YOUR DESIGN COACH

Chou-Tac

Your Messages & Questions

I'm from Cameroon, I love shoes and want to invent and create mines. I've being thinking a...
I am a hobbyist...
Hi i’m Midhun from India and I need to improve my sketching skills...
I´m from México. I would like to know what this book offers...
I'm from. Malaysia...and I admire the sketching artwork & love to make my own art...
I come from the Taiwan and I'm looking forward to expanding my skillset!...
I'm a design student from India and I want to improve my design sketching skills...
I come from the USA and am looking forward to expanding my skillset! :D...
To improve my architectural sketching...
I can't get my free book :(...
Ola Michael, Quizas te quieres el "Designer Starter Kit" en espanol. If yes, please send...
I discovered Nomad Sculpt on iPad. https://nomadsculpt.com/ It's crazy interesting. It ...
I am from Holland and I love to design or sketch or sculpt on my iPad...
Quero voltar a desenhar...
Hi Dalila, You are starting an amazing journey! Congrats !!...
Awesome. I hope learning drawing is helping you at your house building activity!...
Welcome Haonan :)...
Hi Rena, if you have any link where we could see your work, I am curious when you mention ...
Awesome! Hope you find valuable content and tips in the blog :)...
I'm from China, and I'm an industrial design student...
Hi! I study sculpture in High School of Fine Arts in Athens,Greece. I"ve just watched the...
I‘m from China,I am a student majoring in industrial design...
I'm from cameroon and i built houses...
I am from Algeria , I am first year industrial design student...
Minimalism is simple but often not easy to find the right curve or line. That is the beaut...
Hi Nicolas, You don't need to change any of your cables. You just need to buy a travel ad...
As another artist travelling US to france with a fat cintiq, a simple question: how did yo...
Like minimalism designs in my crafts...
sadhique from kerala, india...
Hi Mikhael, How are you doing? Thank you! The cover changed, but the guide remains the s...
Hello Rabia, Glad you are looking for sketching improvement besides your school :)...
Hi Marion, I made a beginner introduction to start drawing from imagination. It will help...
Hi Roy, You are starting an amazing journey! Congrats!...
I am Ajayce Roy From India Right now I am looking forward to study product design....
I love sketching but I would like to have more use of my imagination...
ı want to learn draw,ı am a student...
I see a new cover, then I'm curious to download it again, because the book is very solid a...
Hi Dalila, After you go through the Designer Starter Kit, I invite you to try this tutor...
Ola Ruben, If you want to receive the designer starter kit in Spanish, please send me an...
Hi James! Lack of patience is a double-sword quality! I am glad it brings you here. :)...
Hi Julius, awesome! Hope you will find valuable tips and techniques in the blog....
From Rwanda, looking forward to becoming an industrial designer...
USA. Art has always been in my life is various mediums. MY LACK OF PATIENCE seems to bring...
Hola, soy de México, me inspira mucho tu forma de enseñar a dibujar, tus videos y la inf...
I am from Algeria. Want to get better at sketching objects...
Want to get better at sketching objects...
Hi-I'm Terri. I want to learn to draw...
My pleasure Marcos. Estoy feliz para ayudar te a dibujar mejor cada dia. Hope my Spanish...
Superbe Shammi, Glad you are back in track for sketching :) Bravo!!...
My pleasure Sven, I hope you find helpful content for your drawing journey! Cheers, Chou-T...
Hello Eliss, Glad you love drawing and spend time to learn. Awesome! You are gonna do gre...
Hi Estelle, I am glad you enjoy the blog, and that it helps you in your sketching journey ...
Hi Chou-Tac, Your site on sketching is SO Inspiring! I am Estelle, I live in China. I am a...
Kelantan,Malaysia I want to learn to sketch because I love drawing.I always drawing when ...
Thanks Chou Tac for sharing. Love to improve my skills....
thanks, Chou-Tac, your tutorials are exactly what I needed to start sketching again. The b...
Eu sou do Brasil, gostaria de aprimorar minhas técnicas de desenho, muito obrigado....
Hi Vinicius, thank you for sharing about Worldskills. https://worldskills.org/skills/id/5...
Hi chan. My name is Vinícius Arduino, from Brazil. I'm a worldskills competitor, do you k...
I want to get book...
I am glad to accompany you on your learning design journey Gabriele :)...
Hi Musab, The book is free and it is delivered to you by email. Did you well receive it?...
Can I order this book?...
Eu sou do Brasil, e quero aprimorar e aprender mais sobre design. A artes me fascinam...
Hi Adrian, Oops, just saw your messages by chance. :) Please say hello to the team Creapo...
I'm from central California and have an interest in urban design. My goal is to design wal...
Thanks for sharing good information I read this post I really like this article....
I have always been interested in industrail design....
I'm from Japan. The reason I want to learn sketching is because I want to be a product de...
*Cheap*, sorry!...
Because of you I bought A5 Fabriano sketchbook and a couple of cheab BIC roundstick black ...
Thank you for sharing these awesome books for free. I’m from Myanmar. I always intereste...
I saw your Youtube tutorial...
Hi, I got my BA in 2010 at the age of 50. For my final project I wrote a short story and i...
ola a todos. sou do brasil....
brasil....
I was able to find it. Thank you! :)...
I was able to find it. Thank you! :)...
I'm ami from India and I'm looking for best technique and better skill for my design...
Hello! Maybe the beginner guide play hide and seek in the spam folder. Can you have...
