What's ahead at Sketchnote Lab in 2026
After hearing your feedback in the December survey, I have clear direction for what’s ahead in 2026 at Sketchnote Lab. Here are the details.
First of all, thank you to everyone who has subscribed and become a Paid Lab Member of Sketchnote Lab in 2025!
This first year of experimentation has gone very well. I was pleased with how much I learned by trying out so many ideas in 2025. Thanks for coming along for the ride and supporting my work!
Survey Results and Direction
The survey I ran in early December provided helpful insights on what you’d like to see going forward. I loved seeing that more than half of you are applying the skills you’ve learned here, and that some of you still want to apply new sketchnoting skills in 2026. Awesome!
On topics you want more of, you told me that you wanted more teaching on the basics of sketchnoting and more live problem solving with sketchnotes:
Based on that feedback, I’m focusing on Sketchnoting 101: The Basics and Problem Solving with Sketchnotes, featuring real-world problem-solving with friends and colleagues in 2026.
Sketchnoting 101: The Basics
Many responses to what you would like to see more of included basic sketchnoting techniques, so for 2026, I’ve scheduled six live sessions focused on teaching sketchnoting basics:
Sketchnoting 101, Drawing Icons and People, Lettering, Layout, and Listening.
I’ll start with a 101 overview of sketchnoting in January 2026, followed by specific key sketchnoting skills throughout the year.
Problem Solving with Sketchnotes
The other area you wanted to see more of was live problem-solving using sketchnoting. I’ve done two sessions on this in December 2024 and again in November 2025, which were very well received. I have six sessions scheduled in 2026 to solve problems live using sketchnnotes.
Sketchnote Lab 2026 Schedule
Here is the Sketchnote Lab schedule for 2026. Things may change as the year unfolds:
1. January: Sketchnoting 101
The basics of sketchnoting with a free, 1-hour 101 sketchnoting basics workshop, where we will cover elements of sketchnoting at a high level and then practice together with a fun exercise. The recording will also be free to everyone.
2. February 2026: Problem Solving Session 1 (Guest TBD)
Live session 1 with a guest with a problem to solve. I will work live with my guest, using sketchnoting techniques to explore the problem we’re trying to solve and develop possible solutions.
3. March 2026: Drawing Icons
I’ll go deep into creating icons for your sketchnotes using the five basic shapes as a foundation for making almost any icon. We’ll also talk about building your own visual library that suits the work you do.
4. April 2026: Problem Solving Session 2 w/ guest Mauro Toselli
Live session 2 with guest Mauro Toselli with a problem to solve. I will work live with Mauro, using sketchnoting techniques to explore the problem we’re trying to solve and develop possible solutions.
5. May 2026: Drawing People w/ guest Alejo Porras
My friend and professional sketchnoter Alejo Porras will join me live to talk about advanced and straightforward ways to draw people. I will cover basic people drawing, and Alejo will show you how make your people more dynamic.
6. June 2026: Problem Solving Session 3 (Guest TBD)
Live session 3 with a guest with a problem to solve. I will work live with my guest, using sketchnoting techniques to explore the problem we’re trying to solve and develop possible solutions.
7. July 2026: Lettering w/ Andy Fishburne
I’ll dive deep into my approach to lettering in sketchnotes, including two-line, three-line, condensed, and faux-script. My friend Andy Fishburne will teach his unique lettering style, too!
8. August 2026: Problem Solving Session 4 w/ Steven Lin
Live session with Steven Lin with a problem to solve. I will work with him live using sketchnoting techniques to work through a problem to develop possible solutions we can explore.
9. September 2026: Layout
Layout is the bane of many sketchnoters. I’ll share my approaches to simplify your layout and clarify information for readers with layout tips from my graphic design days.
10. October 2026: Problem Solving Session 5 (Guest TBD)
Live session with a guest with a problem to solve. I will work with them live using sketchnoting techniques to work through their problem to develop possible solutions they can explore.
11. November 2026: Listening
The secret weapon of visual thinkers is great listening. I’ll share how I focus my listening and share ways I capture what I’m hearing.
12. December 2026: Problem Solving Session 6 (Guest TBD)
Live session with a guest with a problem to solve. I will work with them live using sketchnoting techniques to work through their problem to develop possible solutions they can explore.
As the schedule fills in with guests, I’ll keep it updated on the Monthly Live Labs tab.
I’m excited for what we’ll do together in 2026, and I hope you are excited as well. If you aren’t a Paid Lab Member yet, this is a great time to subscribe for access to all of the live and recorded sessions in 2026!
Thanks again for the chance to share something useful in your inbox!
— Mike
Sketchnote Lab is Mike Rohde’s space designed to bridge the gap between sketchnote theory and practice. The goal is to guide you in integrating sketchnoting into your everyday life. 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 and keep sketchnoting.
He founded the Sketchnote Army and hosts the Sketchnote Army Podcast, where he interviews visual thinkers to understand what makes them tick.
Mike offers recorded, live, and in-person workshops to help accelerate your sketchnoting practice and coaching for personalized, 1:1 sketchnoting guidance.
Become a Paid Lab Member to support Mike’s work.
Well this is a bit exciting for me - I’m a guest in June!
excited for jamming together again next year!