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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.

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 1

STEP 1| Draw a circle using the ghost drawing

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 2

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.

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 5

STEP 3| Draw the Minor axis for both ellipses

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 6

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

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 7

It is also the symmetry axis of the ellipse!

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 8

This is applicable for all ellipses.

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 9

Can you spot the XYZ axis?

How to draw a sphere - The Design sketchbook Step 10

The XYZ axis represents the 3 dimensions of space.

How to draw a sphere z

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

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About The Author

Chou-Tac

Hello! My name is Chou-Tac. 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 to help you all along with your design projects and journey. Anytime, feel free to leave a comment in the blog or send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com : )

2 Comments

  • Louis Dal

    Reply Reply April 9, 2016

    Hi, how to have the guides 2, 3 and 4 ?
    in advance, thank you

    • Chou-Tac

      Reply Reply April 10, 2016

      Hello Louis,

      Sure, please check your emails in few minutes 🙂

      Cheers,
      Chou-Tac

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