Many people believe that with the invention of fancy technologies in recent times, it is fine if graphic designers do not possess basic drawing skills. However, this is a wrong approach. To gain reputation as a graphic designer and create interesting designs, you must know how to draw sketches with a pencil.
Before you start taking drawing lessons, you need to collect few things. These include a sketchbook and few soft pencils.
Lesson 1 – Learn to observe
A sketch turns out to be perfect when it highlights typical features of the subject. For example, if you are drawing an old building, your work should highlight its special features. These features can include a broken staircase, worn-out bricks, and weeds growing through it.
Drawing Skills in Graphic Design
Exact representation of a subject is possible only when you know how to observe it. Unfortunately, most people lack this skill. They passively see objects, rather than observing them mentally. Consider the fact that unless a person possesses sharp observation skill, he/she cannot create perfect drawings.
Therefore, the first lesson is to observe carefully, while you draw something. Remember that drawing slowly will force you to observe typical characteristics of your subject.
- Drawing exercise – Find a peaceful place. Hold the pencil in your right/left hand and look at the opposite direction. Now, slowly trace contours of your right/left hand, without looking at it. Repeat this exercise several times a week.
Lesson 2 – Pay attention to gestures of your subject
The first lesson taught you contour drawing. Now, we will move on to what is known as gesture drawing.
With gesture drawing, you will learn to draw the physical movement of the subject. The trick lies in the fact that you have to imagine this physical movement. If you are drawing a rose, for example, the drawing should exactly represent its structural movement, the angle at which the petal falls, etc.
- Drawing exercise – For this exercise, you can opt for a live model, flower, or even a pet. Within 15 seconds, complete your drawing. Next, change the subject and finish the drawing within 20 seconds. Repeat this exercise for at least 20 times.
In this post, we highlighted few basic techniques for improving your drawing skills. If you are associated with graphic design, these skills will help you tremendously. In the next post, we will provide you with some more interesting tips.
Keep practicing!