Fear of getting lost? Draw a Portolano!
Probably nothing more than what you are already doing, but with a few tricks and a clear intention
Hello again!
This is the last of the 3 weeks series.
Just in case, you can find the previous post here:
Mapping the Core Values of your Creativity
As I said in the subtitle, you may find that a Portolano is, in fact, a sketchnote and it follows similar rules.
The difference lies in the intention and the details you map.
A simple definition of “Portolano”
The “costal navigation” is the key here, is a kind of navigation you do on sight. You make a Portolano to have (or give) unmistakable points of reference that you (or others) can use to progress toward the final destination.
There are no fixed routes or paths, those are up to you, what is clear and certain is what to look for to set the bearing, meaning the direction you need to keep in relation to where you are.
What makes a Portolano, a Portolano
A Portolano is not only about “communication”, it is not just a message I want/need to convey.
It is a tool I can use to record the environment in which I’m moving (navigating), to define the relation between the points of references I’m seeing (context) and document how I can set the best course ever to progress.
The best way to understand how a Portolano works is by making one
Here is a challenge for you, and I hope you accept it because it is really fun and if you pour just a bit of effort in that, the final result may be something you want to print and hang on the wall.
If you draw a Portolano please share it with us on social media or here in the comments.
Ok, how this is helpful for my Creative projects?
Once again, this is probably not so different from what you are already doing, particularly if you are a Sketchnoter.
The “take home” here is the intention you use when you are mapping your Creative Project and its Core Values.
If you want to see what kind of game you can make (and play), there is a nice example in the Keep the Creative Juices Flowing - Issue #3 - Connecting the Dots .
As usual, I’m always happy to hear from you and have a chat.
A few links you may find interesting
if you, like me, love maps, particularly the old ones, this is a collection you must visit.
Kevin MacLeod has created this incredible website where you can find a lot of downloadable templates like plain grids, dotted and cross grids, engineer paper, perspective, music… A LOT!
What is Creative Mortification and How Can You Overcome It?
Have you ever found yourself saying or thinking “OMG! What a crap have I done! Let me stop here before it gets worse” ?
Ok, that is Creative Mortification… welcome to the club! He he he!
Thus finish this series. I hope you get some ideas or inspirations.
If you like this newsletter, please consider to Like, Share and do not forget to leave a comment or chat with me and other Creative People in the app.
See you on December for the last edition of the year!
Ciao!
Mauro