Hey, I really appreciate it that you're able to provide beginners a free guide but I still...
Hi Sanjay, Glad to have you on board! You will get tutorials in the upcoming days and we...
A Mechanical product designer by profession learning to draw perspectives and human figure...
My pleasure Zahra. I am always happy to help, and glad you wanna improve. I learned s...
Hi Chou-Tac Chung, im so happy to find you again,my major is Industrial Design but im not ...
Hello Titi, Please thank the person who recommended the book to you. :) Feel free t...
That's an awesome goal you have Ruan! The gaming industry never stops growing. Bravo!...
I'm taking an animation degree and was referred to your book. I caught a glimpse on how to...
i like scathing...
I'm learning myself programming and game development on my own. And I want improve my draw...
I'm glad you enjoy David! By the way, in case you may be interested, the registration...
Hi, Chou-Tac Chung - Just wanted to say hi, and thanks for doing the videos. They're all r...
Estoy feliz porque te gustas la video de tutorial y ayudarte a dibujar las formas del arte...
Excelente contenido para aprender y para enseñar .Muchas Gracias por compartir...
Hey. How to determine in which scene I should be drawing a parallel source of light or a d...
Hi Daniel,  Yah, these days, it is better to rest if you feel any pain from your injur...
Hello I am from Montreal Canada, I've been sketching on and off for a while but more often...
I also hope you will find valuable content on the blog during your journey Deep. You sa...
Hi Stefan, I like your expression of a Chronic overthinker. You can find multiple vid...
Hi :-) hailing all the way from Denmark. I´m getting into portrait drawing and I was hopi...
Hi from Portugal I want to improve my drawings....
Hey, I am a Mechanical engineer, I like solving problems. But I want to explore my care...
Hy I'm Sabareesh, from India, basically I'm a graduate naval architect, who designs ships ...
Hi Mr Smith, I hope you find plenty of content that helps your high-school students....
Mr. Smith from Buffalo, NY I teach high school Architecture. I make every attempt to inc...
Hi i'm Jorge from Colombia and I need to improve my skills...
We can feel your high motivation Ian, awesome!! If you are a beginner, you may try this t...
Hope you find helpful content on the blog Salim :)...
Why the quality of image is decreasing when I'm posting on Instagram?...
Why the image quality decrease when I post it on Instagram?...
iwant improve my draeing...
i want improve my drawing...
I didn’t get a book yet please help me...
I WANT TO CREATE MY DESIGNS...
Hi Deanna, Do you mean the Designer starter kit? It is free. :) You can download ...
how much is the book?...
Hi Kathleen, I'm happy if it can be helpful to your art students. :) Thank you for s...
Great article. I'll share it with my high school art students! I always appreciate your ar...
Keep up Emmanuel! :D It is always worth pursuing what matters to you....
Thank you Chou-Tac. Your words inspire and give me hope....
Welcome on board Javier! :)...
Hello, I am Javier from Spain...
Hey Josh, Thank you for being an inspiration for the Design Sketchbook family and ...
Heck yea! I'm glad my question ended up making it as a full post! Hope it helps others as ...
Hi Asti, (Your name reminds me of a place I visited in Italy, where they produce amazi...
I am an Urban Sketcher and I want to improve my skills...
Hi Summer, Oops sorry for the late reply! Do you mind sending me an email at choutac@t...
I dont udernstant how you drawd your sphere and his shadow its says that you "will create ...
Hello! I’ve always loved to draw, and after observing how a lot of the artists I admire,...
Hi Graham, I do believe in "Quick wins". Basically about giving simple exercises th...
Hi I teach design in high school and I am looking for an easy way to teach my students to ...
Oh yeah, it's not free anymore. It's about 20$. I remember seeing a post from them on Fac...
Congratulation Ana for following your childhood dream. That's a great action you can def...
Avec plaisir Tania! N'hesites pas a partager dans les commentaires du blog, ou m'envoye...
Thank you for sharing Chris about the XP Pen tablet! :)...
Great article, thanks so much for sharing your knowledge! I was looking to get a screen...
Bonjour ! Je dessine en autodidacte mais cela fait des années que j'ai arrêté. Donc app...
Thanks for sharing! But Sketchbook is not free anymore for Windows and Mac OS. I use Krit...
Hi, I'm Brazilian, my name is Ana, and i am an frustrated adult how quit drawing as kid be...
Hi, My name is Leon, From Liberia living in Nairobi. I love sketches and would love to lea...
hola yo vivo en Guyana, siempre me ha gustado dibujar, pero necesito mejorar....
hey.. hey,i am form india i love sketching and your words motivate me thank you sir...
Hi Oliver, I am glad you enjoy the drawing tutorials :). Sure, keep going learnin...
Hi, I really like hoe you teach drawing. Some time I started by using some book on techni...
Hi Gordon, It's all my pleasure. I am happy if the blog can help you during your a...
Hi Chou, Just wanted to say thank-you for all the work and wisdom you share. I am 54 a...
Hi! I'm not sure I see the difference between B and C. Are you just resting more lightly...
Soy de la ciudad de méxico, me interesa y me gusta mucho tu forma de exponer cada uno de ...
Soy de la ciudad de méxico, México es mi pais, y me interesa la información de tus libr...
Australia, For self paced learning for my kids at home....
Hello from Brazil! I wanto to learn the sketch to ilistrate n eBook on elkectronics! Best,...
I'm from Portugal. Need to learn more about perspective. Hope your book help me on that. C...
