone walks through the door, and how visual thinking helps build genuine alignment inside organizations.
Running Order
Introduction to transforming meetings into immersive, collaborative experiences

The role of environment: whiteboards, lighting, and space design

The extensive preparation process: months of research and iteration

Using questions and frameworks to guide co-creative sessions

The magic of walking into a thoughtfully designed room

The impact of immersive environments on productivity and engagement

Redesigning weekly meetings to maintain freshness and effectiveness

Icebreakers and humor: building trust and vulnerability

The power of visual listening and capture techniques

Navigating virtual environments and building shared spaces online

Case studies: product feedback sessions, strategic off-sites, and re-purposing physical spaces

The origin story: from initial practices inside HP to scaling across tech giants

The importance of leadership sponsorship and organizational culture

Capability transfer: training clients to sustain practices

Making tools affordable and accessible for broader impact

Practical tips for listeners: navigating creative challenges, challenging oneself, and seeking inspiration outside work

Setting up environments to sustain flow and energy

The journey of scaling practices, including the transition from corporate parent to independence

Embracing chaos and turning moments of disruption into opportunities
Resources & Links
Shared Vision Toolkit

Shared Vision Toolkit on LinkedIn

Shared Vision Toolkit on YouTube

Sarah Greer on LinkedIn

Adrian Peryer on LinkedIn

Ron Westrum's Culture Framework

Mental Canvas
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from a trip, using only photos and memories you already have?
In this 2-hour recorded video replay, I walk you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes, then guide you through your own photos and memories so you can do the same for your trips.
You'll also get a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates to help you get started.
The full video replay and templates are just $20.
https://rohdesign.com/travel
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
56 min
May 12Danny Gregory: Art with a Lowercase 'a' — S1/E2
In this episode, I sit down with Danny Gregory, artist, author, and co-founder of Sketchbook Skool, to talk about how a personal tragedy late in his advertising career became the catalyst for a whole new creative life.
We dig into his philosophy of art with a lowercase ‘a’, why constraints and personal projects are the best way to push through plateaus, and how travel journaling can deepen your experience of place while building your artistic voice.
Running Order
Introducing Danny Gregory and his approach to accessible art

Danny’s shift from advertising to personal drawing practice

The life-changing event that inspired Danny’s artistic journey

The therapeutic role of drawing and storytelling in life challenges

Recognizing style and personality in beginner artists

Developing Sketchbook School and its mission to democratize art

The concept of travel journaling and capturing memories in sketchbooks

Using constraints and personal projects to foster growth

How travel influences perception and the importance of experiencing place

Travel storytelling and how sketching enhances the experience

Overcoming plateaus: beginner’s mind and trying new things

Rethinking practice: applying skills through projects and constraints

The value of frequency, variety, and embracing life’s unpredictability in drawing

Final thoughts: making art accessible and inclusive for all
Resources & Links
Sketchbook Skool- Danny’s online creativity and drawing school

Paris in a Day - A live workshop with Danny on Saturday, May 16th! Save 15% with coupon code SKETCHNOTE

Sketchbook Skool (Danny’s YouTube Channel)

I Drew Across America - See Danny’s sketchbook unfold as he and his wife drove across America.

Danny Gregory’s Weekly Essays

Book: The Illustrated Life — by Danny Gregory

Book: The Creative License — by Danny Gregory

Book: Art Before Breakfast — by Danny Gregory
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from an experience you’ve had, just using the photos and memories you’ve got?
In the Reflective Travel Workshop, I’ll guide you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes and then help you reflect on your own photos and memories so that you can make travel sketchnotes of your own trips, too!
This 2-hour recorded video includes a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates and a process to kickstart your own travel sketchnoting practice.
All this for just $20.
Buy the Workshop for $20
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
1 hr 2 min
May 05Federica Tabone & Claudio Nichele: Sketchnote Camp Verona 2026 — S1/E1
In this episode, I sit down with Federica Tabone and Claudio Nichele, two of the key organizers behind the upcoming Verona International Sketchnote Camp, to talk about how this pioneering event brings together the ISC and EVP communities for the first time. We dig into the innovative Full Bar Camp Plus format, what makes Verona the perfect backdrop, and why this gathering is designed around active participation, collective learning, and community connection.
Running Order
Introduction and overview of the Verona Sketchnote Camp

The story behind organizing the Verona event

The collaboration between ISC and EVP communities

The Full Bar Camp Plus format explained

The interactive, participant-led sessions and collective harvesting

Cultural highlights of Verona: history, food, and city experiences

Event logistics: tickets, prices, and optional dinners

What is a Bar Camp? Explanation and twists for Verona

The concept of collective learning and post-event harvesting

The beauty and culture of Verona as the event backdrop

Food, networking, and the Italian experience

Ticket options, early bird pricing, and optional activities

Practical information: dinner and lunch costs

The community spirit and opportunities for meaningful connections

Closing remarks: excitement for the event and community gratitude
Resources & Links
International Sketchnote Camp

Tickets for ISC26IT

European Visual Practitioners

Federica Tabone on LinkedIn

Claudio Nichele on LinkedIn

What is a BarCamp?
Sponsored by The Reflective Travel Workshop Video
Have you ever wanted to create travel sketchnotes from a trip, using only photos and memories you already have?
In this 2-hour recorded video replay, I walk you through my process for creating travel sketchnotes, then guide you through your own photos and memories so you can do the same for your trips.
You'll also get a set of downloadable, printable sketching templates to help you get started.
The full video replay and templates are just $20.
https://rohdesign.com/travel
Subscribe to the Sketchnote Podcast
You can subscribe to the podcast through iTunes, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube or your favorite podcast listening source.
Support the Podcast
To support the creation, production, and hosting of the Sketchnote Army Podcast, buy one of Mike Rohde's bestselling books. Use code ROHDE40 at Peachpit.com for 40% off!
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. You don’t need to be an artist to think visually. Join Mike and learn to use sketchnotes to clarify your thinking, solve problems, and move forward. Learn more about Sketchnote Lab.
Mike is the author of The Sketchnote Handbook and The Sketchnote Workbook, bestselling books that teach regular people how to start sketchnoting and build a regular sketchnoting practice.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike teaches recorded, live, and in-person workshops to accelerate your sketchnoting practice and provides personalized coaching for your specific visual-thinking challenges.
He is the illustrator of bestselling books like REWORK, REMOTE, The $100 Startup, Honest SEO, The Culture Playbook, and The Future Begins with Z.
Become a Supporting or Founding Lab Partner to support Mike’s work.
Some links in Sketchnote Lab posts are affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend tools and resources I use and believe in.
©2026 Mike Rohde, Sketchnote Lab
22 min

About Sketchnote Podcast

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Mike Rohde interviews visual thinkers about tools, techniques, and their approach to the practice and craft of sketchnoting.

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