Sketch on a digital tablet with keyboard shortcut | TIP 6 – 7

Being not satisfied with the previous “Sketch 5 | Concept diving mask”, I decided to sketch a new version of it. Sketching on a graphic tablet is not only about learning how to use the digital pen, but also the keyboard shortcuts.

Your right hand is drawing with the pen, while your left hand is on position ready to use the shortcuts on the keyboard.

The first version of the diving mask

The second version of the concept sketch diving mask

TIP 6 Sketch with keyboard shortcuts

Use the zoom in [Ctrl +]
and zoom out [Ctrl –] function using a keyboard shortcut. 
Press and Hold [SPACE BAR]
to drag the working space with your mouse or digital pen.
With these 3 shortcuts, you will create beautiful details.

Being right-handed, I mostly keep my left hand on the keyboard.

• The pinky finger stays above [CTRL].
• The thumb above the [SPACE BAR].
• The index remains ready to complete the shortcut.

Remember to set a minimum of 200dpi for your resolution so you can zoom in anytime, and still have a good quality of lines.

Close-up

Even more close-up

TIP 7 Don’t ruin your sketch

Do not focus on the details AT START.
You may lose focus on the overall shape and idea.
If you start drawing clumsy, don’t try too long to correct your mistakes.
Just redo a new sketch.

I start simple with very smooth shapes. I breathe deeply, relax – and “keep the flow”. When I get a satisfying base shape, I spend some time on the details.

Adding details

Adding some contrast with hatching

Add antenna

That’s all for today!

Does the result look better than the previous sketch?
If you like it, share it with people you like!