From California. Engineer who wants to learn to quickly sketch product ideas....
Me gusta dibujar desde pequeño y quisiera aprender más....
Yeah! I am happy it helps you refuel your motivation tank! :)...
hey, thanks a lot for this article! i got my college results recently and was feeling do...
am a land surveyor and love designing.......
am a land surveyor and love designing.......
Hello from Hawaii!...
Don here, from Hawaii. Always wanted to be able to draw, looking forward to learn here....
Actually I try to know and learn the systematic technique for sketching. It will help and...
Hi Susan, Thank you for sharing your creative apps selection on iPad. Do you draw ...
Hi there, I've been a professional fine artist for over twenty years. Before that I was a...
My name is Pablo and I'm interested in improving my art skills....
Hi, I'm Julius from Ghana. I've just started drawing and I'm looking for resources online ...
Hello, I have just sent an email to you :)...
I a brazilian and I want to improve my technique...
Is the “37 Secrets of Sneaker Designers'” book still available??? I sent for it, got t...
Hi Chou-Tac! I've been trying to get the book but it's not been sent to my mail, please c...
Hi Gino, Oops! Thanks to you, I realized I forgot to unlock the book delivery. Let ...
Is the "37 Secrets of Sneaker Designers'" book still available??? I sent for it, got the l...
My aim and passion to be designer I'll achieve this surely...
Hello Janet, Yes, the basics are perfect to start sketching the "correct way" as you...
Superb! It's definitely great to explore different styles and methods. :)...
Hi Kamil, As a carpenter, you may like this interview with Guillaume Bouvet. He's a ...
It is my pleasure to share! I also love illustration. Art and design are so interlinked....
Welcome on board Sam! Let me know how it goes, and do not hesitate to leave a comment or...
I'm a self trained set designer Wood worker from Lagos Nigeria Thanks for sharing I real...
Learning to sketch as a hobby and past time....
Hi from Belarus! I'm after illustration. I hope learning to sketch would help me to get i...
Hi! I come from Poland, but I live in Germany, Berlin. I am carpenter and want to learn sk...
Hello my name is Jan, I live in Perth, Western Australia. I am 72 years old and now disabl...
This is a great reminder to half things.. thanks...
I’m design garments and just expanding on sketching....
I’m looking forward to sharpening up my sketching skills for sneaker design. Thank you f...
i Come from Les Baux de Provence. Thé lockdown five me Time to draw and now i love it bu...
Thank you for sharing this with us...
Hi! I live in Mexico. Im arquitech and i want to improve my sketching styale. Thak's for g...
Hi , I’m trying to take my drawing to the next level ....
My name is Chris Richards from Asheville NC and I need to improve my skills to better pres...
I work as illustrator, I'm very curious about design techniques....
I'm from Arizona. I just started teaching myself how to draw because I've always wanted to...
how is you learn design product ?...
M a french student in a design school, i wish that you're book can help me in my work...
I'm from Brazil and sketching is my favorite hobby....
Very enlightening article. Been reading your blog little by little for some time now but ...
I want to crack the nid exam (National institute of designing)I am preparing for the exa...
Thank you so much for making this content and for your fantastic YouTube videos! I hope to...
I want to draw to open my business and as a hobby...
I'm a landscape architect and want to polish up my landscape drawing skills....
I'm theater design student and want to learn more about sketching....
I want to learn how to design for the industry....
I want to learn it so I can design environments for the industry....
Hello, I've tried signing-up several times for the book download, but no success. Nothing...
My major is industrial design. I'm a design sketch teacher. I'd read the book to improve m...
Gostaria de aprender outras técnicas de desenho porque faço Design de Calçados....
Hello Chou-Tac, I am Marina from Serbia. I study graphic design. Thank you for sharing thi...
Oroville, CA I want to learn it so I can design environments for the gaming and film in...
I've always loved drawing but geneRALLY REfused joining a course. I've always wanted to be...
I’m teaching designdraxing myself and want to have indpiration for my lessons...
Sacramento, CA...
I am a student of Design... but my drawing skills never developed well... when I was 12yo...
I want to improve my skills to better support my students when working on sketching design...
I’m learning how to be better at illustrating for animations...
Hi me prem...
Hi, I’m from Singapore. I am a teacher ,teaching design and technology. I want to be a...
I am a Mechanical Engineer. I do a lot of computer drawing every day, but I would like to ...
i want to be a product designer, sketching is the first building blog to be...
I want to learn how you learn how to draw what you see....
I am an art teacher and want to learn from other artists. I work in USA in Washington sta...
I am an art teacher and want to learn from other artists....
Hi Manuela, Yes there are some tutorials about straight lines. You can get them here...
Hi Nadya, I have just send it to you by email :) Chou-Tac...
Tried downloading book nothing happening. Can you please send me a copy. Thanks...
Hi chou-tac I love your videos. I have a question i always drawed feather lines. I am now...
I've always known I have the talent for drawing/sketching plus I love art but I didn't tak...
Well, I want to learn how to sketch so I can be a animator so I can make this animation fo...
I could relate to this post quite a lot. When I was in my third year I found myself questi...
