the BEST way to plan your next art project!

Sign up to Milanote for free with no time-limit:
milanote.com/sketchesofshay0424
Planning your art projects is extremely important to reaching your art goals and developing your own work as an artist. In this video, I want to share the number one tool that has skyrocketed my creative productivity and enabled me to keep track of the thousands of art projects I want to do in a sustainable and fun way.
I always struggled with using just Pinterest boards or folders on my computer to store references and notes, but now I finally have a solution to my art planning needs. I hope this helps you in your own journey!
Socials:
✿Website: shannonnichols.artstation.com/
✿Instagram: / sketches.of.shay
✿Business Inquiries: [e-mail]
Equipment
✿Camera: iPhone 13 Pro and OBSOT Tiny 2 4k Webcam
✿Editing Software: Adobe Premiere Pro
✿Music: share.epidemicsound.com/f1gsak
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 The BEST way to plan your next art project!
1:18 What is Milanote?
2:40 Character Design Project Boards
5:02 Painting Project Board 1
8:10 Painting Project Board 2
10:30 Studio Renovation Board
13:10 Milanote Tutorial
25:32 Outro

[@sketchesofshay]

I hope you all enjoy using Milanote as much as I do

[@sam_idfc]

shay, thank you for your video! i started using milanote since i saw this site in one of your videos, and i faced one problem. pictures i add are usually very small, even if i use large canvases. there is no way i can enlarge the image? i noticed only editing tool to cut pictures

[@sophiachristine4099]

FYI the free version does limit the amount of items you use in your account. You can only use 100 items on the free version, so any photos, text, comments, notes, or swatches you add to boards - will add up.

[@sketchesofshay]

they add up very quickly omg I ran out in my first project 0-0

[@diaryofaclementine]

nooo that's so disappointing :c

[@anamariefalk3796]

how much is the paid version?

[@diaryofaclementine]

@@anamariefalk3796 around 12 a month which is insanely expensive

[@luishoc]

Affine is a really good free alternative since it works locally instead of working on the cloud as milanote, I think its the best free alternative i've seen for creatives !!!

[@Finnautica]

I don't know why but I used to think that artists were just supposed to start drawing without any planning in advance, like you were just supposed to pick a pencil and start drawing without thinking... Obviously the moment I started doing planning beforehand, it all became much easier and my art improved considerably. Great video and yes, Milanote is amazing!

[@willtree_]

I still think about that sometimes

[@lovebytz]

I really enjoy Milanote, but I really wish more people would mention how limited the free plan is

[@sketchesofshay]

it is pretty limited ! I used up all of my free space in one board when I first started using it 0-0 I hope to continue to work with Milanote and see if I can get a discount for you guys

[@HCgamer4]

Yeah. I just heard about PureRef, and I think it is similar, but it might just be pictures and no text. I am checking it out today.

[@ejpossum5393]

I love that you end ur videos like "bye :)" it feels like im getting off the phone with u

[@sketchesofshay]

💖💖💖

[@LearnComicsWithPancake]

Milanote is nice, but for a poor artist like me too pricey. I use Mural which has a free version that limits the amount of boards rather than 'pins'. P.s. im not sponsored my Mural.

[@sketchesofshay]

I completely understand ! I’m happy you found an alternative that works for you😊💖

[@Fuzzycryptid]

I'm in the same situation so I'm so glad you brought up this alternative! I'll check it out, thank you :)

[@Charlie-yv3ib]

i use miro similarly!

[@creechurcomforts]

I was just about to mention mural I love it!!

[@colinehasaki]

For a while now, I've been using Pureref personnally It's infinite in everyways, but you can't edit notes directly on there, you can only put images I believe (so far it's been working wonders for me and it's free) I did try Milanote however, ever since I was introduced to it on this channel, and I have to say, it do be too pricey for me, but the program is incredible and resonated very quickly with me, being very intuitive I had a lot of fun creating my first little board, which I then took a screenshot of in case I needed mire space on Milanote for another future project I would recommend trying it at least once, because it opens a lot of organizing possibilities that you may not have thought of, and could elevate (like the video showed) your workflow and references organisation a ton.

[@TangomelonArt]

A lot of people dont realize that for many artists - planning is a huge part of it! Its really cool to see how you organize things to help you make your pieces and ive been wanting to try millanote so getting to see this little intro guide makes it feel less daunting to start using it.

[@sketchesofshay]

yay!! so happy this video helped you! yes, planning is huge especially when you are trying to improve and get a specific result. I hope you enjoy using the app! let me know what you think of it!

