Visual Vocabulary
A personal library of simple symbols, icons, and visual elements for visual communication.
Also known as: Visual Library, Icon Library, Visual Elements
Category: Techniques
Tags: visualization, learning, note-taking, creativity, skills
Explanation
Visual Vocabulary is a collection of simple, repeatable visual elements—icons, symbols, containers, connectors, and figures—that form the building blocks of visual thinking and communication. Like learning words before writing sentences, developing a visual vocabulary enables more effective sketchnoting, graphic recording, and visual note-taking.
**Core Elements of Visual Vocabulary**:
**Basic Shapes**:
- Circles, squares, triangles, arrows
- Stars, clouds, speech bubbles
- Banners, frames, containers
**Icons and Symbols**:
- People (stick figures, simple heads)
- Objects (lightbulb for ideas, clock for time)
- Actions (arrows for movement, checkmarks for completion)
- Emotions (simple faces, hearts)
**Connectors**:
- Lines, arrows, dotted lines
- Brackets and groupings
- Flow indicators
**Text Treatments**:
- Headers and titles
- Bullets and numbering
- Emphasis techniques (boxes, underlines)
**Building Your Visual Vocabulary**:
1. Start with the basics (shapes, arrows, stick figures)
2. Practice drawing common objects simply
3. Create personal icons for frequently used concepts
4. Build consistency through repetition
5. Expand gradually as confidence grows
**Key Insight**:
Visual vocabulary isn't about artistic talent—it's about having reliable, quick-to-draw symbols that communicate meaning. Simple and consistent beats complex and beautiful.
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