When I had a week off between moving from one job to another, there were lots of things I could have done. And even more I should have done.

But instead, I did what I wanted. And what I wanted was to learn art skills, practice making art, look at art, and reflect on it all. Every day.

I wanted an Art Girl Summer Camp. So I made one for myself. And it was the very best week.

A little story about how I eventually picked up a pen and started sketchnoting after a lot of thinking about doing it. And a permission slip to start making stuff, in case that’s what you need.

Making drawings usually lead to sharing drawings. And drawings can go all kinds of unexpected places. My “Valuing Fun” comic became my accidental not-quite-business-card business card. It’s a comic, but also a mission statement that has traveled far and wide!

Illustrating a short comic helped me gain clarity on a core value in my life and work: fun. What is the role of fun at work? How is fun a value? What does it mean to stand up for fun as a value?

Ideas are great. Especially big, creative ones coming out of the world of research. But when ideas meet images: that's where it gets really good!

Read on to see the full process of how I make an comic that shares key ideas about a science-backed stress management system.

Live illustration sketchnotes of conversations Danielle had with friends and colleagues about managing time and projects. Two key ideas for further investigation: more focused time tracking and accountability meetings with a friend.

A comic exploring the evergreen question: How do you manage your shit? Everyone agrees time management is a problem, but no one has the perfect solution.

How to create a six-idea zine, based on a workshop Danielle led with the Skagen Institute on Transgressive Methods. PLUS, Danielle’s workshop zine exploring Fobazi Ettarh’s concept of “vocational awe”.