SketchNoting for Changemakers is designed for people who want to communicate ideas more clearly, accessibly, and creatively – especially in science, nature, community, education, research, and social impact spaces.

You do not need to identify as an ‘artist’ to take part. Many participants may be researchers, educators, facilitators, students, campaigners, charity staff, communications staff, or simply people who care deeply about helping others understand complex ideas.

If you’ve ever thought:

• “I can explain this better when I draw it”

• “I want people to engage with ideas, not just read them”

• “I struggle to make my work accessible or memorable”

• “I’m not artistic enough to do this”

…then this course is probably for you.

Accessibility and inclusion are important values within this course. The course materials are designed with accessibility in mind wherever possible, including:

• optional captions/subtitles on videos

• speed control on videos

• transcript and text alternatives to the videos

• clear visual structure

• downloadable supporting materials

• flexible pacing within each week

The aim is to support a wide range of learning and communication styles within the course. By taking part in the course you will also learn how to be inclusive in your developing SketchNoting practice.

If you have specific access needs, you’re welcome to get in touch before enrolling to discuss what would help you participate comfortably.

Yes. Many of the skills covered in this course directly support:

• science communication

• research methodology

• public engagement

• teaching and training

• accessible communication

• leadership and collaboration

• workshop and meeting facilitation

• visual thinking and strategic communication

A training request template is available to help you make a case for employer funding if needed.

Not at all.

This course is not about creating perfect, beautiful artwork. It’s about using simple visual language to support communication, understanding, and connection.

You’ll learn practical ways to:

• simplify ideas

• communicate visually

• structure information clearly

• build confidence using drawings, lettering, layout, and visual storytelling

Simple drawings are often more effective than polished illustrations when it comes to communication.

Over 9 weeks, you’ll learn how to:

• turn complex ideas into clear visual explanations

• create engaging SketchNotes and visual summaries

• use layout, hierarchy, icons, and lettering effectively

• communicate ideas accessibly and inclusively

• develop your own visual communication style

• apply SketchNoting to real-world changemaking work

The course combines practical skills with reflection and real application.

This is a guided 9-week learning experience.

Lessons are released weekly so that everyone moves through the course together at a manageable pace. Each week includes:

• a pre-recorded video lesson

• practical activities

• prompts for reflection and experimentation

• discussion within the course community

The course is intentionally paced to support learning through practice, rather than rushing through content all at once.

Not fully. Content is released week by week to help participants build skills gradually and stay connected with the cohort experience. However, you can work through each week’s materials at your own pace within that structure.

You’ll retain access to the course materials and community for at least 6 months after the course begins.

Most participants should expect to spend around 2–3 hours per week engaging with the lesson, activities, and practice.

Some people may choose to spend more time experimenting and developing their work, but the course is designed to be manageable alongside work, study, or caring responsibilities.

You only need simple materials to begin. Many participants will use:

• a notebook or sketchbook

• plain paper

• pens or markers

You’re welcome to work digitally if you prefer, but digital tools are not required. The focus is on communication and ideas, not expensive equipment or fancy technical skills.

The Catalyst and Studio Cohorts are guided 9-week learning experiences. You’ll move through the course week by week, building your skills through practice, reflection, and real application alongside a small group of people who care about communicating ideas that matter.

Both cohorts include the full course content. The Studio cohort includes additional live online group mentoring sessions and extra support. The difference is how much input, feedback, and direct guidance you want along the way.

The Mentoring Circle is a year-long small group mentoring experience designed for people who want continued support while developing and embedding their SketchNoting practice over time. It’s also a space to continue learning for those who want ongoing support and accountability, learn best through reflection, feedback, and conversation and re looking for a supportive creative community while developing your practice.

Whether you’re looking for a structured introduction, deeper expert guidance, or longer-term creative accountability, there’s an option designed to meet you where you are. You can choose the level of support that best fits your learning style, energy, and budget.

For both the Catalyst and Studio Cohort there is a live online Student Show in the final week. This is an opportunity to share and celebrate your learning and your work.

The Studio Cohort and Mentoring Circle include optional live online group mentoring sessions for feedback, discussion, and shared learning.

These are all designed to be supportive, practical, and encouraging – not high-pressure critique sessions.

If your chosen tier does not include live mentoring sessions, you’ll still be part of the wider course community where you can get support, share feedback and take part in discussions and challenges.

That’s completely okay. Many people join this course feeling nervous about drawing, creativity, or ‘being seen’. The course is designed to support experimentation, curiosity, and growth rather than perfection.

You’ll never be pressured to share more than feels comfortable to you. The aim is to create a thoughtful, encouraging learning environment where people can develop confidence at their own pace.

Depending on your support tier, you may receive:

• peer encouragement and discussion in the community space

• group feedback during live group mentoring sessions

• guidance and input from the course facilitator

The feedback approach is constructive, supportive, and focused on helping you communicate more clearly – not on producing ‘perfect art’.

You’ll continue to have access to the course materials and community space for at least 6 months from the course start date.

Many participants find that the real value comes from continuing to practise and apply the techniques in their own projects over time.

If you’d like more support to continue your learning you could join the Mentoring Circle for ongoing support, accountability, and community whilst you develop your SketchNoting practice over time.

A certificate of completion may be available at the end of the course. Details will be confirmed closer to launch.

Payment options will be listed on the enrolment page when registration opens.

The first cohort of SketchNoting for Changemakers begins in October 2026. The Mentoring Circle will begin in 2027.

If enrolment is not yet open, you can join the waiting list to hear when registration opens and receive course updates.