Graphic Design is simply defined as a creative process. It is the designer’s job to use this process to convey clear visual communication. By using type and images, we lay out these elements to effectively communicate a message. There is, however, this great misconception that graphic designers are all fine artists. The truth is, not all of us can paint, draw or even sketch that well. That’s not to say that those skills aren’t needed.
Drawing and painting doesn’t have to be in a designer’s skill set to be successful; sketching should be and the benefits are endless. Sketching is not meant to be a masterpiece. We were not all placed here to be likened to Da Vinci. But, in my experience, sketching helps you to produce better ideas faster. Sometimes it is easy to just go in Illustrator, or whatever vector program you have, and start working. Usually, it’s the first concept that comes to your mind and you think it’s going to be great. But, that same concept you thought you came up with first, someone else has thought of the same thing. That’s where your sketches come in. They help you to break from unoriginality to create unique concepts until you come up with something that works better. My first year as a graphic design student, I took a Logos and Symbols class. We had to design a logo for a dummy company of our choice and our process had to include twenty-five thumbnail sketches for our concepts. Out of those twenty-five sketches, at least ten of those were used similarly in other professional designs.
Good sketching is not needed to be a good designer, but it is necessary to be a better designer. Research and concept sketches are the foundations of your finished product. A good designer needs to have a clear understanding of how elements are relative to one another. There is an argument that it is much faster to just create designs digitally. That may be so, but when you find that your design isn’t as original as you thought, you would have to go back to the drawing board; and that takes more time. Truthfully, it doesn’t matter what new or updated software you have. Those programs are just instruments and should not be the basis of your creativity. If you have no vision, your designs won’t look good.
If you want to be a graphic designer, but you aren’t proficient in sketching, you have two options. One of those being, outsource your work to an illustrator. There are so many facets to graphic design and they shouldn’t be constrained to just one or two roles as a whole. Some graphic designers specialize in other areas. If you feel you don’t have the time or the resources to expand, use those that can. And second, learn how to sketch. Despite popular belief, everyone can learn to sketch. Some people were blessed with the God given talent to know how without ever having to take a class. There are those that can barely get stick figures on a page, but the important thing is clear communication. Clients will look at your initial sketches first and if they aren’t confident in what they see, it’s likely they will take their business elsewhere.
There is a verse in the bible that says, ” Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.” 2 Tim 2:15. Of course, that verse talks about the word of God, but you can apply that to anything you want to improve in. The only way to get better at anything, is to study. Some places that I’ve found very helpful in improving my sketches are drawspace.com (free and paid courses you can learn at different skill levels), artgraphica.net (free lessons and videos), youtube, about.com and deviantart.com.
The advice I can offer is use your resources. Don’t be afraid to showcase your work; your entire career is a learning process. Ask for advice. You’d be amazed at how many designers are willing to help you. Take criticisms with a grain of salt; they’ll only help you to improve. And sketch ALL the time. Take your sketchbook with you everywhere. And most importantly, have fun!