[@kaijah.zinester.kjmart]

thought this was gonna be a tutorial but ended up being an advertisement 🤧

[@gaypopitamogus]

this video smells 💸💸

[@4Slover]

same 😞

[@tailsyevergreen]

I can confirm, you bringing up this website Shay has been nothing but helpful for my comic planning since I also am an organizational girlie. It has helped me thread a better direction to take the project and I couldn't be more thank ful for introducing it ❤

[@sketchesofshay]

that’s great! I first learned about Milanote from another creator and started using it, and immediately fell in love. Truly a great solution to creative planning 💖

[@pearsfears]

i'm pretty new to your channel, but i think you single handedly pulled me out of an 4 year art block! i felt really disconnected from the art community after all the apps changed and i saw mutual's art less and less and had huge imposter syndrome that makes me feel like no one would care if i never made art again... i have been drawing all my life and have been working towards being able to live off of it for over 10 years and then burnout hit and it threw me into the biggest spiral of my life and made me drop out of art school. i haven't touched my sketchbooks in 4 years, only adding one or two pages and then giving up again. but when i started watching your videos i felt that familiar itch to draw again, and not just because but actually for fun and the strive to get better. it kind of rekindled my love for art again, so thank you. also i'm so excited for the discord server!!! i can't wait to talk to people about art again!!!!!

[@colinehasaki]

That's so awesome omg ! I hope it's not too difficult for you after four years dammn.. I had artblock for around one year and ever since I picked back up (thankfully, omg it's so nice I love drawing goddanmit), I always still feel like I lost some part of myself as an artist that I had built up before. I had to relearn things that actually had clicked before, that was not nice. But hey, I focus on what I have today and work with what I got. I'm still passionate, sharing and working towards new things and improvement while having fun so I'm good now ❤️ That's why I hope that, after 4 whole years, you didn't loose too much of your past-self's "balance", and that you were able to, instead of looking backwards to what you don't have anymore, look forward towards what you have and where you want to go ⭐ As long as you go at your own pace it will be perfectly natural I'm really happy that you picked back up because I know how full-filling it is to sort of take "something that belongs to you" back, like it was always meant to be, as well as being able to create things again, that no one else can, with your very own personality ✨ That's a creating artist more in the world 🎉

[@tikaepixwhom666]

Thanks for the video, but after reading the privacy policy...no thanks.

[@julietelisva]

Can’t just drop a comment like this and not explain 🤨

[@JeffJeffingson._.]

What's the privacy policy? I didn't read it lol

[@tikaepixwhom666]

@@JeffJeffingson._. ALWAYS read the privacy policy. At least skim read it. There's too much to explain in a KZbin comment- basically it seems it steals more than necessary information not just from your browser but your computer as well and freely sells it for advertising and who knows what else. That's what I took from it anyway.

[@JeffJeffingson._.]

@@tikaepixwhom666 I know i should but I always get lazy lol but thanks anyways 👍 I'm going to delete my account there either way because the free plan is too restrictive and i have no money, it's a shame because I really liked using it 😞

[@Dragon21Studios]

I have that. it is free to use but if you go over the free limit, then you gotta pay. I went over so I'm paying to keep it, it doesnt cost much either. it's really a good app and its cross platform too which i love about it. Got it on my phone, my iPad, MacBook Pro and Windows. Its amazing good!!!

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy that you like it! And yeah I love that I can use it on my PC and iPad, so helpful with working on the go

[@bxwieknxfe]

Watching at work because I DESPERATELY need this advice, so excited, and I CALLED THE MILANOTE SPONSOR!! I CALLED IT‼️

[@sketchesofshay]

🤭🤭🤭

[@StarkHeart-ke1ru]

I know some are mentioning the 100-item limit for the free version, and I preface I have the paid service because I simply use it too much to organize my art and writing projects and it's become such a life saver in the last couple months as someone who works better visually. But as a free user you can also increase your item-limit if you have someone sign up under your referral link. Should be up in the toolbar on the upper right while a free user. Not a perfect solution: but it has helped out some of my friends in a writing group since some people won't use too many items or just want to test it out.

[@AudreyLeckie]

I do gotta say I am starting out with alot of projects so it's nice watching shays videos just because she is so real about it.

[@toodles_doodles]

Thanks for the explanation, it's really helpful and inspiring at the same time!

[@abigailhoffman1571]

Thank you so much for this resource!! Milanote is my new favorite thing is the whole world I cannot express how well it works with how my crazy brains buzzes

[@YelidaHierroArt]

I was really doing this the hard way! thank you for this, love it so far

[@junkyardflower]

seeing u use the same sketchbook (the bee one) as me makes me happy in a very specific way

[@boringremlin]

I've recently gotten super into using milanote and its so cool and inspiring seeing the different ways you use it!

[@sketchesofshay]

I love seeing how other artists use it, people get really creative with the different cards!

