Welcome to The Design Sketchbook, where we delve into the creative world of industrial design sketching. Today, we’re going to explore an exciting and fun exercise: sketching a skull using a simple ballpoint pen. Whether you’re at a cozy cafe or waiting for your meal like me, this tutorial will guide you through an easy yet effective way to bring your sketches to life in 3D.
The Scene: Taco Del Sol
I’ve just arrived at the new “Taco Del Sol” restaurant, drawn by their vibrant skull logo. With my trusty ballpoint pen always at hand, I seized the moment to sketch while waiting for my taco. This scenario is perfect for you too—anywhere can become your improvisation studio for sketching!
COMMON MISTAKE: Starting with 2D Outlines
When you begin drawing, you might start with outlines, creating a flat, 2D representation. This is where most beginners feel comfortable, but it limits your ability to visualize in three dimensions and adapt your drawing from different angles.
Drawing what is visible
When you copy the skull drawing, you copy the outlines.
Your vision is limited to this original picture.
But what if you want to draw the skull from a different angle? You can’t.
Because your mind memorized only the outlines in 2 dimensions.
Let’s draw the skull with 3D Visualization!
Here’s where we elevate your sketching game! As a budding designer, it’s crucial to see and draw objects in 3D. We’ll simplify the skull by starting with a sphere, which will serve as the foundation for visualizing volume and form.
You draw with basic volumes first
You train your mind to visualize anything in 3dimensions like 3D software. You will be able to turn the objects from different angles!
Then you start drawing skull
I start with the eyes and nose to draw in symmetry but in perspective!
I feel these elements are at the surface of the sphere.
Draw in transparency
It’s a combination of simple forms I draw in transparency.
I imagine I can see through the hat positioned on the skull.
Tada!
I sketched an extra one very fast, and done!
Cheers!
Translation of “Espiritu Libre”: Free spirit
It’s fun to sketch anywhere you go. I didn’t have paper, but I did bring my notepad. It is very easy to carry with me. An alternative is to doodle on receipts.
- Visualize in Volumes: Train your mind to see objects as 3D forms, just like in 3D software. This approach allows you to rotate the object in your mind, envisioning it from various angles.
- Sketching the Skull: Begin with the eyes and nose, which are symmetrical but in perspective. Imagine these elements on the surface of the sphere, giving your skull depth and realism.
- Transparency and Simplicity: Use simple geometric shapes, imagining transparency to understand how different components of the skull fit together. This method helps in depicting parts that might be hidden from view in a 2D drawing.
The Final Sketch
After a few quick iterations, I’ve sketched an additional skull, demonstrating how fast and fun this exercise can be. Remember, the key is to enjoy the process and let your creativity flow!
Embrace the Spontaneity
- Don’t Wait for Perfect Conditions: Like sitting on a stool at Taco Del Sol, your environment doesn’t need to be perfect to draw. Sketching anywhere is part of the journey.
- Tools Aren’t Everything: While good tools are helpful, they’re not the be-all and end-all. I used a simple notepad, proving that you can sketch with whatever you have on hand.
- Draw Anything: Even if it’s not a product, like this skull, it’s still valuable practice for an industrial designer.
- The Real Enemy: Procrastination. Your ballpoint pen is your best friend—always carry it, draw daily, and make it fun.
Tips to Progress Faster
- Don’t wait for the best pen, paper, or posture. Use what you have and where you are.
- Sketch regularly. Make it a habit, and you’ll see your skills improve exponentially.
- See in 3D. Practice visualizing objects in three dimensions to enhance your ability to draw from different angles.
Conclusion
This exercise isn’t just about drawing a skull; it’s about learning to see the world in 3D, embracing spontaneity, and practicing your sketching skills in any setting. Whether you’re doodling on a receipt or using a notepad, the key is to keep drawing, keep iterating, and most importantly, keep practicing with fun.
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