This research addresses the core objectives surrounding the action of writing by hand. It responds to the overuse of digital technologies which have led to a lack of everyday handwriting. The introduction of sketchnotes introduces an opportunity to explore and build handwriting skills as an everyday practice. Sketchnotes create the hand-to-brain connection. This exegesis outlines how the problem of deteriorating fine motor skills is addressed through a series of creative projects in which methodical and strategic exercises including repetition, play, and experimentation centre on the actions of writing by hand. The practice-based research consists of a multi-faceted creative exploration, experimenting with long-established traditional calligraphic study, and with newer technologies such as Virtual Reality (VR). I argue that building writing by hand skills strengthens creative expression, resulting in increased confidence. A sensemaking framework is implemented to help understand and organise the studio research outcomes. Sketchnotes become the principal method that promotes the writing by hand action while creating a rich and positive voice for creative self-expression. The sketchnotes process is a valuable method to make sense of complex information in visual form. The research outcomes capture the creative exploration of hand lettering, sketchnotes, and sensemaking to build a confident and creative identity.