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Think on Paper (12 Creatives Who Will Inspire You)

Last updated on April 12th, 2022 • Motivation and Inspiration

Doodles help us craft thought, and they help us remember. These 12 creatives will inspire you to start using the margins and think on paper!
Doodles help us craft thought, and they help us remember. These 12 creatives will inspire you to start using the margins and think on paper!

Did you know that drawing is thinking? You can think on paper more effectively than keeping things in your head.

Each time we scribble some shapes in a margin, bubble an idea, or make a stick figure stand on its head, our brains are working something out. Doodles help us craft thought, and they help us remember.

But the benefits are more than just cognitive.

Through doodling, we have the potential to communicate more powerfully with others. Bring a napkin and pencil into a conversation and it shifts the dialog — often making things clearer than when we use words alone.

Want to unlock your own ability to think on paper? These 12 brilliant creatives can inspire and show you how:

Illustration of Sunni Brown by Cathy Hutchison.
Sunni Brown launched a Doodle Revolution.

Sunni Brown

Sunni Brown’s TED talk, Doodler’s Unite! gave legitimacy to the power of doodling to clarify thinking, but her 2012 release, The Doodle Revolution: Unlock the Power to Think Differently, launched a movement.

Featured on the Today Show with Megan Kelly, Sunni shares, “A lot of people doodle in secret — or in the closet so to speak — but they do actually doodle. It is a universal behavior throughout time. In fact, I have not seen an American president who hasn’t had doodles on his White House letterhead.”

Sunni takes exception to the standard definitions of doodling meaning things like: “to dillydally,” “to make meaningless marks,” or “to do something of little substance.” Sunni’s definition of doodling? “To make spontaneous marks with your mind and body to help yourself think.”

Sunni gives you permission to stop hiding your doodles and start leveraging them to think more effectively. Check out http://www.sunnibrown.com.

Illustration of Austin Kleon by Cathy Hutchison
Austin Kleon inspires people to create.

Austin Kleon

Austin Kleon is “a writer who draws.” His NY Times bestseller, Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative, is for anyone who wants to inject some creativity into their life and work.

Austin removes the pressure that creativity has to be original. He writes, “What a good artist understands is that nothing comes from nowhere. All creative work builds on what came before. Nothing is completely original.”

In his keynote speech at SXSW, he encouraged people to “Show Your Work” (a title which is the powerful follow up to Steal Like an Artist). Kleon explains that “Good work is all about process, yet we tend to only share the products of that process, and not the process itself. Opening up and sharing your process brings you closer to an audience, adds value to your work, and makes you better at what you do.”

Follow Austin’s advice and show your work in process. Letting people see your doodles, sketches, diagrams, and notes can connect you to the people you most want to influence at a deeper level. Check out austinkleon.com.

Illustration of Graham Shaw by Cathy Hutchison
Graham Shaw teaches people that they really can draw. Yes. Everyone.

Graham Shaw

Graham Shaw is a champion for helping people leverage drawing to visualize thought. In his TEDx Hull and TEDx Vienna talks How to Draw to Remember More and Why People Believe They Can’t Draw and How to Prove They Can, Graham busts the myths that drawing is only for artists. “We are all life-long learners and the ability to draw really

expand our learning potential…when we draw, we remember more.”

Graham initially drew during his own presentations to help key messages remain in his audiences’ memories. When a trainer asked if he could teach those skills to others, it began a journey that launched Graham into helping a variety of people. “Many people believe they cannot draw,” he shares. “However, I have now worked with thousands of people who have amazed themselves when they discovered their hidden talents.”

Graham Shaw will help you discover you can do something that you may have previously thought was impossible — draw cartoons of faces. Check out http://www.visionlearning.co.uk.

Illustration of Dan Roam by Cathy Hutchison
Dan Roam coaches people to sketch their ideas to communicate more effectively.

Dan Roam

Dan Roam’s book, The Back of the Napkin, was a breakthrough in teaching people how to problem-solve visually for business. In his latest book, Draw to Win: A Crash Course on How to Lead, Sell, and Innovate With Your Visual Mind, Dan takes the conversation further.

