How to draw a sphere (with the XYZ axis) |TIP 166

HOW TO DRAW A SPHERE

NOTE: We saw previously how to draw a circle in perspective.
(Which is represented by an ellipse drawing.)

Sphere drawing

Today’s tutorial, we see how to draw a sphere in a simple way using the XYZ axis.

Before starting, make sure you have been through the lesson about the ghost drawing and circles. You can find more info in the videos and book from the Designer Starter Kit, it’s free.

>> Get the Designer Starter Kit to make your first steps in perspective

STEP 1| Draw a circle using the ghost drawing

STEP 2| Draw 2 ellipses. One should “cut your sphere” horizontally, the other one vertically. Imagine they are crossed at 90 degrees if you would see it from the front view.

You have now a 3D volume, and you feel the sphere surface.

STEP 3| Draw the Minor axis for both ellipses

Reminder: The minor axis = the shortest distance of an ellipse

It is also the symmetry axis of the ellipse!

This is applicable for all ellipses.

Can you spot the XYZ axis?

The XYZ axis represents the 3 dimensions of space.

Take a pen, some paper and have fun!

This method allows you to represent the sphere drawing very fast without spending too much time at shading with a pencil.

Hope you like this tutorial, it will help you build more complex products.

Watch more:

I also added a video tutorial on How to draw the 3 basic forms of design sketching (Cube, Cylinder, Sphere)

See you there!
Cheers,
Chou-Tac