Blog Post: http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/advantages-of-hand-drawn-mindmapping/ You can subscribe to the Mind Map Inspiration Blog to receive new Mind Maps at http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/ and follow me on Twitter @mindmapdrawer http://twitter.com/mindmapdrawer Also available: E-Books designed to help you create stylish and artistic mind maps of your own - visit the Mind Map Inspiration Website for more details: http://www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk/

2. Advantages of hand-drawn mindmapping
Software generated mind maps or hand-drawn? Do you use one, or the other, or both? Do you have a preference, or do
they both serve you equally well in functionality and application depending on the situation?
I bet most, if not all mindmapping software users also create hand-drawn mind maps. Both methods clearly have huge
benefits and advantages and occasions when each proves a better option.
As a hand-drawn mindmapper, I am sharing here my thoughts on the advantages of using the hand-drawn mind map
method.
Hand-drawn mindmapping will always exist in the same way books will always exist – technology won’t, in my opinion,
replace traditional methods; it will work alongside it. E-Books are an option not a replacement. Mindmapping software is
an option not a replacement. Come back in 100 years time and perhaps things may look very different, yet I doubt it!
The hands-on and personal feeling and satisfaction of reading a physical book or creating art or writing by hand on paper
provides a body and mind connection that isn’t always there when using computers and technology. It could be likened
to the difference between playing tennis on a computer or physically.
The hands-on method of hand-drawn mindmapping has a multitude of advantages – not “advantages over software”,
advantages of the hand-drawn method itself. Rather than drawing comparisons between hand-drawn mindmapping and
mindmapping software, I am focusing here specifically on what makes hand-drawn mindmapping so versatile, in and of
itself.
What are the advantages of hand-drawn mindmapping?
Hands-on
You don’t necessarily need a computer screen to create hand-drawn mind maps; grab pens, pencils and paper and away
you go! Naturally, scanning, colouring and sharing can be done on the computer, yet that often comes after the initial
creation of your hand-drawn mind map or you may use coloured pens and pencils and finish the mind map completely
by hand.
The physical creation is immediate and progressive; instantly you can have direct flow from brain to paper and capture
thoughts and ideas before you forget them. Hands-on encourages body involvement, feeling as well as thinking, using
your senses and combining physical, mental, personal, intimate, tactile and therapeutic elements. Hands-on gives you
freedom of personal expression, tapping your unique brainpower and capturing your individuality right on the paper
before you. Because you create a mind map from brain, through arm, via pencil or pen to sheet the creation of your

3. content becomes highly memorable particularly when you add your own styling and design; essentially “drawing” how
and as you feel.
Unique
Your style evolves as you create more mind maps and the look and feel becomes your personal method of expression
much like an artist develops their own identifiable trademarks. Each mind map can be created differently in look, colour,
design and style to make it special. You can create quick pencil mind maps right through to artistic, colourful and
imaginative mind maps. Any mistakes or errors, as with creating art, can become part of the creation, part of the
expression. Developing your unique style encourages both creativity and idea generation to flourish.
Memorable
Creating hand-drawn mind maps is highly addictive. They bring out your knowledge and experiences and uncover your
hidden brainpower as well as capturing new learning. Because the creation is physical, pen to paper, your content
becomes highly memorable, helping you clarify your thinking and explore and develop your creativity. Keeping your
mind maps in a physical folder means you can revisit and review and refresh your thoughts and knowledge. The text and
images having been created by your own hand in your own style also assist recall.
Portable
Hand-drawn mind maps offer versatility; you can create whenever and wherever you wish, instantly. Ideas come any
time and you can capture them fast. You can also create your mind maps in a relaxing environment of your choice;
anywhere quiet and comfortable aids the creation process. It might be a relaxing room or a wide open field.
Pens, pencils and paper are highly flexible – you can create a mind map on a small scrap of paper or a huge sheet. Over
and above paper you can explore wipeboards, flipcharts, canvas, even blank walls. Create mind map murals on rolls of
paper or walls. Hand-drawn offers unlimited potential to diversify and explore artistically.
Stylish
Developing your own style, you can create original and personal mind maps whether you are creating for yourself or to
share with others. Drawing style and ability can be as unique as your fingerprint. You have the flexibility to create your
mind map exactly how you want to; hand-drawn means 100% radial, twists, turns, flair and flamboyancy – multi-angle
both in terms of direction and dimension.

4. As you develop your style because you are injecting yourself into your mind maps it encourages both the physical and
emotional – it can be moving and therapeutic and really tap your inner feelings and ideas. The flexibility encourages
your uniqueness. The connection between mind, body and paper taps your personal expression.
H - Hands-on
U - Unique
M - Memorable
P - Portable
S - Stylish
Creating mind maps by hand is fun; when I started creating the above mind map in pencil, I suddenly noticed an
acronym had developed from the main branches which helped me build a central image and theme. Hands-on, unique,
memorable, portable, stylish, created HUMPS – a total fluke and it got me thinking about drawing a camel as the central
image. The camel also symbolises longevity and reliability; a bonus association. The “memorable” acronym element
came to me through the creation and process of mindmapping.
Of course, another “hump” to creating mind maps by hand might be thinking that you cannot draw. I have solved that
for you by creating E-Books that will get you drawing instantly:
1. Drawing Tips for Mind Mapping – the beginners guide to creating cartoons and illustrations
http://www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk/#/drawing-tips-for-mind-mapping/4530377789
2. How I Drew my Mind Maps – the follow up taking your drawing to the next level
http://www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk/#/how-i-drew-my-mind-maps/4532047882
Hand-drawn mindmapping will always be there, it will always be an available option to you.
If you would like to see examples by others check out the online Mind Map Libraries http://www.mind-
mapping.org/mind-map-libraries.html and Mind Map Art http://www.mindmapart.com/ which showcases artistic mind
maps from around the world. These resources contain 1,000’s of example mind maps both software generated and
hand-drawn. Check also the list of free mindmapping software at WikIT
http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=Free_mind_mapping_(and_related_types)_software (the
mindmapping Wiki)
Further useful links and resources:
How to Mind Map: A Beginner’s Guide:
http://blog.iqmatrix.com/mind-map/how-to-mind-map-a-beginners-guide

