The Design Sketchbook blog is a review of the best tools and materials for industrial design sketching.
You will find information, pros and cons, and recommendations on different types of sketching tools, such as pencils, pens, markers, erasers, paper, graphic tablets and more.
You will also learn how to choose the right tool for your sketching style, purpose, and budget. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, this blog page will help you find the best tools for your sketching needs.
Whether you prefer erasing and shading with pencils or confident, dynamic lines with pens, this post breaks down the pros and cons of each. Chou-Tac Chung shares personal insights on why the ballpoint pen is his go-to tool for a creative and expressive design workflow.
Ready to sketch anywhere? Felt pens offer thicker lines and quick shading, letting designers draw freely and rapidly. Chou-Tac Chung shares how felt pens inspire creativity even in busy settings like restaurants—perfect for urban sketchers and creative pros on the move.
"How to Draw a Sony Projector with Cylinder." This 30mn challenge offers a fun and practical approach to sketching, focus and quality sketching time.
Struggling to find time for drawing? This guide offers easy tips to sketch anytime using downtime in your busy day. Prepare your drawing pad for on-the-go creativity and transform small moments into valuable practice sessions. Start improving your art skills today!
Discover how controlling line-weight transforms your industrial design sketches. With easy-to-follow tips like using two pens, bold lines opposite the sun, and dynamic line techniques, you’ll bring depth and energy to every drawing. Dive in and practice for stunning results!
Learn how to draw a skull easily using a ballpoint pen in this beginner-friendly tutorial. Discover tips for visualizing the skull in 3D, sketching with transparency, and practicing spontaneous drawing anywhere.
Choosing the right ballpoint pen can transform your sketching. This guide helps designers test pens effectively, focus on real drawing conditions, avoid ink blobs, and pick affordable yet high-quality tools. Elevate your artwork today with the perfect pen!
Boost your product design skills with simple steps to draw cylinders accurately. Discover how to use symmetry axes, contour lines, and perspective boxes, along with creative spring sketches, to bring volume and clarity to your sketches.
Boost your backpack design workflow by mastering thumbnail sketching. Follow this five-step guide from The Design Sketchbook to create numerous design ideas rapidly, incorporate function, use underlays, and seek early feedback for efficient product development.
Take your sketching anywhere—even on coffee cups! Inspired by a visit to Vietnam’s Coffee Museum, this article shares challenges of sketching on wet, curved surfaces and how to make the most of quick, fluid ballpoint pen art.