Roam writes, “In your business, you can no longer afford not to be visual. Our visually driven world now demands that pictures step to the front.”

Roam can help you tap into your latent ability to use a pen and paper to problem solve. “Stop thinking about drawing as an artistic process. Drawing is a thinking process.” Check out: http://www.danroam.com/.

Illustration of Ryder Carroll by Cathy Hutchison
Ryder Carroll gave his personal analog productivity system a name and shared it online. The result was a tribe and a movement.

Ryder Carroll

When digital product designer and Brooklyn resident, Ryder Carroll, wanted to keep his life organized, he pulled out a notebook. The method of mindfulness-based productivity he developed became so effective, that he gave it a name and launched a website explaining the system so that others could benefit too.

Bullet Journal® (or BuJo® for short) was so efficient and flexible, that a community sprung up around it. “I wanted to figure out a way for me to be able to capture whatever I was thinking, however I was thinking it, and still house it in a way that was organized and easily accessible,” Carroll says in an article for CNBC.com.

Check out the hashtags #bulletjournal or #bujo on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram and you will discover some truly creative and inspiring adaptations of Ryder’s system. Or learn the system for yourself at http://bulletjournal.com.

Illustration of Michael Lagocki by Cathy Hutchison
Michael Lagocki was one of the first graphic facilitators. He leads high-level conversations visually and helps groups interact.

Michael Lagocki

Michael Lagocki enjoys working with people he likes to hang out with. As an art student, he helped launch GhostWerks Comics with his best friends — which resulted in a handful of comics and an AfterSchool Special. Later with artist and event planner friends, he launched, ArtLoveMagic, a 501c3 focused on arts education for kids and adults.

Recently, Michael has been collaborating with Mindshift using comics to help solve systemic problems. Not only does Michael provide graphic facilitation for Mindshift explorations, and illustrations for the books that result, but he creates graphic novels to communicate solutions to a wider audience than would be reached by books alone.

“Watching a room full of top industry professionals use my comics to understand complex challenges is priceless. I’ve always said that comics will save the world. It is powerful to see it in action,” shares Michael. Check out michaellagocki.com.

Illustration of Jose Naranja by Cathy Hutchison
Jose Naranja shares his inspiring pen and ink travel journals with the world through Instagram and his blog.

Jose Naranja

Jose Naranja is fascinating to follow on Instagram. His illustrated notebooks are works of art. The pages have exquisite detail — a blend of writing, drawing, and sometimes ephemera. The topics range from practical to fanciful, and frequently feature travel. While no one “doodles” quite like Jose Naranja, just seeing his work can light you up with what is possible.

In a recent interview with Notebook Stories, Jose shares, “I spent many years studying and working as Aeronautic Engineer. Unfortunately, when I started working, drawings were already made by computer so I’ve never drawn any technical thing as part of my job (which I’d wish, btw) or received any drawing or art classes. I just try to do as well as I can, observing and feeling. I guess I can make disappear my technical background. I’m as interested in Science as in Art.”

One of the fascinating things about Jose is that he binds his own books so that he can use the paper he prefers. (He has a tutorial on his website with a how-to if you are interested in trying it.) JoseNaranja.blogspot.com.

Illustration of Mike Rohde by Cathy Hutchison
Mike Rohde teaches people how to sketchnote and even hosts a sketchnote podcast.

Mike Rohde

Mike Rohde has great news for everyone who has ever seen sketchnotes and wanted to be able to create them: “You already have all it takes to learn how to create useful, effective sketchnotes, whether you’re new to visual note taking, or you’ve been drawing your whole life.”

The Sketchnote Handbookshows you how to incorporate sketchnoting techniques to help you better process the information that you are hearing and seeing through drawing — regardless of your artistic ability.

Mike is a champion of “ideas, not art” and can teach you how to take the kind of notes that engage your mind and think on paper, best of all, it is a fun process. Check out http://rohdesign.com.

Illustration of Kara Benz (Boho Berry) by Cathy Hutchison
Kara Benz leads the tribe at Boho Berry encouraging people to think on paper.

