Author: Ryan Robinson

Brainstorming Ideas: 4 Visual Techniques to Help Organize Your Thoughts

July 20, 2023

At Ink Factory, we love a good brainstorm. That moment when fresh thinking and white space come together to create magic. But without a way to effectively capture, organize and build on ideas, brainstorming ideas can quickly fall flat. That’s why we’ve designed techniques that deliver big while flexing to fit different needs and audiences. Read on to learn how you can lead organized, productive meetings (templates included!) to capture all your best brainstorming ideas.

Skillshare Note Taking Classes We Love

January 26, 2023

While we were creating our first-ever Skillshare course, we found so many incredible Skillshare Note-Taking classes for deepening visual communication skills. There are so many classes on Skillshare that are excellent supplements to your visual note-taking learning. Here are the courses that we took and absolutely loved!

4 Ways to Use Visual Notes After Your Event

September 12, 2022

You’ve booked an artist to capture visual notes at your next big meeting or event. That’s awesome! Next up: Deciding how to make the most of these notes post-event.

We get it. You’re in the throes of event planning. No time to think about what comes after. But trust us, this is a step worth taking.

That’s because the benefits of visual notes extend well beyond an event. Sure, they’re awesome in real-time to inspire and engage an audience. But their ability to help us remember information and take action on ideas afterward is where they really shine.

To make the transition from event to real-world easy, Ink Factory provides a high-resolution digital copy of the visual notes our artists draw. You’re free to repurpose the notes however you like to keep the ideas and inspiration flowing.

Three Trade Show Booth Ideas Guaranteed to Stand Out

June 27, 2022

The bar is high when it comes to creating buzz-worthy expo and trade show booths and exhibits. And now, with people flocking to shows in greater numbers, expectations are inching even higher.

So, how can you stand out? Skip the branded swag and mark your organization’s return to the show floor with a must-see visual experience. The Ink Factory artist team rounded up three of its favorite creative activations, all designed to draw in attendees and deliver on common show goals.

Break Free From Boring Presentation Design with Visual Notes

April 12, 2022

It’s official! Science has proven what we’ve long believed to be true: Presentations (looking at you, PowerPoint) actually decrease comprehension and retention. Simply put, our brains don’t like when the words we hear are different from the words we see on a presentation design. These competing inputs overwhelm us, and we zone out.

But the news isn’t all bad. Our brains are happy to multitask when they can involve multiple regions. Like when we sing along to the radio while driving a car.

Okay, so if standard presentation design is out, what’s in? For one, visual notes! The magic of visual notes is that they rely on images – rather than words – to reinforce spoken content. Images and words are processed in different areas of the brain, so your audience can take it all in glitch-free.

The Ultimate Guide Part III: Sketchnoting Supplies, Sketchbooks & More

April 4, 2022

New to sketchnoting? In part one of this guide, we reviewed the top black markers for small format visual note-taking, the foundation of any sketchnoting journey. In part 2, we discussed the best color markers for sketchnoting. And now, we’re covering everything else you need to know to create your perfect sketchnoting toolkit!

How To Visualize Ideas in 6 Creative Ways

November 2, 2021

It’s a big leap from knowing that visuals are important to creating really awesome visuals. That’s where we can help. At Ink Factory, our artists are trained listeners, able to translate spoken or written information into clear, compelling images. The best part: This process works no matter the industry or topic. Our library of visual metaphors bridges any knowledge gaps and resonates across industries.

You don’t need to take our word for it (science says you likely won’t remember it anyway). Rather, for maximum recall, let us show you. Read on for six examples of content commonly created and shared in business—and perfect for visualizing. 

What a Group of Creatives Learned from Diversity and Inclusion Training

August 18, 2021

This year the Ink Factory team was lucky enough to work with and learn from Inclusion Chicago on a series of three diversity and inclusion training sessions. We wanted to share some of our favorite learnings from these wonderful workshops that not only educated us but grew our team’s bond.

The Ultimate Guide Part 2: Color Markers for Sketchnoting

July 21, 2021

Color is a hugely important part of visual note-taking, and not something we’re willing to skimp on when it comes to a smaller format! Luckily, there are a lot more options available for water-based color markers, since we don’t need them to be water-resistant like their black ink counterparts.

The Ultimate Guide to Sketchnotes: Part 1 – Black Markers

June 10, 2021

Our team members love to take personal notes in their sketchbooks–what people often call sketchnotes! As a personal tool, sketchnotes are an incredible way to keep you engaged with in-the-moment content like a classroom lecture, a team meeting, or even just listening to your favorite podcast. Plus, you’ll end up with a drawing you can refer back to again and again, so you don’t forget what you learned.