I am currently working on a sketch for a potential commission. The project requires a more in-depth sketch than I generally create for initial concepts. The design concept for most pieces can be captured with a rough 2-d sketch, but in this case to communicate the idea effectively I'm sketching in 3-d (I'm still analogue, so this requires the use of actual paper).
As I hone down the sketch, I am reflecting on the source of my original 3-d drawing training. I've taken numerous drawing classes, I pursued a minor in art & design while at Purdue. I've spent hours working with digital drawing packages. I've drawn my entire life. I love design & composition. But my first real training started in an elementary school drawing class. I remember first being taught to draw a three dimensional surface. Draw a half circle, drop two short, vertical lines down from the ends, draw another half circle. What do we have? A coin. I was amazed and there it began.
A little while after, I checked out a book on drawing from the library. I remember the process of sketching with a pencil and then inking the lines you liked. Then erase the pencil and I again was amazed how this mess of pencil lines vanished to leave a clean, succinct pen drawing.
And so now, age 34, after establishing myself as a professional furniture designer and shipping furniture all over the world, I am still using the same drawing techniques I first learned in elementary school.
-VTL
Sidebar: I am digital as well. After I sketch ideas with pen & paper, it all goes into the world of technology. But the first thoughts are form best without the distraction of super-precision.
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