[@RMisdrawing]

Is satisfactory see how you put notes in milanote, the sounds is so Satisfactory :0

[@Kaili_D]

Always love your art / you / your videos!! ✨ They're always so informative and helpful; plus just overall entertaining! Your like an artist older sister fr💕

[@sketchesofshay]

awww that makes me so happy! I am glad you enjoy my videos

[@goofyexorcist]

So excited to watch this one!! :D

[@sketchesofshay]

Heheh yay!!

[@nox_lumiere_archive]

oh, i will check it out! hopefully it will help me with my loads of unfinished projects at least a lil bit. thank you!

[@sketchesofshay]

I hope it helps! remember to start small and build up from there, I tend to get very overwhelmed when there’s a lot I want to work on!

[@BunBun897]

It's awesome to see how you plan and progress through your artwork, and frankly, it is really helpful for a growing artist like myself! I really struggle with planning out my own pieces, so I'm hoping an app like this might help me actually complete some of the ideas in my W.I.P pile lol.

[@kylechante8943]

I love your work!

[@sketchesofshay]

💖💖💖

[@caelan0D]

Loved the video! I've been using Milanote for a couple months since you first talked about it and it has been extremely helpful in helping me plan out and organize stuff since I just started doing art markets! (which trying to organize in my head was a mess omg...) Excited to get the time to use this to help with OC work and starting my comic!

[@caelan0D]

Another Idea for this that would rock is planning out a DND campaign! oh man

[@princelujan]

This video comes at the perfect time to help me plan the Mermay drawings! Thank you so so much💕😊

[@sketchesofshay]

Omg mermay!! I hope you have fun, and I hope Milanote helps!!💖

[@princelujan]

@@sketchesofshay I'm sure it will! thank you so much again☺️

[@diaryofaclementine]

this seems like an amazing app! i always struggle since my prep work is all over the place (google docs, pinterest, seperate stuff on paper) id love to try this out to have everything in one place!

[@sketchesofshay]

i definitely recommend! it has solved so many of my organization problems!

[@peryrypan]

your hair looks so cute!!! ;;;

[@leolune_art]

Just as i'm starting to use Milanote. Thanks for the video it was really helpfull :3

[@sketchesofshay]

So happy that this helped!! I hope you enjoy using Milanote 💖

[@cynthiapaige_]

i just downloaded it, and i think im dumb but do you know how to add images from your photo library? i hit add image and the only things that are popping up are stock photos :(((

[@leolune_art]

@@cynthiapaige_ you need to click on upload. Don't worry I did the same x3

[@leolune_art]

@@cynthiapaige_ you need to click on upload it's just underneath add image if I'm correct. And don't worry I did the same x3

[@h1alkh]

if your an apple user use free form it’s basically the same if your not looking to spend the money

[@kida.art94]

It's awesome! There's also a dark mode theme which is always appreciated

[@ChantelleArts]

This is fascinating, thank you for sharing your insights ☺☺

[@sublimegrey]

AHHHJ IM SO HAPPY YOU POSTED HIII I KNOW IM A LITTLE LATE BUT YAYYYYY

[@soullessvixen1451]

Freeform on iOS can do the same board design. You would just have to keep creating new drafts.

[@speckledblender5495]

Thank you for subjecting millanote. I don't know if I'll use it right now. I do hope that your move is going well. Will you do a new studio video? I do hope your enjoying the sunshine and the warmth lately. Have a fabulous week Shay.❤ Also do you have any drawing tablet recommendations. I'm looking to up grade to a drawing tablet but having a hard time knowing what's a good tablet or not.

[@user-vo6kv9rx5k]

Ahh ty ty so much !! 😭

[@sketchesofshay]

happy to help!!

[@user-vo6kv9rx5k]

@@sketchesofshay

[@worm5684]

Watching this while waiting for my US hist exam to start 😭

[@pluralpsychdelia857]

You are so beautiful and inspiring

[@BlakcSheep6342]

Milanote is great

[@apoll3]

ur hair's so cute

[@AmbrosiaMooshine]

Yo this is a great video :)

[@thekarsdraws]

I used it before to gather all the references I wanted to use for an artwork. I didn't watch a tutorial on how to use it, and I had an unorganized group of references for different artworks. Then, I procrastinated managing it because I didn't know that there were limitations on the usage, and I put too many photos. However, this reminds me to organize the references I gathered in Milanote, make a good dashboard, and use it again for future art projects. Thank you for the video and for sharing how you plan your artworks and organize your references because I really needed it. Good video and really helpful, and also love your artworks.

[@CL0UD3D.]

