YOUR DESIGN COACH

Chou-Tac

Your Messages & Questions

I am from india.i want to learn sketching products....
I am from the midlands in England...
I come from the Brazil and I’m looking forward to expanding my skillset!...
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...

Categories

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

Admitted into art & design school? Congratulations!
Here are some tips and tricks on how to make the most out of each and every class throughout your studies.

student tips to succeed design school cover
student attitudes to succeed in your art design school

How to Make the Most Out Of Your Art & Design School Studies

The 8 Student attitudes of Achievers (vs Complainers).

  1. Feel gratitude
  2. Stop complaining to achieve more
  3. Starting simple is key.
  4. Be proud of your school
  5. Love the design process
  6. Don’t skip the basics of sketching
  7. Gamify
  8. Complainers drown in their Comfort Zone

I’ve just received a happy message from Lola Lalic!
She has been accepted into one of the best Design schools in her country!
And I am glad the Design Sketchbook Tips got helped her to pass her entrance exam.

Lola lalic join her design school

Do you believe that anyone can learn how to draw?

Well, I can tell you from my own experience, it’s true!
When I started my Design School, I thought everyone would be talented artists already.

This was not the case at all – only about 1% had basic drawing skills.
Despite this, I felt incredibly grateful and excited for the opportunity given to me, because my school firmly held the belief that with hard work and practice, anyone could achieve whatever they wanted in terms of art.

So if you’ve always wanted to learn how to paint or sketch, don’t let anyone tell you it’s impossible – with dedication and effort, you can do it!

And you know what? I felt great about it!
Because the school gave me a chance and believed in me.


My school belief (and still mine too) is: “Anyone can learn how to draw. “

Ratatouille anyone can cook

Choose your Art & Design school carefully

From what I saw, “elitist schools*” have a very high standard of selection.
It would have been impossible for me to join there.
However, my design school opens its door to anyone with a creative seed, even beginners in sketching.

A private school welcoming a ton of students with low drawing skills can smell like a scam. So be aware of your school selection. I wrote an article to help you with How to choose your Design school.

I was a beginner, I couldn’t sketch.
But “I had a dream in my pocket”.


TIP to become a great designer: Be user-centered

If you want to enroll in any Design School, you need to show your creative potential from start.

Some applicants may draw an amazing car, but it would be always the same. Interviewers will be more sensitive to the variety of your ideas than a “single sketch performance”.

Show how your ideas can pop into your head like a firework!
If you have any creative task, it is the moment to dare to propose impossible things! What will matter the most is: How your ideas will benefit the users.

If you can have:
Multiple daring ideas + User-centered = Creative Firework!

Creative firework of ideas
<span style=color f><strong>multiple daring ideas + user centered = creative firework <strong><span>

TIP To become a great designer: Contribute to the world

Some design schools may ask you some questions about art and design culture.
If you lack culture as I did, make sure your motivation is transmitted on these 2 points below.

To me, creativity for a designer is mainly based on:

  1. your Curiosity
  2. your desire to Innovate for people

It is as simple as that. Tell your interviewer why you want to become a designer, and what value you may bring to the world.

Do not only talk about what you want to have such as celebrities or money. There is nothing wrong with these goals. But what you want your interviewers to remember is someone who is willing to give his time and mind to help others.

You may be a beginner today, but your potential is huge.
So, Dream Big!


The disillusion

Since my school believed Drawing could be taught to anyone.
I thought they would teach us step-by-step how to draw.

My expectation was so wrong.
The learning journey at school was like a nightmare for all of us.

Overwhealmed
Yes you can avoid burnout

We had to learn everything from the ground:

  • Ergonomy,
  • Creativity,
  • Mock-up,
  • Marketing,
  • Portfolio,
  • Technology
  • … and of course, drawing.

They gave us so many projects to handle.
We were damn overwhelmed…
We had to express visually our projects with drawings.

“But we didn’t know how to draw (yet)!
Many of us lost confidence and some gave up.

The reality showed that our school and so many others are not perfect. From that standpoint, two little voices started to show up among students.

I call them:

  • The miniature “You Complainer” who pushes you to give up
  • The miniature “You Achiever” who pushes you to keep up

Both are in permanent duality.

You got to choose which voice to follow and let fully express. Soon or later, one will take over and decide your failure or your success.

The term “Complainer” seems a bit judgemental. That is not my intention. I wanna make sure you don’t get into a “falling trap”.

If you define yourself as a Complainer, I wish today to help you to switch to an Achiever.

Let’s see together the 8 attitudes of Complainers versus Achievers.


