Have you ever wondered why some people seem to have an endless stream of creative ideas? Or why you can remember a diagram from years ago but forget what you read yesterday?
The answer may lie in the power of building daily visual habits—and science agrees.
Short, consistent visual practices like sketching, keeping a bullet journal, snapping photos with your phone, or subscribing to inspiring visuals online do more than just fill your feed. They actively shape the way you think, remember, and solve problems—both in your personal life and at work.
Why Visual Habits Matter
It’s no secret that the human brain is wired for images. In fact, studies show that we process visuals 60,000 times faster than text. Visual note-taking, such as sketching or mind-mapping, has been proven in scientific studies to boost memory, spark creativity, and improve problem-solving skills.
According to a peer-reviewed study published in the journal “Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications,” drawing information while learning led to nearly double the recall compared to writing alone.
For professionals, visual habits are more than a creative pastime—they’re a competitive advantage. Architects, engineers, and designers have long used sketchbooks to capture ideas on the fly. But even if your job isn’t ‘creative,’ the ability to quickly visualise problems and solutions can set you apart.
Sketching: The Art of Flow
Sketching isn’t just for artists. When you sketch daily, you engage both sides of your brain. It encourages mindfulness, helps you notice details you’d otherwise miss, and lets ideas flow freely.
Research from Drexel University found that drawing can activate reward pathways in the brain, making it both enjoyable and beneficial for mental health.
Bullet Journaling & Visual Diaries
Photos, too, are a form of visual journaling. Taking a quick snap of an inspiring scene, a whiteboard note, or even a coffee cup can spark ideas and help you recall moments that written notes might not capture.
Feeding Your Visual Mind
In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easier than ever to find fresh visual inspiration—if you know where to look. I personally follow a few standout sources that send creative content to my inbox each day: DailyArt, Visual Capitalist, and Colossal.
These platforms offer a rich mix of classic artworks, stunning photography, and clever infographics. Each day, I receive something new that sparks my imagination. These visuals do more than just look good—they help me think in new ways. By seeing styles and ideas outside my usual routine, I stay open-minded and inspired.
If you’re someone who enjoys creative thinking—whether you’re a designer, strategist, or simply curious—I highly recommend building your own visual routine. Just a few minutes of visual exploration each day can lead to fresh ideas, new perspectives, and a more creative mindset.
Make It a Habit
Building a daily visual habit doesn’t require hours of free time or fancy materials. All you need is a notepad, a pen, or your mobile phone. Challenge yourself to sketch one thing daily, jot a visual note, or capture a photo that catches your eye. Share your work or keep it private—the key is consistency.
Visual habits help you see patterns, solve problems faster, and communicate more clearly. They make your ideas memorable and your thinking flexible.
So, how do you nurture visual habits in your life or workplace? What tools or tricks have transformed your daily routine? Share your experiences below—let’s draw inspiration from each other!
All photos and illustrations here are my own, except the ones taken from the 3 sites I subscribe to.
Visit www.larselmquist.dk for more.
The article was created with the help of Adobe Express.
July 2025