Sketch Academy/Beginner Sketchnote Drawing

  • Free

Beginner Sketchnote Drawing

  • Closed

It's time to stop saying "I wish I could draw" and start drawing! And the best part? You can learn for free.
  • Awaken your imagination
  • Rediscover that you actually can draw
  • Create recognizable drawings in seconds

Have you ever said something like...

  • "I can't draw."
  • "I can barely draw a stick figure." 
  • "My drawings are embarrassing!"
If so, you're in the right place! You CAN draw... you just forgot how, but I'll help you remember.  You'll learn how to reawaken your imagination and draw simply and effectively. Lessons feature multimedia content, printable exercise worksheets, and extra challenges sprinkled in. 

Meet Your Instructor

Emily Mills

I'm a professional illustrator most known for "sketchnotes" (aka live event drawings), and I'm the author of The Art of Visual Notetaking. I've been teaching creative workshops to thousands of students both online and in-person since 2017. I want to help you connect with your creativity and grow in confidence! When I'm not teaching, I run a creative studio, Flavor Graphics, alongside my husband in Bend, Oregon.

What students are saying:

"I love how you break down all of the elements of drawings into simple concepts that make it not nearly as intimidating. Turns out, I can draw!!"

Nan P

"It was a enjoyable course. You broke down the ideas within sketchnoting. The worksheets were helpful with the example/exemplar on one side and then room to practice. Thank you!"

Liana M

"Thank you so much for being our teacher. You helped me realise drawing is for everyone."

Nguyen L

Course Contents:

Introduction

I created this FREE drawing course because drawing is often the biggest barrier to getting started with sketchnoting. I've lost count of how many times someone has told me "I love your sketchnotes. I wish I could do that, but I can't draw!" and it breaks my heart, because I believe that illustration is for everyone. Drawing is the human language and it's a critical communication tool everyone can use. You CAN draw, and I'm going to teach you how in this course. 
Introduction
Preview
How This Course Works
How To Get The Most From This Course
Preview
Course Companion PDF

Module 1: Illustration Starts With Imagination

Lesson 1: Seeing Possibility In Real Life
Lesson 1 Exercise
Lesson 2: Seeing Possibility in Basic Shapes
Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 3: Creating From Basic Shapes
Lesson 3 Exercise
Lesson 4: Finish The Drawing
Lesson 4 Exercise
Module 1 Review

Module 2: Recognizable Over Realistic

Lesson 1: Why You Don't Need To Be An Artist
Lesson 2: The 3 Basics
Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 3: The 7 building blocks
Lesson 3 Exercise
Lesson 4: Keep It Simple
Lesson 4 Exercise
Module 2 Review Quiz

Module 3: Sketchnote Drawing

Lesson 1: Containers
Lesson 1 Worksheet
Lesson 2: Arrows
Lesson 2 Exercise
Lesson 3: Drawing People
Lesson 3 Exercise
BONUS: ***Completed*** Course Companion PDF
Course Conclusion
Course Feedback + Testimonial

What are you waiting for? 🤷‍♀️

Join the 4,500+ other students who have taken this course and get started drawing today! 🎉

FAQs

What kind of online course is this?

This is a self-paced course, meaning there are no live elements. Each lesson features a video to introduce the concept and model the skill. Students can go through these video lessons at their own pace. 

What do I need to get started?

All you need to get started is an open mind, a willing attitude, and a black pen of your choice. I share links to my personal favorites in the course companion PDF. 

Do I need a printer?

The PDF worksheets are intended to be printed so you can practice right on the pages. If you don't have a printer, you can take it to a print or copy shop for printing, or follow along in your own sketchbook while viewing the PDF on a computer. Tablet or iPad use and functionality is not guaranteed or recommended.

This resource is intended for your personal use only! This is a free course, so if you want to share it with friends, send them here to sign up!