Hi Design Sketchers!
You know, sometimes the best sketching moments come when you least expect them. Like that time, I was on a plane watching RIO2 on their tiny screens, and I needed some paper to draw. The only thing around was an air sickness bag. Yes, you read that right! But guess what?
That little scrap of paper sparked an idea that’s stuck with me ever since: practicing drawing anything from any angle.
Why 3D Vision Is a Game-Changer
When I look back, animation has always been a huge inspiration for me. It’s not just about pretty pictures; it’s about capturing movement and volume, making things feel alive.
Watching RIO2 got me thinking about how important it is to see the world in three dimensions to really bring your sketches to life, especially product sketches. It’s like giving your lines motion and a soul.
Fun Tip to Practice Your 3D Vision
Want to train your eyes and brain to see in 3D? Here’s what I do—and you can try it too:
- Start simple. Grab basic shapes like cubes, cylinders, or spheres.
- Pick up any object—a book, a glass, a CD—and hold it in your hand.
- Turn it around, look at it from every angle. Study how the light hits it, how the shapes change.
- Then, try sketching it from different angles—even just from the side!
Over time, your brain will start filling in the gaps because a lot of things around us are symmetrical. This trick seriously helped me build my “3D vision,” and it’s one of the coolest skills you can develop as a sketcher.
From Childhood Cartoons to Sketchbooks
I used to be a total cartoon fan, Dragon Ball Z, Super Mario Bros, The Ninja Turtles, Disney classics… those shows weren’t just entertainment; they were my early sketch teachers. I’d hit pause on the TV, scribble furiously, trying to catch those dynamic poses and expressive movements. Later, those lessons found their way into my product sketches, giving them that extra spark of life and motion.
Why You Should Start Now
Don’t wait for the perfect notebook or fancy tools. If you’re itching to draw, grab whatever’s at hand, even if it’s an air sickness bag! (Really, it’s not a bad canvas.) Drawing from any angle will sharpen your skills, boost your confidence, and unlock new creative doors. Plus, it’s just fun to see your sketches come alive in 3D.
So next time you’re stuck without paper or inspiration, remember: the best art can start anywhere, anytime.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac
Chou-Tac Chung – Birds inspired from RIO2
Try the TIP now. If you liked it, share it !
See you at the next TIP OF THE DAY.
Recommended Articles
1 comment