5. Drawing a Mind Map from Start to Finish:
http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/drawing-a-mind-map-from-start-to-finish/
How to convert Text to Mind Map:
http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/how-to-convert-text-to-mind-map-paul-foreman/
Books about Mind Mapping:
http://www.mindmapinspiration.com/mind-map-books/
Larger list of Books about Mind Mapping at WikIT:
http://www.informationtamers.com/WikIT/index.php?title=Books_about_mind_maps
Mind Map Software Website of iMindMap (affiliate link):
http://www.thinkbuzan.com/uk/a_id/4b6af8ce8268d
Summary of the advantages of hand-drawn mindmapping:
Remember the HUMPS?
H - Hands-on
U - Unique
M - Memorable
P - Portable
S - Stylish
I hope the above has inspired you to create your own hand-drawn mind maps and do check out my E-Books if you need
help with your drawing.

6. To see more Mind Maps by Paul Foreman visit the
Mind Map Inspiration Website www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk
and
Subscribe to the Mind Map Inspiration Blog to receive
new Mind Maps, plus creativity and drawing tips.
Blog at www.mindmapinspiration.com
Mindmaps ® were invented by Tony Buzan
They help us progress from "linear" (one-dimensional) through
"lateral" (two-dimensional) to "radiant" (multi-dimensional) thinking.
For more information see his books and visit the following website:
http://www.thinkbuzan.com/uk/a_id/4b6af8ce8268d
(Affiliate link)

7. E-Books available from http://www.mindmapinspiration.co.uk including:
In this E-Book I share how I create ideas and help guide you towards the land of infinite possibilities.
Never be stuck for an idea again!
Contents Includes the following Mind Maps:
5W1H
Idea Creation
Why simple is often best Topical Ephemeral or Practical Immortal
Fresh ideas Theory of the Brain
Use thinking – don’t let it use you Idea
Lifespan of an idea Planning Ahead and the Bigger Picture
Simplicity of an idea Sparking Ideas
Everything stems from a thought What is Original?
Planning ahead and the bigger picture Thinking Styles
Sparking ideas Thinking styles template
Random thinking styles Creativity Toolkit Mind Map
Creativity Toolkit Planetary Thinking
Outside the box outside the box 360° Thinking
Ideas don’t dry up – thoughts do Creative Focus
Constant Daily Learner Odd Combinations
Land of infinite possibilities Thinking outside the Box
Thinking outside the Box Checklist
Curious Brain
Constant Daily Learner

8. Beginners guide Learn how to take your drawing to the next level
Colour wheel and use of colours in my second E-Book and discover the secrets of
Suggested Equipment
Drawing Fish "How I drew my minds"
Drawing Cats
Drawing Books Including:
Using Stencils & Templates The thoughts behind the maps
Drawing Hats Mind Map structure
Mind Map Templates What products I use
Drawing Curves & Shapes Tips and tricks for drawing
Detailed breakdown of “Fantasy Mind Map” Colour placement
Enhancing Creativity through Thought Reduction Image placement
Drawing Speed Tests Detailed image analysis
Drawing Faces Illustration walkthrough step by step
Lettering Fast sketching
Photo to Cartoon transfer Idea generation
Drawing Tips and Tricks From a simple line and curve to an image
Doodleboards Overlap and 3D
Mind Maps Plus a few surprises!

9. “Happiness Beyond Thought” 85 Page illustrated E-Book - Including Mind Maps £5.99
Includes:
Happiness is your primary state
Stop Thinking
Happiness is inside you
Discover true happiness and inner peace Go Within
Meditation
Learn how to stop incessant thinking Organisation – Inner & Outer
and take control of your thoughts Coming back to now (Present Moment Awareness)
Learn how to meditate, relax your Includes the following Mind Maps:
mind and body and foster inner calm
Happiness is your primary state
How to stay in the present moment Stop Thinking Tips
Happiness is inside you
How to let go, find simplicity and Go Within
transform your life for good Meditation
Organisation
Simple tips and strategies for Present Moment Awareness
a harmonious and stress-free life Positive Acronym Your Name
Letting Go
Plus a Bonus Mind Map

10. “Mind Map Game Boards” 46 Page E-Book Plus 8 Large JPEG Image Set £5.99
Choice Maker Game Board Theme Maker Game Board
Use the Choice Maker Game Board as a Random Choice Create ideas and storylines from the images within the
Selector for idea generation, fun and more Theme Maker Game Board
Choice Maker Blank Version “My Favourite” Mind Map
The Blank version allows you to create unique Choice Outline your personal favourites for a snap shot of your
Maker Game Boards of your own unique personality
Boredom Buster Game Board
Select random hobbies, ideas, pastimes and interests; for Bonus Mind Maps
occasional daytrips, days out, or lifetime pursuits
Two Bonus Mind Maps
Chore Choice Game Board
Add a fun element to sharing out or selecting chores using
the Chore Choice Game Board Mind Map Game Board Image Set
(8 Individual Large Size JPEG Images)
Positive Thinking Game Board
You can print the images out in whichever size you wish
Enhance your mood and create a positive thinking and even laminate them for longevity
environment with the Positive Thinking Game Board