Attitude 1. Feel gratitude

Feeling gratitude

Complainers take things for granted

The design school was expensive. We could indeed have high expectations.

The reality was:

  • Internet connection was missing
  • Computers were obsolete
  • No library
  • There were no digital tablets for everyone
  • Software courses were too basic
  • We didn’t have money for the Adobe software license

Complainers keep saying: “We should have…” and take these as an excuse to do nothing.

Achievers are grateful

They accept the imperfect reality and embrace their chance of being in the middle of such a creative hub.

They appreciate:

  • Our teacher’s expertise (most teachers were professionals in touch with the market)
  • The great location of art influence (museums, sculptures, libraries, and huge book shops in Paris)
  • The school network
  • The invaluable creative teaching focusing on users
  • The special weekly course on Portfolio and career
  • The open mind class about design and strategy

They get inspired by success stories of students joining amazing companies for internships or careers.


My recommendation:

Focus on work and progress, positive energy will flow. All of sudden, great things will happen to you if you believe. It is not about magic, but science.

Your train your mind like a muscle to spot ideas, alternatives, and opportunities… to become resourceful.

Complainers’ and Achievers’ realities are both true.
Which one do you prefer to follow?


Attitude 2. Complaining = Waste of time

Stuck in time unproductivity

Complainers stagnate forever

  • They drag their pain for days, weeks, months, years… The longer they can’t draw, the longer the pain.
  • They get more and more frustrated at not being able to explain their ideas visually. They feel “mute”.
  • Years pass, and it becomes harder and harder to justify why they still can’t draw.

Achievers start early

  • They understand the importance to learn how to draw early.
  • They try to put into practice every project that they have learned in drawing class.
  • They test, explore, and experiment like a mad scientist in his lab.

It is not easy. But progress and discoveries pop sometimes. They keep motivated.


My recommendation:

  • A designer who can’t draw is somehow like a bird without wings. Make them grow as early as possible.
  • Think like “Nobody cares about your complaints” as nobody will after school.
  • Start growing your wings now as wide and strong as you can. Become independent asap during your studies so you can apply for your dream design companies.

Attitude 3. Starting simple is key.

Start learning drawing simple with a ballpoint pen

Complainers focus on sophisticated tools

Achievers focus on skills

  • They understand that a good tool doesn’t make a good designer. They
  • They start simple and now with a simple ballpoint pen or any available at the moment.

My recommendation:

  • Invest your time and money in growing your skills. Not wasting time choosing for ages the newest material while you have no skill yet. Without skills, your tablet is just a plastic box.
  • Note there is no minimum time to start on digital tools. However, know your priority. Get the first ballpoint pen you find, and draw.

Attitude 4. Be proud of your Art & Design School

Be proud of your school

Complainers talk badly about their school

  • They say plenty of bad things about school, the teachers, the direction… but complainers keep coming every morning in class year after year (with a grumpy face).

Achievers progress

  • They focus on work and get exciting results.
  • One day soon, the school will be proud of them.

My recommendation:

  • Quit school or Stay to do great! Why stay in a school for many years while you feel unhappy?
  • If you decide to stay, stop trying to change the school, but change yourself and target the top 10% of students.
  • To get there, replace “I can’t” with “What can I do to…”

Attitude 5. Love the design process

Love the hustle

Complainers are impatient

  • They focus on the result.
  • They expect to get amazing sketches, while they skipped the sketching basics.
  • They do mistakes and feel discouraged “expecting miracles”.

Achievers build slowly but steady

  • They struggle to learn and that’s ok. They do plenty of mistakes along the way but find a way to assemble the bricks.
  • They act like detectives. They love spending hours studying new techniques while working on their homework.

My recommendation:

  • Enjoy the satisfaction doing progress.
  • It may not be good yet, it is better than yesterday.
  • Some day soon, what is hard today will become easy. So easy people will think you are born talented.

Attitude 6. Don’t skip the basics of sketching

The designer starter kit draw step by step point perspective
Preview of the <a href=httpswww Thedesignsketchbook Comsign up and receive the ebook the designer starter kit rel=noopener title=>designer starter kit book<a> < click to receive it for free

Complainers shortcuts.

  • They look for ways to avoid sketching.
  • They focus only on 3D software.

Achievers fundamentals.

  • They know sketching is their best shortcut for freedom and pure creativity.
  • They learn perspective to build up their ideas.

My recommendation:

  • 3D software is an amazing asset. However, ask yourself why you originally came to school. To create, or to 3d renderings?
  • Sketching is your passport for creative roles. By focusing on 3d software, you may end in a job specializing at modeling other people’s ideas.
  • Also, remember that a technical person is replaceable. A creative person is unique and got highly more value.

If creativity is your call, don’t sell your soul to the devil for the sake of having a beautiful portfolio. It may be an empty creative shell.

Note: I have friends who succeed to become great sketchers and 3D modelers.


Attitude 7. Gamify

Super mario run

Complainers are victims

If they fail, it is because of external factors:

  • “The school has bad teachers.”
  • “Markers are too expensive.”
  • “We have no time to complete our projects.”
  • “I need to work after school.”
  • “I have no space for drawing.”

It’s never their fault.

Achievers play like Super Hero!

  • If you fail, it is because you didn’t try enough yet.
  • You love challenges like video games.
  • You face obstacles and you know they can be beaten.
  • You fail many times but you gain experience and strength to keep going until you face the big boss again and again till you kick his butt!

My recommendation:

  • If you decide to enroll in the school, no matter how bad it is, it was your choice.
    Don’t act like a victim. If you are not happy, do something to get better.
  • Video games are parametered by their creators to be achievable.
    In real life, there are no creators. There is no guarantee of success.
    But if you don’t play, you’ll never know! Remember that Life is the best game!
  • If you lose, learn, stand up, replay, and save the princess!

Note: The good thing is, that there is no creator to decide on how much success you can become. While modern games are betting so much on AI to replicate life, we must remember the most exciting game is our own life.


Attitude 8. Complainers drown in their Comfort Zone

Comfort zone

Complainers keep swimming in a tiny lake

  • Complainers attract complainers, and they all swim in a tiny lake till it gets too small for everyone.
  • Complaining is easy and gives a feeling of security. This is why we don’t wanna go outside swim in the river, torrent, waterfalls… and float on a lake.

Achievers challenge the world!

  • You get out of this toxic circle.
  • Find a new circle of achievers to help and lift each other.

My recommendation:

  • There is no need to try to debate with complainers.
  • The best way is to show by example. Focus on your success. You will inspire them and give them a hand when they feel ready.

Conclusion

Art and design schools are unique from each other. They have different philosophies, registration terms, rates of success, alumni success stories…

Some more. There are 3 viewpoints:

  1. The school pitch and reputation
  2. Your perception of the school
  3. The reality

My recommendation is:

  • Visit the Design school and do not base fully your choice on their website, brochure, and what people say.
  • Don’t let yourself be impressed by the design school’s reputation. Schools like Parsons School of Design, Art Center College of Design, RISD: Rhode Island School of Design are surely impressive. But go and see from your eyes to make your own opinion, and ask questions.
  • I had the chance to have David Salow from Art Center College of Design for an interview on the blog. He told us that he invites all students to present their portfolios. As the entry-level is high, he gives individual feedback on how to improve and apply again.
  • Meet the teachers, directors, and especially the students. You can meet them at lunchtime or exit time of the school when they hang out in front of the school.
  • You can reach Behance, Coroflot, Linkedin to find alumni’s work, and contact them.
  • Listen to people’s opinions, but build your own.
  • When you got all the cards in hand, and you have chosen your school, stop expecting, and start doing.
  • Avoid toxic classmates and put yourself at 150% to be among the top 10% of design students.

In my opinion, not everyone can succeed. But anyone can succeed, no matter your background or actual sketching skill. Your actions will shape your path.

Cheers,
Chou-Tac

*Learn more about the famous Art Center School of Design, in the rare interview with David Salow who shares with us the behind-the-scenes of the tough selection process of the students.

** Learn about the Super Mario Effect with “Tricking Your Brain into Learning More” | Mark Rober

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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4 comments

Leave a comment or question

  • Very enlightening article.
    Been reading your blog little by little for some time now but i had to comment on this one.
    Cheers from the 128, rue de Rivoli, Paris.

    • Hi Adrian,

      Oops, just saw your messages by chance. 🙂
      Please say hello to the team Creapole-ESDI!

      If you may have any content ideas for the blog, it would be warmly welcome.

      Have a great day!

      Cheers,
      Chou-Tac

  • Seriously great blog ‍ Thank you so much for your valuable insights, the right mindset is the key to success. Am currently reading the book ‘Minset’ by Carol Dweck. A very refreshing blog!

    • Thanks for sharing Derek!

      Carol Dweck has a great definition of the Growth mindset.

      “In a growth mindset, people believe that their most basic abilities can be developed through dedication and hard work—brains and talent are just the starting point. ”

      I like that 🙂

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