Kara Benz (aka. Boho Berry)

Kara Benz was working as a server when she decided to open an Etsy shop to feature her bohemian-style jewelry. She started a Bullet Journal to keep herself organized, and as she began blogging as Boho Berry about the topics near to her heart — mindfullness, organization, goal-setting, and personal development — she would also feature shots of her Bullet Journal. The interest in her work grew and she created tutorials to inspire others.

Boho Berry has become a full-fledged tribe for creatives seeking to improve their lives through planning, goal-setting, and motivation. It has also resulted in products such as a beautiful box subscription to help introduce you to the tools. Check out: http://www.bohoberry.com.

Illustration of Alessio Bresciani by Cathy Hutchison
Alessio Bresciani taught himself to sketchnote, and wrote a book to teach others.

Alessio Bresciani

Alessio Bresciani first started sketchnoting based on an annual experiment methodology of learning a new skill. Since then he’s been continuously refining this sketchnoting craft and has found it highly useful for working with digital teams to explore new opportunities.

Alessio blogs, “Sketchnoting and visual thinking can use used for many purposes, from accelerating big thinking through to generating wireframes for prototypes, to creating strategy presentations. I’ve even used it as a method to interview mentors across industries.”

Alessio has a short book, A Simple Guide To Sketchnoting: How To Use Visual Thinking in Daily Life to Improve Communication & Problem Solving. Check out: https://www.alessiobresciani.com/.

Illustration of Michelle Marie by Cathy Hutchison
Michelle Marie shares tutorials on your YouTube channel.

Seaweed Kisses

Michelle Marie is the lifestyle blogger behind Seaweed Kisses. One of the great things about Michelle’s blog is that she has a feature called, The Journal Diaries, that shows the insides of people’s notebooks. She also features stories about her personal notebook — a passport-sized Midori Traveler.

She recently wrote, “There was a point in time, though, where I would baby this Traveler’s Notebook and handle it so delicately. But then I thought to myself, ‘What’s the use of babying it when it’s meant to be handled for everyday use?’ Any imperfections would only add to its charm.”

The Seaweed Kisses YouTube channel is full of how-to’s when it comes to learning to think on paper. A mix of journaling, dayplanning, art, and supplies, Seaweed Kisses is a fantastic source of inspiration to spark your personal creativity. Check out: http://www.seaweedkisses.com/

Michelle Marie also gave us a peek inside her journal here.

Cathy Hutchison is a professional for whom sketchnotes changed her life. Learning to think on paper took her from burnout to effectiveness.

Cathy Hutchison

Cathy was an overwhelmed professional with a demanding job, family, and volunteer projects when she discovered sketchnotes.

Cathy shares, “I was at a conference, so burned out that I couldn’t absorb anything. But when I walked to the back of the room and saw a man scribing the sessions on large boards in a mix of words, color, and doodles, suddenly I could ‘see’ the ideas. I wanted to experience that clarity always. I bought a notebook, black pen and some crayons and started carrying them around with me everywhere. “

Cathy now teaches people how to journal, sketchnote, and think on paper at yourvisualjournal.com. You can read her full story of how sketchnoting changed her life here: How carrying a notebook and crayons erased burnout, improved my career, and delivered on my dreams.

Did you know that drawing is thinking? Each time we scribble some shapes in a margin, bubble an idea, or make a stick figure stand on its head, our brains are working something out.  Here are 12 Creatives Who Will Inspire You To Think On Paper

Want to learn to think on paper, but feel like you are starting at zero? Get your free ebook: Quick Start Guide to Visual Journaling.

About Cathy Hutchison

Cathy Hutchison helps people get more joy, meaning, and freedom in a world of demands through the practice of visual journaling.

