Visuals To Go

Sheri Kennedy • August 2, 2024

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking



The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES.  Vol. 5 No. 16

August 2, 2024

We're traveling this week! Deb and I are fortunate to be broadening our skills, toolkits and networks at the Global Summit hosted by the amazing and highly recommended International Forum of Visual Practitioners (IFVP). While attempting to pack light for the trip, I had to make some tough decisions, especially when it came to visual notetaking toys.


Inspiration struck when I learned that a national eatery has opened its second To Go establishment in the country about a mile from my house. Why not make myself a “Visual Thinking on the Go” kit?


I love cafe sketching when I can find the time. I bring my sketchbook and drawing tools or digital tablet to do some stealth sketching of strangers while I enjoy a pot of tea or a cappuccino. I imagine what they might be writing or studying, or the content of conversations that I can see but not hear. 


Cafe sketching, like visual notetaking, fuels my imagination and forces me to draw rapidly, without much fuss or correction. The tools for on the go sketching might be very similar to those for visual thinking. Here's my super simple list. Give it a go and let us know if you'd add or change anything!

Digital drawing of a notebook, black pen, blue and purple markers, latte in a mug with decorative swirl, and frosted cinnamon roll on a blue plate. Background is light purple.

On the Go Mini Visual Thinking Toolkit 


Now that your kit is ready to go and you've made it to a café, library, cafeteria, town hall, food court, mall, gym or other location where you can observe the action from the sidelines, what should you do?


Here are a few suggestions to hyperboost your visual thinking, no caffeine required.


On the Go Visual Thinking practice



Next time you feel the urge to get out and go, BRING YOUR VISUAL THINKING TOOLKIT TO GO! Share your fav's with us on InstagramLinkedIn or by email


Share with a friend

visual thinking icon cloud
November 8, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 23, 2024 - Why visual thinking is mission critical and what to tell your boss.
photo collage with images of sticky notes on a laptop, microwave and inside cover of tablet
October 25, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 22, October 25, 2024 - Surprise yourself with visuals for a boost of focus, productivity and creativity.
drawing of a green dragon bursting through the October page of a calendar
By Sheri Kennedy October 11, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 21, October 11, 2024 - Tame your distraction dragons with VISUALS!
drawing of a ninja holding a big pencil, peering over an October calendar page with color blocks
By Sheri Kennedy September 27, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 20, September 27, 2024 - Be a Visual Calendar Ninja!
By Deborah DeLue September 13, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 19, September 13, 2024 - Read along for a nourishing harvest of visual takeaways and some time-saving pro tips.
Drawing of a person giving verbal instructions to someone who is confused
By Sheri Kennedy August 30, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 18, August 30, 2024 - Simplify your instructions with visuals.
A scared figure with an animal lurking in the bushes
By Deborah DeLue July 18, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 15 July 19, 2024 - Want to weed out negative bias and differentiate between perception and reality? Grab some paper, pens, and markers, and let's create a Reframing Doodle!
Drawn Map of Eastern Massachusetts with route to 3 ice cream shops, rated flavors and shop ratings
By Sheri Kennedy July 5, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 14 July 5, 2024 - The choice is easy when you use visuals. Ice cream!
By Deborah DeLue June 22, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 13 June 22, 2024 - Are you ready for a change? Visual Thinking Can Help!
graphic showing Start leads to The END leads to The MIDDLE leads to The BEGINNING
By Sheri Kennedy June 7, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 12, June 7, 2024 - Reach the end goal by working from back to front using visuals.
Show More
Share by: