My name is Chou-Tac,
I’m from France. And you?
I love Product Design Sketching, Footwear design, Concept art and plenty other art and design expression!
Through The Design Sketchbook, I’m on a mission to help aspiring designers level up their sketching skills and chase their dreams in industrial design.
FIRST, tell me about YOU:
Which country are you from?
What is your goal?
Your inspirations? What stage are you in your learning journey?
Tell me in everything the comment below. I’m always curious to know more about you. 🙂
I believe the more I know about you, the better I can help you with tutorials on the blog.
All started from Kids’ drawings
Like many of you, I’ve always had a passion for drawing.
I loved sketching daily at school, at home, and with friends during the school break. We were inspired by the world of animated cartoons (Dragon Ball Z, Super Mario Bros, The Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, Disney…). That fueled my interest for visual story telling.
I collected the Panini stickers, recorded the cartoons on TV, pressed pause, and drew.
BUT I STOPPED DRAWING FOR YEARS
As I grew older, I found myself drifting away from my artistic roots.
I stopped drawing for years and turned to “naturally”, focus my studies on the classics of Business and Information technology. If you succeed to work in one of these fields, you would have succeeded your life! (Becoming a doctor, lawyer, engineer, was also in the list of success path of life.)
I was in the: “Study well, get a good job” mindset.
Technically, there was nothing wrong about my plan.
Except myself.
In class, my mind was elsewhere.
Below are some doodles I made during my marketing class. Nothing much… but I guess inside my brain, a little creative and shy version of me tried to tell me something.
“HEY! HO! You love drawing! What are you doing here?”
GIVE MY LIFE A PURPOSE
It wasn’t until I hit 23 and was graduated of 2 degrees, that I realized something was missing.
If I kept going that path, I would regret it soon or later.
I realized that I didn’t want to sell a finished product; I wanted to create my own instead!
It was then that I decided to learn about design and acquire strong sketching skills to communicate my ideas visually.
YES! I PRESSED THE “BUTON RESET” to follow my heart and pursue a career in Industrial Design.
But life has a funny way of taking unexpected turns.
PLAN TO BECOME A DESIGNER ACTIVATED
Let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the best one I’ve ever made. I dove headfirst into the world of product design sketching, determined to turn my childhood passion into a fulfilling career.
I enrolled a Design school in Paris!
I had no clue how to draw. I could copy ok, but creating something from my own imagination was nearly impossible each time!
Of course I felt some doubts along the way,
but remember to recenter yourself at what really matters to YOU:
- Follow your creative instincts, even if it means changing course
- Practice sketching daily – it’s a universal language in design
- Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and create your own opportunities
- Learn from artists, designers who INSPIRE YOU. (Not only the ones in trend at the moment)
- Remember that your unique perspective is valuable. That way, you will create your ow drawing style.
I kept studying with high ambition to be part of the top 10% of my school.
I get inspired from artists that I felt impressed and worked hard so one day, I could reach their level!
I have built my portfolio and kept growing without procrastinating. And that’s how opportunities came.
That’s what I believe is the Law of attraction.
I MADE IT!
You know what? It worked!
At first, I went to accomplish all kind of internships I love from Product design packaging to Footwear. I was even hired before I was graduated (Airness MK in Paris)!
During the recruitment I was proposed to quit my design school to work full time. I refused so I could finish my master’s degree in Product Design I obtained with honours! And I was still hired btw – I spend a few hours per week for school.
My journey has taken me across the globe, from the fashion-forward streets of FIDM Los Angeles and Hollywood to the innovative design studio in Japan. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work on everything from avant-garde concept cars at Daihatsu (TOYOTA) in Japan to cutting-edge sneakers at Adidas Performance in Germany.
Each experience has taught me something new and reinforced my belief in the power of visual communication.
One of the most exciting aspects of this career is how universal design sketching skills are.
They’re like a passport that can open doors all around the world.
Since I love travelling, I would merge my envy to discover the world with my passion for design.
DREAM BIG, ACHIEVE BIG
Whether you’re dreaming up the next big tech product or reimagining everyday objects, your ability to communicate visually can take you places you never imagined.
When you allocate your talent, your creativity to provide value to the world, the universe knows “how to reward you with that feeling of gratitude and fulfillment”. It may sound a bit silly, but studies proved that people feel the happiest when they help others.
And you know what?
That is the essence of becoming a Product designer.
PERSISTENCE
But here’s the thing: success in this field isn’t just about raw talent. It’s about persistence, continuous learning, and a willingness to push your boundaries. I remember spending countless hours perfecting my product and shoe design techniques while juggling my studies.
If you want change in your life, you can’t do the same things as before.
You gotta spend time to draw a lot more often and create your new creative routine!
Drawing will be part of your daily life.
So always keep a ballpoint pen in your pocket!
And draw wherever you can even doodle on napkins, Starbucks coffee cups, receipts… any blank surface you can imagine!
It wasn’t always easy, but that dedication paid off when I landed a job designing shoes worn by thousands of women across the globe working at Charles & Keith in Singapore and within factories in China (* Partly owned by French luxury Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH)).
Now, I want to help you unlock your potential too. That’s why I created this blog and my online courses. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your skills, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
LEARN THE BASICS EASY – STEP-BY-STEP
From mastering 2-point perspective to creating stunning product renderings, we’ll explore it all together.
Remember, every great designer started as a beginner. The key is to keep practicing, stay curious, and never stop learning. Why not start by checking out my Designer Starter Kit?
It’s packed with tips and techniques to help you kickstart your design journey.
Learn perspective step-by-step and soon you will start drawing anything from imagination!
- Products
- Street
- People
- Animals
- Concept art…
Everything is linked through the fundamental of Design sketching!
It is so much fun, that you will become an unstoppable sketcher!
Are you ready for the transformation too?
So, are you ready to turn your passion for sketching into a thriving career?
Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!
Whether you’re dreaming of designing the next iconic smartphone or revolutionizing the world of fashion, the skills you’ll learn here will set you on the path to success.
My Sketching desk with my Wacom Cintiq 22 with Ergotron arm
Draw anytime, anywhere, anything! Be silly and creative!
Drawing daily becomes your lifestyle. Your moment of entertainment, or calm and meditation.
It is while sitting in some café, scribbling in a sketchbook,
or on the back of a receipt that my best ideas begin.
Do not overthink. Enjoy sketching and improvise!
Having fun is the best way to learn faster and keep going with motivation!
Learn how to observe in 3D to REALLY learn how to draw
I’ve been traveling for nearly the last seven years with my portfolio under my arm like a second passport.
I was even invited to become the host of a TV documentary about creating a Travel Sketchbook!
At my design school, every Thursday afternoon, we used to go out in Paris somewhere new each time. We sit, observe and draw for 4 hours. I loved it!
Start this habit to learn how to observe things in 3 dimensions, monuments, buildings, temples, food, people accessories… around you. Go out and explore! Do not only get inspired from Google image or Instagram!
If the artistic methods I’ve acquired aid me in my life and in my career,
I believe that they can also help you to learn, and help you with your projects.
Don’t forget to explore the blog for daily drawing tutorials and articles.
And if you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, check out my Industrial Design Sketching online course.
Together, we’ll unlock your creative potential and bring your design ideas to life!
Remember, every sketch is a step forward.
So grab your pencil, fire up your imagination, and let’s start creating the future, one drawing at a time.
I can’t wait to see what you’ll design!
Happy Sketching!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
PS: Great people I meet since I started the blog.
Martijn Van de Wiel
Martijn Van de Wiel, Instructor at TuDelft, Netherlands
INTERVIEWS WITH DESIGN EXPERTS
David Salow
David Salow, Art Center College of Design PASADENA
Michael DiTullo
Michael DiTullo, Product designer
Dwayne Vance
Dwayne Vance, Toy Designer
Edward Eyth
Edward Eyth, Concept artist, designer, sculptor, instructor at Art Center College of Design
Daniel Bailey
Daniel Bailey, Footwear designer / Conceptkicks.com
Noah Sussman
Noah Sussman, Sport Designer – Adidas
And many more amazing interviews from professional designers here
MEET MY STUDENTS AROUND THE WORLD (SKETCH LIKE THE PROS)
Let me know your email below and I will send it to you!
We will also keep in touch on the daily drawing tutorials and articles for you to keep making progress with the Design Sketchbook blog and like hundreds of other students join my Industrial Design Sketching online course!
Taipei, TAIWAN
Madrid, SPAIN
London, UK
SINGAPORE
Discover my Design sketching student’s testimonial here.
CONCLUSION
As I reflect on my journey, from sketching the TMNT, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters during school breaks to sharing my passion with all of you, I can’t help but feel grateful for the path that led me here.
To you, my dear reader and fellow design enthusiast, I want to emphasize several key points that have shaped my career:
- Follow your creative path: Don’t be afraid to change direction, even if it means pivoting from your initial studies. I took that leap at 23, I graduated at 27and it made all the difference. You are never too old to start.
- Develop your new drawing habit: This is your superpower for communicating ideas effectively. Make sketching a part of your daily life and let it inspire you.
- Acquire and grow your design sketching skills with confidence: If you can’t draw today, never feel guilty or lower. It’s just nobody taught you before how to learn step-by-step.
- Use design as your passport: Sketching has allowed me to work and learn across the globe, opening doors I never imagined possible.
- Create opportunities: Hard work and preparation are key. Keep that pencil moving and be ready for the chances that come your way.
- Build a community: Through The Design Sketchbook, I hope to pass on what I’ve learned and help you on your own design journey. Let’s support each other and push the boundaries of design together.
Remember, your creative spark is a gift.
Nurture it, and let your sketches shape the world around us. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, every line you draw is a step forward.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Here’s to the countless sketches yet to come!
Dream big, sketch often, and never stop creating.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Hi Chou-tac, nice videos and website. Cheerful and well explained. I registered to receive the free book but never received anything!?
Keep on I follow you on YouTube
Hi chan. My name is Vinícius Arduino, from Brazil.
I’m a worldskills competitor, do you know? is the biggest professional education competition in the world!
I was national runner-up in Construction in Masonry and I am currently representing my state in the area of industrial design. I’m getting ready for tryouts to compete against the best in the world!
I loved your page and its contents, I would like to know when you will release some of your courses, because I can’t access the link above.
Hi Vinicius, thank you for sharing about Worldskills.
https://worldskills.org/skills/id/557/ I saw their section about Industrial design, and have so many more fascinating fields covered. That is inspiring. 🙂
I do not know much about Worldskills, and I think it could interest many more people. Would you be ok if I send you some questions, we could publish your responses on the blog?
About the course, I haven’t set a date yet.
Which link do you refer to?
Chou-Tac
Hi there,
This is Summer from the XP-Pen team, I am reaching out for a cooperation chance.
Please allow me to introduce a little bit. XP-PEN is one of the top drawing tablet brands, with more than 15 years of history.
Here is the link to our website: https://www.xp-pen.com/
Knowing you are focusing on art here, we would like to invite you to have a try our news tablet like the Artist 22nd Gen
or the Deco Fun that’s been released recently, we believe the performance won’t let you down.
If you have any other creative ideas about the cooperation, feel free to let me know.
Any response would be highly appreciated, thanks.
Hi Summer,
Oops sorry for the late reply!
Do you mind sending me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com?
We could discuss it further.
I am a Wacom user.
However, I would be happy to discover your new tablets!
Your products looks a lot fun and colorful 🙂
See you!
Chou-Tac
Hi Chou
Great page, congrats. Im an industrial designer from Brazil and design curator online since 2009. I added your page to my Design Sketching page, I hope it is help to share the word.
Kind regards, good luck!
My name is Herman I’m for Washington, DC. The reason why im learning how to s ketch (again) because I love to draw ever since I was a kid and I lost my drawing Mojo as I got older(43). I’m trying to get that back.
How do you draw a handle for a cup? I’ve seen someone do it by dividing it into small consecutive boxes, but when I try it myself, the results is no good. Please help.
HI Chou-tac
Is your course appropriate for interior designer? I need to learn how to draw rooms and internal finishes and furniture.
tnx
Paul
Hi Chou-Tac,
In regards with the ‘Sketch like the pros’, the self-study which you are offering, I have few questions. How can i reach you via email? or a Skype chat? My email is sharathcumar@gmail.com … Looking forward for your reply, as am looking to buy the self-study.
Hello Sharath,
I have just replied you on your email. 🙂
Looking for exchange association
Hello ,
Will you open course again(Sketch Like Pros) or how can I buy Sketch like the Pros 2017? I am Industrial design student but I have problems with sketch.
Hello Orkhon,
I am thinking about it actually as there will be students that will be back to school. 🙂
I may reopen in the coming weeks !
Let’s keep in touch about it, so I can give you the confirmation an all details on this.
If you have any question, let me know. Ok ?
See you !
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Hey Chou-Tac,
I was just wondering when is your next course sign up date? I don’t want to miss it.
Thanks
Hello Felix,
I am glad to say that I am considering to reopen it in the coming weeks ! 😀
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
PS: Oops I missed your message. I saw you published it a while ago. Feel free to send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com if you have any question.
Hi Chou, I am a Graphic Design student and I wish to improve upon my sketching. I only recently stumbled upon your website, and I am trying to download your free guide, but I am not receiving the email. Also, when would be your next beginners class for which I could enrol? Thank you 🙂
Hello Neelam,
Sorry for the late response. Did you received the guides ?
Let me know, so I can send them to you manually. 🙂
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Hii chou tac.. i like your blog. and iam very enjoy with that..
greeting from indonesia 🙂
Chou ,
Please send the book
Would greatly appreciate it thank you .
Philip
Hi Chou, thanks for the hint you gave me with the 4 lessons books, great. I would like to keep going with your lesson, there’s a way to get/buy others chapters of your guide? Thanks a lot
Hello Matteo,
How are you doing ?
There is no more chapter for the Designer Starter Kit guides. Maybe yes in future? I will think about it 🙂
Currently, I have opened the registration to my Premium Class Membership. It’s a Private group where you receive new courses and design sketching projects monthly.
To progress faster and keep up your motivation, you post your sketches in the group – so you’ll receive feedbacks from myself and the other students as well.
There is different levels in the group, from beginner to senior, so it offers great interaction between members where all can learn from each other. 😀 It’s a place where students care each other and learn with fun and confidence.
Is it something that may interest you ?
If yes, let me know and I will send you the registration form. 🙂
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
PS: All new members with beginner level start with a beginner Pack !
Mate, You’re insights to sketching are an inspiration, thanks a million.
User insights are a very important part of the design process, can you walk us through your though process when banging out ideation sketches.
Hey Chris,
Well noted about the process with ideation sketches. I will think about it. Till that day, this article may interest you. It’s about the main phase of creativity of a design project.
https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/tip-120-how-to-present-a-project-to-your-design-company/
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
I am a Mechanical engineer I want pursue my career as product designer I have been following steps of basic sketching less of practice but somehow unable to gain confidence in my sketching and main problem arises when I am trying pen down my ideas of solution in from of product that is in my mind most frustrating part when I am unable to draw that .
Hey Samuel,
I invite you to try the latest tutorial I have posted after going through the Designer Starter Kit. You might like it ! 🙂
You will see that sketching is not about innate talent, but strategies and technique. Make a try ! I believe you will gain in confidence after that.
https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/how-to-level-up-your-sketching-in-3d-with-2-point-perspective/
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Hi Chou Tac, great blog! I’ve been a regular visitor for a while.
I just need a quick piece of advice. I am preparing my footwear design portfolio to apply for an internship in a specific brand and I am wondering if the projects I will include should show other brands (for example, if I were to apply to New Balance, should I include a project for a Nike shoe among other brands?).
I believe that designing for a certain brand influences the silhouette, materials and overall attitude of the shoe, and showing that you take those things into account can tell a lot about the designer behind that portfolio. The alternative of designing brand-less sneakers and specific sports footwear doesn’t sound as attractive to put in a portfolio, but the option is there.
Can you shed any light over this subject? Thanks a lot for your work and concern about all our coments.
Hey Al,
No problem having competitor’s brands in your portfolio.
If some more you can tell your thinking of each brands’ specificity, it will be very very welcome!
Remember that: when you present your project, you got to tell a story. Don’t create a shoe just for the aesthetic, but your STORY. This is what will justify your lines, material, functions, innovation…
TIP: Don’t be afraid of pushing the limits of the possible in your portfolio. It’s always good to have some “extreme” design and research to show. In real life, there is always room for making a creative project more down to earth along the project. The opposite way is much tougher. Let me know if I am not clear.
Once again, during the interview, your story will be as important as your design. 🙂
All the best for your interview, let me know how things going! You can drop me an email anytime. :).
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Hi Chou!
I’m really passionate about design sketching and your work is so inspiring. I love your fast and fearless drawing style, and your tutorials have really improved my sketching confidence.
I study Creative Product Design and will be graduating next year, so I need to start planning where I can apply for a design job. Some of the local companies I have looked at seem to work on CAD software all day long, with very little emphasis placed on sketching. I want to work for a company that utilises design sketching, and doesn’t just rely on computers. Are there any design sectors that you recommend where sketching is a must? i.e. toy design, footwear, home and domestic products, general consultancy/agency.
Cheers!
Joseph
Hello Joseph,
Using more or less sketching and Cad software is specific to every company and job scope that will be given to you.
Till today, I had the chance to join a variety of companies (from different fields) where communicating through sketching was important. Sketching is a must for most of companies for a creative position.
I would recommend you to choose a company according to your interest, and the philosophy. Then, double check about the process, your job scope and show how much you believe sketching is important.
TIP: look in http://www.coroflot.com to some portfolio of designers who work in your targeted company or sector. So you could get an “insider” view.
Hope it helps!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Thank you Chou! I will check out coroflot and will keep up the practise!
Exactly Carol! I love that: What we resist, persists. Oh how true it is. Just stay in the moment while tapping on the negative and soon enough you will shift yourself into the positive and not have anything to run away from 🙂
Hello! I really love your tips. I was just wondering how I can apply to your Sketch like the Pros course and how much is the cost. Pls update me. Thanks!
Hello Joyce, I have just replied you in your email 🙂
hello! i would love to know the info as well. thanks!
Hop, I have just sent an email to you too Angel :).
Great website Chou-Tac! Very helpful. Thanks for the tips!
Hehe Merci Louise, ravi de ton passage ici! 🙂
Where can I find your coures ?
Hello Ken,
How are you doing?
The course is not available for the moment. If you want I can update you. I try to open the registration soon.
Soy Lorena d Hurlingham d la pcia d bs as, tambien queria saber si m podian recomendar otras paginas p/visitar respecto al hombre araña, desde ya muchas gracias x poner esta pagina para ayudarnos c nuestras dudas! Gracias <3
I feel satisfied after reading that one.
Hi Chou-Tac, do you have any tips for sketching cubes and other shapes with rounded corners (like ipod shape or rounded dice) in proper perspective? I find it difficult to get the curvature of the corners right, they always look distorted. 🙁
Hello Jen,
Feel free to have a look at this video 🙂 https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/tip-141-one-simple-trick-to-make-your-sketches-more-real/
Thank you! Yes, I have been rounding the corners of my sketches to add a touch of style and realism. However, the corners become too sharply or too widely curved and it is difficult to get it right. I guess I’ll practice some more. 🙂
Hey man,
I am following your Blog a couple weeks now and I spend 4hours a week in order to improve my skills based on your tips. The way I did it is to go to the last page of “learn a tip a day” and move my way to the present. when you changed that part of the website to the new design I used the list of articles since that was the only one organized that way. Now I find that even the list lost this structure.
I find this highly inconvenient. How do you recommend going through your list assuming, that I want to build it up day by day?
Maybe I am missing something here.
Appreciate your help.
Heiko
Hey Heiko,
When I replied you by email, it doesn’t display here.
Anyway, glad you get it back as you wished!
See you!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
When is your Sketch book pro videos coming out? I want to sign up…
Hello John,
Do you mean the online course [Sketch like the Pros] ? I haven’t decided yet. I am still wondering if I should launch it before or after summer holidays. Would you have any preference ?
ASAP please!!
Love the content
-Nicholas
Alrighty I’ll try to prepare it as soon as I can ! 🙂
Dear Chou-Tac,
Thank you for the design sketchbook it has helped me a lot! I’m trying to get better and i’m still at the beginning but I’ve been practising straight lines for a while now and I still get the same problem: The line I trace connects the two dots but it is slightly curved. my arm isn’t touching the table and I try to draw as straight as I can but I often get this result. Do you have any tips or tricks to try and draw better?
Thank you,
Victor
Hello Victor,
When you connect both dots. A good Tip is to draw beyond the second dot. So it tend to straighten your line.
Oh have you watch this video ? It’s related to the guide https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/how-to-draw-straight-lines-tip-150-video/
Hope it helps !
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Hi,
I like your blog, and your approach to guidance. Thank you!
Can you tell me, or point me to the answer to the following question:
How do I draw a box that is 19.5″ wide by 6″ tall, on a canvas that is 22″ wide by 8″ tall?
It seems like it should be simple, but I can’t find the answer anywhere.
Thanks!
Peter Crowell
Hey Peter thank you for your kind words.
Usually when we sketch we like use approximation to define the side measurement in perspective. It is much faster. A tip is to measure the closest vertical line of the box (6″ for your case). So you can use this as a “rough” reference point.
You may have a look at this tutorial about drawing a box with 2-point perspective: https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/how-to-draw-a-cube-with-2-point-perspective-tip-155-video
Hope it helps.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Thank you Chou-Tac for putting together all of this informative and useful content! I am a novice and am still practicing the exercises in your four guides. Though I have been spending a lot of time practicing, I unfortunately have not made great progress with my technique.
A friend tole me that there might be a problem with my mechanics. I tried to follow your instructions of sitting up straight, ghost drawing and using my entire shoulder and arm when sketching. However, I am not sure I am doing it correctly.
For a future video tip, would you consider pointing the camera at YOU while you are sketching so I can see precisely what you mean by drawing with your shoulder and turning the page, etc.? In the meantime I will keep practicing and hopefully get better and not develop any bad habits!
Hello Jenn,
When you draw, do not think too much about your arm or shoulder. Make sure elbow is free and your arm is relax. Then focus on your line.
I guess you are trying to do so well that your movement doesn’t look natural anymore hehe.
Make a try 🙂
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
PS: I take note about the video. 😉
Hey chou,
Your beginners course is really a great news! Ive already sign up for the waiting list. Hope this course can really get me back to track! My problem is that im losing the habit of sketching everyday especially when our semestral break in college is over.
Usually when i try to sketch im focused in trying to get a good quality sketch, that i spend more than an hour trying to get that kind of quality that it gets frustrating everyday to the point that i will stop sketching for weeks and up to months.
Do you think sketching for maybe 15mins a day even though its really ugly will create a habit in me?
Looking forward in your course! Really excited to be in that class. Cant wait for november 4 to register!
Thanks!
Rogelio
Manila,Philippines
Hello Rogelio,
I see what you mean. Spending loooong time on one sketch at changing the details and sometime trying to “save it”. We have all been through that, and I still do sometime :).
Let me share with you few tricks that may help you for your daily habit.
1- In design sketching, there is a good habit to take is to do many rough sketches first.
Then you select one or few that you feel deserve going further.
2- An other trick is to do not spend long time on details as long as you dont have a general shape or idea.
3- Then an other habit is to stop thinking that our sketches are valuable. Sketch for experimenting and do research instead of making a piece of art. It’s a mindset change that will help you be more productive as a Designer during your phase of research.
Then only when you got something you like, you can afford more time at the phase of presentation.
Design is about creating by iteration.
Hope it helps !
Hi Chou,
I think you are doing exceptional work here with the blog to help people get into design.I tried registering for the Sketch Drive waitlist but it gives me an error 404 when the enter my email. PLease help
Regards
Zaid
Hello Zaid,
I have just forward your message to the technical team. We’ll try to see how to solve this.
Thank you for your patience. Feel free to try again though. 🙂
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Dear Chou-Tac,
I love what you do and appreciate so much that you share it for others to learn from.
I’m an Industrial Deign student and heading towards my Final Project. Do you have any tips for me? I don’t have a clear direction yet. What’s the smartest thing to do when choosing what your project will be about? I’m anxious and would love to hear some advice.
Thank you so much!
Sari
Hello Sari,
Wish you all the best for your final project. I have written an article that may helo you. Feel free to have a look: https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/tip-137-how-to-get-a-high-distinction-with-a-great-topic/
Hope it helps !
Hi Chou-tac 🙂
Why don’t I get email updates of the new posts?
Hello Chetan,
Do you mind send me your email back at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com – we’ll find a solution 🙂
Hey Chou!
I really love your Website!
I’m an Industrial Designer from Austria Graz.
Me and two friends are going to run a Website that’s also (Industrial) design related.
Please contact me.
Cheers Nils
Sure, let’s keep in touch Niles 🙂
Hey Chou,
Great website, good tips on sketching. i am a product designer myself and i find these really useful.
i had a question for you. Can you tell us the importance of knowing/learning human anatomy(figure drawing, anatomy, dynamic poses etc..) sketching as a product designer? will it help in designing better products? if yes, then how & where to begin.
Thank you
Hello Samarth,
You have a great question as many student designer neglect this. To me, as a product designer, basic anatomy is good enough. You don’t have to study every single muscle, however, it’s good to have a basic understanding of the skeleton and joints to draw human poses.
Benefits:
1- Show the scaling and proportion of a vehicle, house, furnitures… compared to the user.
eg. If you draw a user with abnormal short legs, you may draw an abnormal motorbike ahah.
2- Showing some scenarios of product usage.
Many students draw a product only. They never showcase it in its environment. You could even prepare a story board. If you do that, your clients will love it !
3- Give life to your product !
eg: Imagine drawing a slide without kids playing on it. Pretty sad right ? Weither you draw architecture, cars, products… try to include people in your research and presentation boards.
Bonus1: If you want to study further such as dynamic poses, it’s all beneficial – especially if you design sports goods for example.
A good way to start simple is to draw people with sticks. 🙂
Bonus2: You can cheat using photography. Take some pictures, and import them in Illustrator where you can draw some silhouette.
Eg: A project I did when I was student where you can see some white silhouette. http://www.coroflot.com/choutac/PHILIPS-Forecasting-2010
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
hey Chou, your knowledge and experience when it comes to a designer’s life is great so i thought you’d be the best to answer my question. I didnt get into the design school i wanted to, so i’m planning to take a gap year to enhance my drawing skills and portfolio and try again. to make the best use of my year towards my design future, what do you suggest i do ?
Hello Adwait,
Please let me reformulate to make sure I understand.
Do you mean you applied for a school, and they unfortunately didn’t accept your application? (+ you don’t want to consider any other ?). So you aim to improve your skills for a year by yourself, and reapply again.
If yes, the first thing I would try to know is WHY they didn’t accepted your candidature (Sketching ? Motivation? Creativity?…who knows ?). Different schools have different criteria.
One of my friend has been first rejected from London College of Fashion. They told her to improve her drawing skills from live drawing. (Like many fashion students, she learned drawing models with a “2D technique”. Somehow closer to illustration – but that school promote a more “3D technique”, I would say closer to animation). The she took some Live drawing courses, and started to better understand how clothes react on body curves. She came back, reapply and was admitted (without waiting an extra year).
To get a chance to save a year, show them how motivated you are. Knock there door. Ask why, see what you can improve and reapply asap if you can. If you can’t, still apply ahah ! Sometime daring make you pop out from the crowd. And it cost nothing to try.
Hope it helps, and let’s keep in touch.
Hey Chou, As you advised I talked to the authorities of the college where i was rejected. Their student entry is based on the marks obtained during the Design Aptitude test the college conducted earlier this year and that i hadnt scored the cut-off.(I got a 37.5 wherein I needed atleast 45). Thats the most help they could do . Its more of self analysis i guess, and i guess its upto me. They also dont accept anymore applications untill next year.
Thanks for your time in trying to help me out, now I’m ever determined to make it into that college.
Dear Chung, I’ve been searching for a website, a book that can help me better understand the sketching techniques in product design, now after several years I found it! Thank you very much for the time and effort you put to help someone like me realize his dream.
Best wishes.
Your words are very touching.
I am always glad to discover that the blog and the Designer Starter Kit give value to you guys.
Thank you Alzaidan.
hey please a tutorial on how to draw watches …….:)
Noted, I will think about it ! Thanks Mihir for proposing.
Hey Chou,
thank you for sharing your great experiences and your artworks with us…
I am so into digital designing and using technologies alongside my experiences. .. I just wanted to ask you about a good graphic tablet which can be great as a traditional sketchbook (is there any? Lol) Tnx for all of this blog and your very great support on ur blog 🙂
Aleemir
Hello Aleemir,
There is multiple criteria to choose a tablet. It mostly depends of portability, budget and wether you want to use Adobe software or not.
I recommend Wacom brand for the tablet. You can’t go wrong (Except for the Cintiq Companion that I do not recommend: Heavy, expensive, pen precision average at the edges of the screen, length of batteries limited).
If you have:
– Small budget: Wacom Intuos
– Medium budget: the screen tablet medium size. I tell you more it here. https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/the-wacom-tablet-i-get-cheaper-than-a-cintiq/ Not easy to get ! To me the perfect size is 15″. I am not fan of smaller size.
– Big budget: The Cintiq 22″ (24″ is too big and you can’t rotate the screen)
If you look for portability like a sketchbook:
– NO Ipad. The palm keep touching the screen. The software that allow the palm recognition are not that performant. Plus I havn’t found yet a pen that gives me full satisfaction. Some people do great stuff with Ipad, but honestly, good luck ! 🙂
-Samsung Pro Note 12.2 gives great results with Sketchbook Pro (many product designers love that software, including me) But, the system is Android, so you won’t find Adobe Photoshop or Illustrator on it. Note that the pen is ultra thin and the screen a bit small. Ok for portability anyway. Not that comfortable. But it’s ok. More info here: https://www.thedesignsketchbook.com/samsung-note-pro-12-2-tablet-review/
– You could consider Windows surface, but I havn’t try it for drawing. So I can’t tell much. The pen is less sensitive, but the TRUE test is not the number of sensitivity, It’s to test by yourself. Low sensitivity may be enough, especially for a beginner. Before buying, make sure that the pen won’t lag if you open a big file on Photoshop.
Hope it helps !
Hello Chou i suscribe to design sketchbook last year but for some reason guide 2, 3, 4 won’t load. I’ve try to open them in different browsers and on different network please let me know what i can do to fix the problem.
Hello Daniel,
I guess something wrong happened during the download. I have just tested the link, it’s working well. I invite you to download again the eBook. Check your email, I send it to you.
Let me know when you have it. 😉
Yes. I have yet to receive the designer kit. I dont see it in spam or regular email. When i email you it returns to sender. TRMtherealmc8@gmail.com
Hello Saul, I have just send it to you back. Please check your email. Cheers.
U sent me a copy of Starter Kit and it doesn’t work. Opens and then crashes everytime!
🙁
Hi Deepak,
Oh that’s a very annoying situation. Thank you for letting me know.
I have opened the email and checked the link. It’s the same as the one I send to other subscribers. I guess, something wrong happened during the transfer or there is a software compatibility issue. Do you mind download it again ? Best is if you try with an other computer.
Let me know how it goes.
Chou-Tac
a really very nice site…try to organize some events or competition and I think this will help me/us to improve by inspiration….
That’s an interesting idea.
Thanks.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac