How I Turned my Kid Sketches into a Design Career!

Hi Sketcher! My name is Chou-Tac,
I’m from France. And you?

Meet Chou-Tac Chung: Product Designer & Sketching Mentor

As a Product Designer,
I had the chance to study and work around the world!
And I could use my drawing skills as international language to communicate my ideas with other designers such as in Germany, Japan or China!

If you too, love drawing your ideas from imagination, I am here to help you.
I remember how tough it was beginning to believe in myself.

I always loved Product Design Sketching, Footwear design, Concept art and plenty other art and design expression!
Through The Design Sketchbook, I’m on a mission to help aspiring designers level up their sketching skills and chase their dreams in industrial design with confidence and enthusiasm!

From Childhood Sketches to Global Design

Like many of you, I’ve always had a passion for drawing.
I loved sketching daily at school, at home, and with friends during the school break. We were inspired by the world of animated cartoons (Dragon Ball Z, Super Mario Bros, The Ninja Turtles, The Simpsons, Disney…). That fueled my interest for visual story telling.

I collected the Panini stickers, recorded the cartoons on TV, pressed pause, and drew.

Lost in Track

As I grew older, I found myself drifting away from my artistic roots.
I stopped drawing for years and turned to “naturally”, focus my studies on the classics of Business and Information technology. If you succeed to work in one of these fields, you would have succeeded your life! (Becoming a doctor, lawyer, engineer, was also in the list of success path of life.)

I was in the: “Study well, get a good job” mindset.
Technically, there was nothing wrong about my plan.

Except myself.

In class, my mind was elsewhere.
Above are some doodles I made during my marketing class. Nothing much… but I guess inside my brain, a little creative and shy version of me tried to tell me something:

“HEY! HO! You love drawing! What are you doing here every day sleepy in class?”

How I Reignited My Passion for Drawing at 23

It wasn’t until I hit 23 and were graduated of 2 degrees “in my pocket”, that I realized something was missing.
If I kept going that path, I would regret it soon or later.

I realized that I didn’t want to sell a finished product made by someone else; I wanted to create my own instead!
It was then that I decided to learn about design and acquire strong sketching skills to communicate my ideas visually.

YES! I PRESSED THE “BUTON RESET” to follow my heart and pursue a career in Industrial Design.

But life has a funny way of taking unexpected turns.

When I Enrolled My Design School – Starting from Zero

Let me tell you, it wasn’t an easy decision, but it was the best one I’ve ever made. I dove headfirst into the world of product design sketching, determined to turn my childhood passion into a fulfilling career.

I enrolled a Design school in Paris!
I had no clue how to draw. I could copy ok, but creating something from my own imagination was nearly impossible each time!

Of course I felt some doubts along the way,
but remember to recenter yourself at what really matters to YOU:

• Follow your creative instincts, even if it means changing course
• Practice sketching daily – it’s a universal language in design
• Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and create your own opportunities
• Learn from artists, designers who INSPIRE YOU. (Not only the ones in trend at the moment)
• Remember that your unique perspective is valuable. That way, you will create your ow drawing style.

I kept studying with high ambition to be part of the top 10% of my school.
I get inspired from artists that I felt impressed and worked hard so one day, I could reach their level!

I have built my portfolio and kept growing without procrastinating. And that’s how opportunities came.
That’s what I believe is the Law of attraction.

I Joined my Dream Company!

You know what? It worked!

At first, I went to accomplish all kind of internships I love from Product design packaging to Footwear. I was even hired before I was graduated (Airness MK in Paris)!

During the recruitment I was proposed to quit my design school to work full time. I refused so I could finish my master’s degree in Product Design I obtained with honours! And I was still hired btw – I spend a few hours per week for school.

Traveled around the World! USA – JAPAN – CHINA – SINGAPORE!

My journey has taken me across the globe, from the fashion-forward streets of FIDM Los Angeles and Hollywood to the innovative design studio in Japan. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work on everything from avant-garde concept cars at Daihatsu (TOYOTA) in Japan to cutting-edge sneakers at Adidas Performance in Germany.

Each experience has taught me something new and reinforced my belief in the power of visual communication.

One of the most exciting aspects of this career is how universal design sketching skills are.
They’re like a passport that can open doors all around the world.

Since I love travelling, I would merge my envy to discover the world with my passion for design.

DREAM BIG, ACHIEVE BIG

Whether you’re dreaming up the next big tech product or reimagining everyday objects, your ability to communicate visually can take you places you never imagined.

When you allocate your talent, your creativity to provide value to the world, the universe knows “how to reward you with that feeling of gratitude and fulfillment”. It may sound a bit silly, but studies proved that people feel the happiest when they help others.

And you know what?
That is the essence of becoming a Product designer.

It’s about Persistence and Dream

But here’s the thing: success in this field isn’t just about raw talent. It’s about persistence, continuous learning, and a willingness to push your boundaries. I remember spending countless hours perfecting my product and shoe design techniques while juggling my studies.

If you want change in your life, you can’t do the same things as before.
You gotta spend time to draw a lot more often and create your new creative routine!

Drawing will be part of your daily life.
So always keep a ballpoint pen in your pocket!
And draw wherever you can even doodle on napkins, Starbucks coffee cups, receipts… any blank surface you can imagine!

It wasn’t always easy, but that dedication paid off when I landed a job designing shoes worn by thousands of women across the globe working at Charles & Keith in Singapore and within factories in China (* Partly owned by French luxury Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH)).

Now, I want to help you unlock your potential too. That’s why I created this blog and my online courses. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up your skills, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Play

LEARN THE BASICS EASY – STEP-BY-STEP

From mastering 2-point perspective to creating stunning product renderings, we’ll explore it all together.

Remember, every great designer started as a beginner. The key is to keep practicing, stay curious, and never stop learning. Why not start by checking out my Designer Starter Kit?
It’s packed with tips and techniques to help you kickstart your design journey.

Learn perspective step-by-step and soon you will start drawing anything from imagination!

• Products
• Street
• People
• Animals
• Concept art…

Everything is linked through the fundamental of Design sketching!
It is so much fun, that you will become an unstoppable sketcher!

Are you ready for the transformation too?

So, are you ready to turn your passion for sketching into a thriving career?

Let’s embark on this exciting adventure together!
Whether you’re dreaming of designing the next iconic smartphone or revolutionizing the world of fashion, the skills you’ll learn here will set you on the path to success.

Draw anytime, anywhere, anything! Be silly and creative!

Drawing daily becomes your lifestyle. Your moment of entertainment, or calm and meditation.

It is while sitting in some café, scribbling in a sketchbook,
or on the back of a receipt that my best ideas begin.

Do not overthink. Enjoy sketching and improvise!
Having fun is the best way to learn faster and keep going with motivation!

Learn how to observe in 3D to REALLY learn how to draw

I’ve been traveling for nearly the last seven years with my portfolio under my arm like a second passport.
I was even invited to become the host of a TV documentary about creating a Travel Sketchbook!

At my design school, every Thursday afternoon, we used to go out in Paris somewhere new each time. We sit, observe and draw for 4 hours. I loved it!

Start this habit to learn how to observe things in 3 dimensions, monuments, buildings, temples, food, people accessories… around you. Go out and explore! Do not only get inspired from Google image or Instagram!

If the artistic methods I’ve acquired aid me in my life and in my career,
I believe that they can also help you to learn, and help you with your projects.

Don’t forget to explore the blog for daily drawing tutorials and articles.
And if you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, check out my Industrial Design Sketching online course.

Together, we’ll unlock your creative potential and bring your design ideas to life!

Remember, every sketch is a step forward.
So grab your pencil, fire up your imagination, and let’s start creating the future, one drawing at a time.

I can’t wait to see what you’ll design!

Happy Sketching!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac

Featured In & Collaborations

Martijn Van de Wiel

Martijn Van de Wiel, Instructor at TuDelft, Netherlands

INTERVIEWS WITH DESIGN EXPERTS

David Salow

David Salow, Art Center College of Design PASADENA

Michael DiTullo

Michael DiTullo, Product designer

Dwayne Vance

Dwayne Vance, Toy Designer

Edward Eyth

Edward Eyth, Concept artist, designer, sculptor, instructor at Art Center College of Design

Daniel Bailey

Daniel Bailey, Footwear designer / Conceptkicks.com

Noah Sussman

Noah Sussman, Sport Designer – Adidas

And many more amazing interviews from professional designers here

MEET MY STUDENTS AROUND THE WORLD (SKETCH LIKE THE PROS)

Let me know your email below and I will send it to you!
We will also keep in touch on the daily drawing tutorials and articles for you to keep making progress with the Design Sketchbook blog and like hundreds of other students join my Industrial Design Sketching online course!

Taipei, TAIWAN

Madrid, SPAIN

London, UK

SINGAPORE

Student Success Stories

Discover my Design sketching student’s testimonial here.
Such as Jeff Armstead, or Martin Goulet among my hundreds of students.

CONCLUSION

As I reflect on my journey, from sketching the TMNT, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles characters during school breaks to sharing my passion with all of you, I can’t help but feel grateful for the path that led me here.

To you, my dear reader and fellow design enthusiast, I want to emphasize several key points that have shaped my career:

1. Follow your creative path: Don’t be afraid to change direction, even if it means pivoting from your initial studies. I took that leap at 23, I graduated at 27and it made all the difference. You are never too old to start.
2. Develop your new drawing habit: This is your superpower for communicating ideas effectively. Make sketching a part of your daily life and let it inspire you.
3. Acquire and grow your design sketching skills with confidence: If you can’t draw today, never feel guilty or lower. It’s just nobody taught you before how to learn step-by-step.
4. Use design as your passport: Sketching has allowed me to work and learn across the globe, opening doors I never imagined possible.
5. Create opportunities: Hard work and preparation are key. Keep that pencil moving and be ready for the chances that come your way.
6. Build a community: Through The Design Sketchbook, I hope to pass on what I’ve learned and help you on your own design journey. Let’s support each other and push the boundaries of design together.

Remember, your creative spark is a gift.
Nurture it, and let your sketches shape the world around us. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to refine your skills, every line you draw is a step forward.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey.
Here’s to the countless sketches yet to come!

Dream big, sketch often, and never stop creating.

Cheers,
Chou-Tac