What if I don't like colors?

Using colors in mind maps is maybe useful but for some of you, it may have an opposite effect or simply, there is less interest. Anyway, do we always have a set of color pencils with us? This article will show you how to make your mind map branches unique even in black and white It is not uncommon to meet people who say they do not like or use colors in documents. No later than last week, a teacher called me for help because one of her students prefers to draw mind maps only in black. She tried to convince him to use colors, explaining him the benefits, but in vain.

If you want my opinion, the best thing to do in that case is to follow the desire of the child. But then will the mind map be as effective as those drawn by the rest of the classroom? It will depend on distinctive elements that will be used to illustrate and assimilate the content, thus facilitating the storage and retrieval of information.

But also, in practice, we have no other choices than drawing the mind map with one color, with the unique pen or pencil we have with us. If, like the teacher, you face a situation where the color is useless or if, like me, you create monochrome mind maps but your wish they are less monotonous, I invite you to discover how to illustrate your branches for impactful drawings, even in black and white.

To be memorable, a mind map does not need to be an artwork but it must contain remarkable and personal elements that reflect some affinity with the subject. It must express emotions or feeling and must remain in the mind for a while. In general, you can highlight information by adding pictures, by exaggerating the size or the style of words and by using colors. These last ones are often used to distinguish one branch from another. But with only one color, what to do? With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can probably illustrate each main branch (and eventually secondary ones) to make it unique and help your brain to associate more firmly the content and the way it is presented. Not inspired? Here are some branch styles I’ve imagined for you. Possibilities are obviously endless, and they are most of the time related to the context. My goal, as usual, is to show you the way. For the rest, it’s up to you!

Creative branch style ideas for your mind maps

I also thought about those who want or prefer to create mind maps with a software. Seeing my handwritten notes here above, would you have imagined it was possible to apply the same styles with a mind mapping software? Well, if man can think about it, man can make it real, but only with iMindMap, the most organic application. Here is the proof image, containing a compilation of creative branches that you may use in your own realizations. Even if you keep everything in black and white, your mind will remember it, and maybe even more than if you had used colored branches.

Creative branches with iMindMap, the mind mapping software

You can download the mind map file on the Biggerplate platform.

The principal feature that make iMindMap different from other mind mapping tools is the use of control points. On ThinkBuzan YouTube channel, you will find a lot of tutorials. Here is the one explaining how to control the shape of your branches.

Some of my mind mapping peers such as Wojtek Korsak, Hans Buskes or Patrick Zimbardo have already demonstrated the flexibility of iMindMap when drawing creative branches. Have a look at their respective work, it's another good source of inspiration.

So, would you have more ideas for extraordinary branches or any comments, do not hesitate to drop a message. If you need some help or if you have a specific need, let me know. All your feedbacks and testimonials, especially in the education domain will be much appreciated.

Be creative,

Be open minded,

Be yourself ...

Using colors in mind maps is maybe useful but for some of you, it may have an opposite effect or simply, there is less interest. Anyway, do we always have a set of color pencils with us? This article will show you how to make your mind map branches unique even in black and white It is not uncommon to meet people who say they do not like or use colors in documents. No later than last week, a teacher called me for help because one of her students prefers to draw mind maps only in black. She tried to convince him to use colors, explaining him the benefits, but in vain.

If you want my opinion, the best thing to do in that case is to follow the desire of the child. But then will the mind map be as effective as those drawn by the rest of the classroom? It will depend on distinctive elements that will be used to illustrate and assimilate the content, thus facilitating the storage and retrieval of information.

But also, in practice, we have no other choices than drawing the mind map with one color, with the unique pen or pencil we have with us. If, like the teacher, you face a situation where the color is useless or if, like me, you create monochrome mind maps but your wish they are less monotonous, I invite you to discover how to illustrate your branches for impactful drawings, even in black and white.

To be memorable, a mind map does not need to be an artwork but it must contain remarkable and personal elements that reflect some affinity with the subject. It must express emotions or feeling and must remain in the mind for a while. In general, you can highlight information by adding pictures, by exaggerating the size or the style of words and by using colors. These last ones are often used to distinguish one branch from another. But with only one color, what to do? With a bit of creativity and imagination, you can probably illustrate each main branch (and eventually secondary ones) to make it unique and help your brain to associate more firmly the content and the way it is presented. Not inspired? Here are some branch styles I’ve imagined for you. Possibilities are obviously endless, and they are most of the time related to the context. My goal, as usual, is to show you the way. For the rest, it’s up to you!

Creative branch style ideas for your mind maps

I also thought about those who want or prefer to create mind maps with a software. Seeing my handwritten notes here above, would you have imagined it was possible to apply the same styles with a mind mapping software? Well, if man can think about it, man can make it real, but only with iMindMap, the most organic application. Here is the proof image, containing a compilation of creative branches that you may use in your own realizations. Even if you keep everything in black and white, your mind will remember it, and maybe even more than if you had used colored branches.

Creative branches with iMindMap, the mind mapping software

You can download the mind map file on the Biggerplate platform.

The principal feature that make iMindMap different from other mind mapping tools is the use of control points. On ThinkBuzan YouTube channel, you will find a lot of tutorials. Here is the one explaining how to control the shape of your branches.

Some of my mind mapping peers such as Wojtek Korsak, Hans Buskes or Patrick Zimbardo have already demonstrated the flexibility of iMindMap when drawing creative branches. Have a look at their respective work, it's another good source of inspiration.

So, would you have more ideas for extraordinary branches or any comments, do not hesitate to drop a message. If you need some help or if you have a specific need, let me know. All your feedbacks and testimonials, especially in the education domain will be much appreciated.

Be creative,

Be open minded,

Be yourself ...