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cathy.hutchison

Cathy helps people banish overwhelm,
boost creativity 🎨
and reconnect with their ♥️
through visual journaling. 🖌
Get the free Quickstart guide 📗 here

CathyHutchison | VisualJournal
One of my favorite tools for visual journaling is One of my favorite tools for visual journaling is watercolor crayons. Here, I'm using #neocolorII by @carandache with an #aquabrush. To do this, you have to use a water resistant pen. I'm using a #pittartistpen by @fabercastellusa. #yourvisualjournal #artjournaling #journaling #watercolor
Playing with Posca markers in my pocket sized expe Playing with Posca markers in my pocket sized experimental journal. #yourvisualjournal #artjournaling #posca #arteveryday
Ten years ago, I started carrying a notebook with Ten years ago, I started carrying a notebook with me everywhere. I began taking notes, capturing insight, managing to-do lists, and working through ideas in a combination of words and doodles. 

This practice became a game changer for me. My notebook is my ally in living an intentional life. 

The sheer volume of information we process and decisions we make at a rapid pace is daunting. Getting things out of my head and in front of my eyes creates clarity. 

If this idea intrigues you, check out YourVisualJournal.com. It’s a passion project for me to share this practice with anyone who wants to try this out.

#journaling #yourvisualjournal #bujo #bulletjournal #dotgrid #leuchtturm1917 #notebook #sketchnotes
This year at BFF weekend we created #fairyhouse s This year at BFF weekend we created #fairyhouse s to leave at one of the trails in the hill country. We had so much fun creating then placing them
I was playing with ideas for my new course. #yourv I was playing with ideas for my new course. #yourvisualjournal #sketchnotes
The doodles on the edges of this page are inspired The doodles on the edges of this page are inspired by a mural in the Starbucks I was sitting in. The quote is from Benjamin P Hardy--and I love it that I made a mistake in the middle of it given the quote! ​​​​​​​​
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Creativity is risky business. It requires vulnerability and courage--with a high probability of mistakes and failures along the way. #yourvisualjournal #artjournal #artjournaling #watercolor #watercolorjournal #arteveryday #journaling #journallove
This was a great little book that shares the proce This was a great little book that shares the process of developing ideas. #yourvisualjournal #booksofinstagram #journaling #journal #sketchnotes
I got inspired by @oshupatterns through her @domes I got inspired by @oshupatterns through her @domestika course to play with #poscamarkers. It was so fun to use paint pens in this way. They dry fast and layer well. Super fun! #yourvisualjournal #journaling #artjournaling
When using watercolor crayons and an aquabrush it When using watercolor crayons and an aquabrush it helps to use a water resistant pen. I go through a lot of @fabercastellusa Pitt Artist Pens #journaling #yourvisualjournal #sketchnotediary #sketchnotes
I love my Mother's Day present! Thanks @bethutch ❤️#neocolor2 
There's something about a new set of crayons that is magical! (Plus if you see my most recent post, you can tell that I'm working with pieces parts big time!)
I'm re-reading @gregorymckeown 's Essentialism. I I'm re-reading @gregorymckeown 's Essentialism. I totally forgot about the chapter on our inner childq. So good. ​​​​​​​​
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#journal #journaling #journalingideas #visualjournaling #dailyjournal #journallove  #handwriting #penandpaper #journalcommunity #dotgrid #yourvisualjournal #artjournaling #artjournal #watercolorjournal
Today I misread my calendar and got to my meeting Today I misread my calendar and got to my meeting spot an hour early. The angels must have known how much I needed to just sit and journal. ♥️ What a gift of unstructured time ​​​​​​​​
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#journal #journaling #journalingideas #visualjournaling #dailyjournal #journallove  #handwriting #penandpaper #journalcommunity #dotgrid #yourvisualjournal #artjournaling #artjournal #watercolorjournal
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Disclosures

Some links on this site are affiliate links and as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. The author receives a  small (really small) commission if you happen to buy something.  Funds are used to support journaling supplies & four crazy sweet Aussies who bark for treats every time I come in the door. (To be fair, I have a pattern of giving in to them.) I write about all kinds of journaling, and if Bullet Journaling is your thing, I’m here to support you. But if you want to go deep, go to the original source–Ryder Carroll, who created the system, and started it all at bulletjournal.com. I use the method daily which is why I started writing about it here.
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