I love Milanote however a major problem I have is how limited the free version is ://

[@Lil.Moth.Doodle]

I don’t know what it is but something bout your appearance is different and it’s fizzling my brain bout. WHATS DIFFERENT!!!

[@planetka4614]

Love you

[@pumpkin5919]

Unrelated, but may I ask what brand the yellow and black sketchbooks are? They look similar to the ones Michaels used to carry and I loved them so much 😭

[@sketchesofshay]

I think they are Master's Touch fine Art Studio !

[@Aumtzi]

Every homestuck reference : Dirk on the sketchbook Dave on milanote probably Homestuck ocs on procreate

[@stinkygato5313]

As someone who frequently used the Freeform app on the iPad (until it got laggy) I genuinely might try this out to plan out my next sticker sheet design 👀

[@sketchesofshay]

ooooo sounds fun!! I am thinking about making a board for upcoming stickers as well!! I hope you like using the app

[@zhelemykh]

Здравствуйте! У меня вопрос: не будет ли большое количество досок нагружать устройство? Как, например, у меня иногда лагает Notion, когда я создаю там много вкладок; не зависимо от конкретного устройства. (Надеюсь переводчик не потерял смысл моих слов). Hello! My question is: won't a large number of boards load the device? Like, for example, I sometimes have a Notion lag when I create a lot of tabs there; regardless of the specific device. (I hope the translator has not lost the meaning of my words).

[@bunny8372]

I do this but in my samsung note app since the milanotes doesn't work perfectly on android (just shows you a big picture if you uploaded one and not the board type). I don't use my pc often so, i tend to have my notes and references on my tablet. It's a shame, it looks like a cool app.

[@theanimatingcreature]

Where did you get the references for your mood boards?

[@sketchesofshay]

Usually Pinterest! I use Pinterest as a way to gather images than use Milanote as a way to organize and store everything:)

[@theanimatingcreature]

Ok! Thank you!

[@MDrawss]

I’ve been using milli note for the last month and it was really helpful ❤❤ (not as helpful as u tho)

[@sketchesofshay]

so happy you found it helpful!💖

[@tigistzalka]

when artists look like their art 🤠👉🏾👉🏾

[@sam_idfc]

hope second

[@pinkinkNZ]

0:27 aggg i want to draw but i want to look at ur art at the same timeee! ur art is just to good lol 15:54 BHAHAHAH XDDDDD 19:42 aggg i want to follow u on pinsterestttt yet again another wounderful video! hope ur doing well :]]]]]

[@MelodyMankayi]

OMG PINKINK HEY♥️

[@pinkinkNZ]

@@MelodyMankayi oh wow hewo lol

[@misshotchoc]

Sounds so great but it wouldnt work on my tablet 😢

[@waltersommer]

Just get pureref

[@danspectorboy3637]

Is that two homestuck at the start

[@Mimiq_]

First!

[@Nik_is_awesome]

Not to hate, but it’s been 3 weeks and I thought you were going to give some helpful drawing advice instead of making a whole entire video sponsoring a app

[@sketchesofshay]

Hi! Thank you for the feedback! Im sorry this was disappointing. These sponsors allow me to continue to make future videos since it pays for the time that goes into writing/editing/art. I make all sorts of art content, not just tutorials, but I did make a whole digital art tutorial at the beginning of this month if you want to check it out! 💖 kzbin.info/www/bejne/fIHCY4iDjLhgmqcsi=gcHBXfL3tbhGXGoA edit: I’ve also been in the process of moving, so I’m only able to do 2 videos a week. I apologize and hope you can enjoy my future videos.

[@Noelh96]

Nothing wrong with saying that this video isn't for you my dude. I understand you said "not to hate, but...", but your comment has the same energy as those "I don't want to be rude, but.." comments that proceed to be really rude. Again, you have the ability to click the back button and just say the video isn't for you. I personally thought it was helpful to be shown a program that allows me to digitally lay out my painting ideas and inspirations in a 'corkboard' style layout and the features the program has. And they actually do show their process going through the boards, it's just not step by step. Some vids won't be your jam, but you can always choose to curate your experience to what your trying to improve in your art practice over making a comment guilting shay for more "helpful drawing content".

[@Nik_is_awesome]

@@Noelh96 the last two videos were promoting websites or apps, I get why you need sponsors, everyone needs money, after all, but sometime this type of contents gets annoying. When I say not to hate, I genuinely mean not to hate

[@butterflyzone3203]

I felt the same way and not mentioning the having to pay to have over 100 items seems disingenuous.

[@selina7047]

IVE BEEN DYING FROM THIS PROBLEM!!!! Hope this will help me, thank you, shay :]🩵🩵🩵

[@sketchesofshay]

i wish you the best!! start small to reduce overwhelm and just build up from there. You got this 💖