I'm a student in 3D computer graphics for games and film, but want to improve my artistic ...
My pleasure Jan!...
Totally agree Bryan! :)...
Hi Greig, Hope you find plenty of helpful content on the blog. :) Please let me know...
Awesome Albert, Please, let me know how it goes with the students. :)...
Hello Sam, I am glad that you could correct your elbow position when you draw ellipses...
I have been drawing since I was a kid but never took it seriously enough to learn/study ho...
I would like to use the book for students who are having difficulties with drawing. Tha...
Awesome Usamah, It's such a great feeling to solve problems helping people (even if we...
when I studied mechanical engineering, it was very difficult because of the many calculati...
studying product design...
Trying to get back into sketching, I teach high school design technology and am looking fo...
I am a student and a freelancer, looking forward to be very good in design sketching and t...
Hello, I'm from Oklahoma. I'm interested in sketching because there are times words simp...
Thanks for the help and book to help and practice...
Congrats on your choice of the creative path Teertha! I am glad the sketching videos hel...
Just a student interested in design and wanted to know where to start...
Thank you. I'd like to learn to become a better sketcher....
Hello! I am going to apply for master's degree and found your videos to helpful for me....
Hello Richard, I am glad you enjoyed the video tutorial on perspective and found it be...
Hi Chou-Tac, Greetings for the day. My name is Mahendra and I'm from India. I love to dr...
Hi Dev, PLease find my reply on your email. :) See you there! Cheers, Chou-Tac...
Salut Paxon, Bienvenue a bord! Je serais curieux de ce que tu fais pour les scenogra...
I want to sign up for the sneaker sketching course . Vould you help me with that?...
Bonjour! Je viens de lire votre introduction et je voulais vous dire bonjour d’Austin a...
Chou-Tac I went through your 2 point perspective tutorial. You've done an outstanding job...
from Switzerland, Suisse romande, et je parle français, I live near the lake of Neuchâte...
I am a beginner at 68 and want excellent help....
Am darhnyell from Nigeria . I love art and am passionate about it right from childhood...
Hi, i´m glad to meet you, whith us I had the necesary I need learn to draw better. thanks...
Hi, I did not receive the book till now. I am very interested to learn sketching. I am sea...
I want to refine my skills to be the beat artist I can be. Always learning...
Design Technology Teacher Qld Australia teaching Design...
Hi Sandi, You got a great initiative. Handsketching will help you a lot in your journey...
Hi, I'm a product design engineer student. So I would love to be skillful at sketching not...
Hi Uyen, If you use a screen tablet like a iPad or Wacom Cintiq, it gets very similar t...
Hi Matthew, I am glad you enjoy sneaker design so much! I have just finished writing...
Hi Chou-Tac, it's nice to meet you... I came across your website by vigorous researching. ...
I also need to know moreabout technique. I watch video and the Pro Designer is using Ipad ...
Me too. I watch video and the Pro Designer is using Ipad for sketch book, I wonder do we d...
Hi, I studying at Art and design University and I want to learn more about sketching. Than...
I did not get the book. I asked for it Again today....
I checked spam every day but, no, I did not get the book. I asked for it agin today....
Hi Ojo, Happy you are back with your passion for drawing! I have sent an email to you ...
Hello Chou Tac. I'm a former student of yours I started the sketch like the pros course ...
HELLO! I'M GABE. I'M FROM BRASIL. I'M AN ART TEACHER AND UNPROFESSIONAL DESIGNER. I WAN...
WANTED TO LEARN RENDERING TECHNIQUES...
Hi Miguel, I agree, being able to draw the products you have in mind will drastically ...
Hi Alexandra, Your teacher is wise. The world is generous of discoveries! For us t...
Hey Kym, You are totally right, for a concept artist, the key is a good understanding ...
Hello Aquilla, Glad to see you here and explore how to keep improving your art skills....
Hi Andreas, The book is sent to your email. Did you receive it?...
Thanks Praveen, I am glad it helps you!...
That i s great you go back to your passion. Your ideas and concepts will definitely take...
Thank you for the update Michelle. I am glad you received it. Sometimes email like t...
I was able to download it today using a non-gmail account. I put in a temporary email and ...
These tips and tricks are so amazing and easy to follow. Great explanation of drawing sket...
Hi, I am from India and wanted to learn to sketch because currently whatever I am thinking...
To the ones who didn't get the book, i tried with some diferent mail accounts and i only c...
I’m a Production Engineer, I need to be required basic drawing skills....
Hi, I'm Michelle from the US and I am unsure what direction to take when it comes to studi...
Thank you, Great method's; and very professional....
i love sketching but never was good at it....
Have tried to get the workbook several times but not received it via email. Can you please...
Hi, I'm Daniel. I'd like to design sneakers also but I don't know where to start. I've see...
i dont think there are a lot of design studios in turkey...
Hi there, This is Summer from the XP-Pen team, I am reaching out for a cooperation cha...
I am studying Design and Technology teaching at University and I need to learn how to draw...
Hello, from the US. I've always loved drawing and doodling as a kid. Drawing allowed me to...
To improve in drawing...
it is a fentastic book...
I love drawing and because I love drawing I want to improve on my drawing....

Categories

The designer starter kit chou tac chung
Sneaker sketch book chou tac chung

Curious about product design?
Our survey answers provide the best tips and tricks so you can stay ahead of the game.
Check out our new creative project to supercharge your progress!

Workshop shoe a


ASK ME ANYTHING!

Today, I publish the answers in the blog so all of you can benefit from other people’s questions.
Here we go! Here is a selection of 73 things you asked me about Design Sketching! Part 1.

What You Need To Know About Design Sketching | Part 1

Let’s start!

1. Luke, 17 from London:
What’s the hardest part about designing a new product?

The most common mistake we see from beginners is: They stick to the first idea or first sketch that looks cool.

I remember the time when I felt lost in front of my blank page. I made a sketch that looks awesome or at least good enough, and I tend to like it a lot (too much). I unconsciously hoped and convinced myself that idea was THE NUMBER ONE IDEA! So I spent hours trying to develop it without considering any others. And sometimes even though it drove nowhere, I became stubborn and even rejected feedback. If you face that situation, know when you need to put an idea aside and move on.

My recommendation is:
Don’t rush for your first ideas, they are just the starting point.
Make sure you develop multiple axis of research as you will discover even more awesome proposals on the way! You would be surprised how much more creative you can be when you get out of your comfort zone.
TIP: To expand your creativity, remember to use these techniques:
What if? And be provocative. Always create with the users in mind. Propose various stories and scenarios of life. That’s how your sketches will have meaning and will give Life to your imagination.

To know more:
– TIP 78: Ask yourself “What if” to explore new ideas
Edward Eyth interview:” The whole process can be reduced to one fundamental question: “What if?”


2. Pat, 26 from USA, aspiring designer:
Digital art vs conventional sketching… What is your opinion on the differences and advantages of both?

To me, both are essential for the design industry, and the trend goes like that:
Conventional sketching is a no-brainer. It’s fast, easy, and convenient. It’s great for expressing ideas on the spot and making research.
Digital sketching is awesome for presentation purposes where you can give great rendering to your sketches. Photoshop and Illustrator allow you to test and modify colors and textures fast.
A common practice is to sketch on paper, scan, and render on a computer.
Once again, this is a trend. Feel free to explore other ways. For the day I tried to mix watercolor with product design sketch. Take what’s happened in the industry as a guideline, and feel free to explore other ways too – so you may create your own style.


3. Shubham, 24 from India:
What’s your biggest strengths and weaknesses when it comes to Design?

My strengh?
I guess creating stories. This is where I feel the most of fun at sketching them. At this stage, you may not even draw the product itself, but thumbnails of people using it. If you don’t  know how to draw people, it doesn’t matter. Drawing stickmen will do at early stage.
TIP: For presentation purpose, you can cheat taking picture of yourself in situation and use them as underlay.

My weakness? 
Know when to stop making research on time so I could get a comfortable timeframe for rendering, and not feeling rush before the deadline (so I could get a proper night of sleep before the presentation day). I often went to school to present my project without sleeping the previous night. Ohoh.
TIP: That was a pretty much “bad habit” as I tend to put aside my personal life for work. But if you want to perform long-term, you got to find a good balance.
Here is an extra point. Good working/life balance to me DOES NOT mean half/half each. As this equals to average intensity for both.
The good balance would be identifying the time when you put all your heart into your work, and some others into your personal life, your family. That’s how you can always live with full intensity! If you are a student in a design school, make sure your girlfriend and parents are aware of the amount of work you need. On your side, make sure you spend quality time with them. 🙂


4. Abhishek Sunny Pingua, 22 from India:
Can I become an automotive designer without going to design school by self-learning and taking online courses?

Basically, a portfolio matters more than a degree. So yes it’s possible – However, with or without an online course you will need a mentor to get results faster.
It all depends on what you will be able to produce and how much creativity you can show. To me, I would still recommend you to join a design school as the environment will help you reach your goal and get sensitive to innovation and users.
The biggest mistake you would do is to be able to design cars only using actual references. You are more than a great sketcher, but a designer. Make sure to show disruptive innovation. Something that is totally new and/or relevant to our upcoming future.


5. Jayant:
How much do you draw each day?

It’s one of the most common questions I receive from my students and my friends. They actually meant: How many hours per day is needed to get results? What I am tempted to say is that the more you draw, the better your level will rise. With good guidance and practice in sketching fundamentals, that will be your logic path.

To define how many hours is needed? Ask yourself: how much eager are you to learn how to draw? Then you will find the answer in your heart. If I draw 10, and you feel you wanna draw 20, please go ahead! Drawing is a lifestyle. Draw without counting the hours! 

To know more:
The “10.000 hours of practice” are under fire.


6. David Doodley, 32 English, live in France | Footwear designer:
I’d like to be as fast and accurate as possible, what is the best approach?

Stop looking for perfection.
Practice drawing with fluidity without fear of mistakes. Look for gaining precision along the way. How? Start with light pen pressure and iterate with bolder one. Your lines and curves will get more accurate soon with practice. Soon, you will need lesser lines to draw and your sketches will get a more minimalistic and clean look. 🙂
+ Make sure to practice your sketching fundamentals in parallel.

To know more:
– TIP 97: How to improve your quality of lines


7. Adrian Baranek, 24, Germany I am a design student in Schwäbischgmünd: Will the Designsketchbook show open to all?

Yes! The Design Sketchbook Show will be open to all. However, I will introduce you to a new membership design program where I will be able to follow up you guys progress! 🙂


8. Abhishek Neogi, 20 years old, India:
Hmmm… How are you and how was your day? 🙂

Haha thanks, Abhishek for asking. Abhishek is one of my students.
I am fine, thank you! And happy to take the day to answer you guys hoping it will be helpful.


9. Seher, 22 from Denmark | Student in Engineering in Integrated design:
Can you show us/me the level where you start drawing? And how do you draw now? 😀

Yes, of course, I invite you to see more in this article: How I started design sketching and kept motivated?
My drawings were flat like a pancake. But I did not desperate and learned that people who succeed in my school are no better than any of us. They started from zero as well.


10. Rahul Soni, 20 from India | Footwear designer:
How can I sketch the shoe in different -different perspectives?

Train at drawing the last first (The last is a standard shape of a foot). So you can draw your design on top of it. Make sure you draw the last seeing it in transparency.


11. Valentina, I’m 20, I live in Chile and I study design.:
Any plan of making a book in the future?

I am thinking about it more and more!


12. André, 38 years, from Brazil | Product designer:
Tell me about your professional experience until now

I started design later than most of the students and I graduated at 27.
Since I love traveling where I worked for Adidas in Germany, Daihatsu in Japan (internship) and also a local company in Singapore and China. Design is to me a universal language that has no geographical barrier. I invite you to read more about my design background here. 🙂


13. Murray, 29 | Industrial Design student
How important is traditional sketching to modern Industrial design?

It has always been important, and will still be forever.
There is no faster way to express ideas than hand sketching.
You don’t have to see traditional sketching opposing Modern Industrial design.
They are complementary. If there is one thing the world will need forever, is your ability to sketch.


14. Kiran I am 22yrs old | Product design student:
Can you give me any references where I could learn more basics in sketching

The book Sketching the basics, 2nd edition from Koos Eissen is great!


15. Borne’ Sanders, 23:
How to stay focused?

I would say cutting distraction from social media is a great start.
There is a technique called POMODORO. It’s about doing more in lesser time.
Basically, use the egg timer for cooking eggs. Set up the time to 20, 30, 50 minutes. Up to you.
Then stick to your task, and try to produce as much as you can till the Pomodoro ring. Take a 15 minutes break. Rest the timer and start another session!


16. Erick Beebe, 59, USA | from IT and in love with Concept art:
I like the program you’re currently running. Will the new one build on that?

Yes, they are complementary. 🙂


17. Chris, 34 Trinidad | From IT:
How to draw dynamic poses?

You gotta focus on the line of action of your characters. Use it as a guideline to draw the poses. Don’t hesitate to exaggerate like how the cartoonist does!

To know more:
– TIP 1: Sketch the world! (Showing dynamic football player poses)


18. Optimus 19 Spain, Student:
Would it be possible to have a web’s spanish version?

Maybe one day I will translate the whole blog into Spanish. But it’s not yet planned for now. There is already a Spanish version of the Designer Starter Kit. I send it to whoever registered to the blog and requested for it. 🙂


19. NAVED, 24-year-old from India. In love with animation.
What should I do to be out of the crowd ???? I really want to develop my sketching skills.

Start by copying the artist you love. Study your sketching fundamentals in parallel.
With the mix of influence and self-exploration, you will create your own style.
Look for an expressive way to convey your ideas through sketching.
To know more: How to develop your own style? 


20. Nickolas Teixeira from London | Product design student
Would you ever consider giving feedback sessions? For people who are struggling and maybe give advice on where they need to focus and improve.

Yes, I do! I also think feedback is essential to progress.
I have an online course called Sketch like the Pros where I give one-to-one follow up to my student. The registration are now closed as the course is now ongoing. However, I am now preparing a new course where there will be a community of passionate who can give feedback and cheer up each other! I will be there to give you online courses, tasks, and challenges and be there to follow up on your progress. : )


21. Josh, 29, US. writer in tabletop games and in love with Concept art
I’m having trouble doing consistent line weight. If I have a product with two or three connected pieces in Perspective, how do I know what to make thick and thin?

Here is a good introduction to line weight: How to get your sketches to convince your audience?
I may talk about this topic during the upcoming Design Sketchbook Show!


The best trick for that is to think of wireframes. You will build your surface like 3D software. A tip is to think of a cloth with a grid pattern that would fall on your object.


23. My name is Kevser and I’m a product design student in Turkey
How can I do better projects at school?

Your school is going to emphasize creativity more than your sketching skills. So you got to be creative to fill their expectation, but also self-learning your sketching skills to be able to convey your ideas with impact.
If you are just starting, I recommend you go through the Ugly doodles technique.
Start ugly to drop down your ideas, and refine your sketches along the way.


24. Lidia – 51yrs – Australian – Senior business analyst (IT): How do you motivate yourself to practice sketching when you’re tired and don’t feel like sketching?

Always remember WHY are you doing it.
When your WHY is powerful, the HOW does not matter much anymore, and you will cross the obstacles with passion.

TIP: Don’t think of the why for yourself only. But about your impact on others.
Are you doing it for helping people?
Contribute to your country?
Make your family proud of you… ?
Showing your kids that perseverance is beautiful? And so on.


25. Francisco Juárez, 47, Product Designer.:
I believe that sometimes designers worry more about producing great sketches/drawings/renderings than on the design idea itself, what do you think?

I agree. Art & Design is also about visual performance.
The best is to make sure your sketch is serving the purpose of your idea.
At Adidas, you could have 10 beautiful sketches or renderings – if you had no story, your proposal would be rejected. Some companies go for the look, others for the story.
From my experience, the most innovative companies are the ones that goes with the story. They are also the one I admire the most.


26. Erika Reyes, 25, USA. Working part time at a learning center while I get my BID in Industrial design (I have a BA in psychology and sociology): 

Many people have told me to practice drawing from life, but I have been having a hard time being able to have things scale properly.

I will look at an object, start at one part, and end up having to make the entire thing bigger because I didn’t leave enough room or I messed up where things are supposed to go.

I thought focusing on one portion at a time what good but when I look at the end result, things aren’t correct in relation to one another.

What exercise or technique should I practice to help?

You are having a common mistake that even if you practice drawing from life for ages, you won’t grow your skill much. You have to go through the sketching fundamentals and start your sketch by simplifying the object first. Draw the global shape in perspective with light pen pressure. Then, add the details. That’s the only way you can make sure drawing with good proportion.
To know more: TIP 162: Wanna get cool sketches? Do not start with details.


27. Shira Macedo, 24 years old and I live in Caracas, Venezuela. At the moment I’m studying industrial design currently in the 2nd year.
For me has been really difficult to learn to draw, because my lines are too rusty. I wanted to ask you, how can I get better in that area?

You gotta draw using the ghost drawing. It means simulating the movement of your line, curve or circle before drawing them. You have all the details in the Designer Starter Kit!


28. Nico Weber, 18, Germany and I’m a student.
When did people first contact you about a design job?

When I was a student, we had to do an internship in the 3rd year.
However, we had to present our portfolio early during our 2nd year of school.
This is when we start having opportunities with the “real world”.
The school did put us in contact with companies, so we could be interviewed.
We were in a fair competition with our classmates.
The most interesting profiles had the chance to be interviewed by the most interesting companies.

We were not judged on our project marks – but on our portfolio, motivation, and interest.


29. Emmanuel Ojo,16+yrs,Nigeria I’m currently a student in high school
Do you live in Malaysia? 🙂 and how can I overcome procrastinating when it comes to practice

I am traveling in Asia, but also go back to France when I can.
About fighting procrastination, I would recommend you to think about: What is your compelling Goal? Feel free to write it down, and stick it somewhere visible so it will remind you WHY you are practicing to get better than yesterday.
To know more: Tip 147: How to keep motivated having poor results and avoid procrastination


30. Esra, 35 from Turkey – Industrial and User Experience Designer:
Am I late to learn good sketching? Can really everybody sketch well?

Of course, you can. There is no age for sketching. If I am not wrong, your body does not have to be flexible as a ballerina dancer :P. Seriously, with proper guidance and support, everybody can learn. To me, learning how to sketch is technically easier than learning a new language.


31. Mikael Nielsen, age 45, Denmark, Industrial designer:
Do you have more guides than the first 1-4?

Maybe one day I will. For now, I focus on creating content and video tutorial for the blog.

32. Stephany, 24, Industrial design student: How did you become an industrial designer? Is there a way to learn the matter needed without having a bachelor’s degree?

I attended a design school for 5 years, and push for multiplying experiences such as applying for an extra internship but also being an extra exchange student in the US studying in a fashion school instead of taking my summer holidays. Just saying that even if there are rules, you can bend them to do more and learn more.
Show your motivation and you will find people who will support you.

If you don’t want to get a degree, I  highly recommend you meet designers so you can make sure you are on track. As soon as you can, try to negotiate an internship or even work for free. Your objective won’t make money but to learn. So that’s totally fair. You work for free, they take care of you. That’s how you will start building your portfolio.


 33. Ken Moyer, 40 from USA. Graduate Industrial Design Student:
How do you get confident and proficient at speed sketching a product?

You can look at David Doodley, for the 6th question.


34. Saptarshi Sarkar,23, from India. A mechanical engineering student by education and a design enthusiast by passion:
How should I plan my design exercise routine?

Start with learning the basics and sketch anything simple that is related to it. Continue trying to draw them from different angles.
TIP: Do not study alone but with someone who has higher skills than you so you can progress much faster.
I am aware of how difficult it is to find a mentor or even friends who share the same passion. This is why I am preparing a new Creative program where I will give online courses and invite the members to give feedback to each other. I will follow up members’ progress in the group.


35. Vincenzo, 29yo industrial designer from Italy: What are the pens that you usually use for sketching and why?

– Black Ballpoint pen: That’s my main tool.
I use it because it’s fast and easy to get a lot of pen pressure sensitivity.
You don’t have to sharpen it, and I don’t need to erase anything from my sketch. Why?
Because I rather iterate on top of my drawing or draw an extra sketch than suppress my mistakes. Keeping sketching allows me to keep a great flow of ideas, and sketch much faster.
-Black Stylist:
Felt pens are also nice to use.
Their lines are clean and dynamic. However, note that the quality tends to decrease along the way as the nib is pretty fragile. 
– Pilot Twin marker:
This pen is super fun to draw with fluidity.
It expresses a lot of energy in your lines. Draw with the thick nib so it will “force” you to get rid of perfection.


36. Krishnanunni, 24, India: I am a final year architecture student who wishes to pursue an industrial designer career along with my architecture practice.
It would be awesome if you could criticize our sketches or create a platform to discuss, criticize, and encourage sketching with all passionate people..

Yes, all the things you said are planned in the new program “Bring your Sketch Alive” that will allow you to post your sketches and receive feedback from the community and me! 🙂


Alrighty, we have covered about half of the questions. I hope you found this Q&A session interesting. Check your email, I will publish the second part by tomorrow. If you have any questions about “Bring Your Sketch Alive”, feel free to send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com or leave a comment below!

Take care.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac

Chou-Tac

Hello! I am a Product Designer from France.

If the sketching methods I’ve acquired aid me in my life and in my industrial design career, I believe that they can also help you reach your design goal as a student or professional.

My aim is to help you all along with your design projects and journey!

Leave a comment in the blog or send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com : )

Chou-Tac

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