TIP 180 Struggling with Drawing Details? Learn to Draw Them Big!

If you struggle to add details to your sketches, try drawing them bigger! Learn this practical tip, see a real student example, and discover how drawing details large can instantly boost your confidence and clarity in design sketching.
AMY RICHES STRUGGLE DRAWING DETAILS - DRAW THEM BIG

I’ve just received an inspiring sketch from one of my VIP students of [Sketch Like the Pros], Amy Riches from the UK.

If your perspective on your sketches looks awkward, or they seem lacking in details, these today 2 sketching TIPS might help you.

Sketch of Amy’s Camera: 1st Attempt

At first, she sketched a camera that was pretty ok – however, the perspective was a bit weak.
I shared with her 2 simple tips, and the day after only, I received a good quality sketch! 🙂

Camera product design life drawing  Low construction.png
BEFORE: Amy draws a camera with a slanted perspective

Let me share with you the 2 sketching TIP recommendations I gave to her to improve her camera sketch.


TIP 1- Start Drawing with a Box.

It’s essential to start drawing in a certain order.

  • Never start drawing a camera with detail like the button for example or any other function. Start with the general shape.
  • A camera being “rectangular”, drawing a slim box will be the best start.
  • The box set up the proportion of the camera and the perspective scene in no time.
  • As soon as you have your box, you can make subdivisions to add in the elements (screen, buttons, plug, screws…).

Try to spot in the picture above, Amy’s construction lines (box, contour lines, subdivisions made with light pen pressure).

Just after receiving my feedback, Amy applied the sketching tips immediately.
24 hours later, Amy sent me her next attempt. The improvement is amazing.

Camera product design life drawing  Good perspective construction.png
AFTER: Amy used a box with a proper 2-point perspective to build the camera

TIP 2- Draw Details BIG!

As a beginner, we often have this “bad habit”: drawing small – and we draw small details even smaller!

When you draw small, 1 mm wrong can easily make your sketch look awkward. Drawing tiny stuff makes us feel so frustrated! We can’t achieve any good detail, and we have no clue on how to improve them. It’s like the pen nib is too thick…

The solution is simple.
Draw the details big!
Like if you have a magnifying glass. 

Amy told me the benefits of it:
“Had a go at pulling out some details and making bigger – found it easier to think about the geometry with more perspective and construction lines :)”


Amy’s Sketch after 24hours: 2nd Attempt

Learn how to observe things closely,
practice drawing BIG and your sketch will rise in definition and quality. 

Sketch like the pros - the design sketchbook - product design student - Amy Riches.png
‘Life drawing’ of cool products and big focus on details. – from Amy Riches

Add beside the camera a “zoom in” detail of the buttons, clip, nib, screw, mechanical pieces, grooves…

Hope it helps!
If you know anybody to whom these sketching tips can be helpful, feel free to share!

Take care.
Cheers,
Chou-Tac


Related Articles

How to draw cubes like professional designers
Ready to take your cube sketches to the next level? Discover how to add personal touch and dynamic, distorted perspective …
TIP 274 How Long Should You Sketch per Week? Expert Advice for Designers
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how long to sketch weekly. Learn to listen to your creative drive, balance focused sessions …
TIP 131 How to start digital sketching? (Material and software)
Ready to dive into digital sketching but unsure where to start? Learn which materials and software will best unlock your …
How to find the best ballpoint pen for drawing as a Designer?
Choosing the right ballpoint pen can transform your sketching. This guide helps designers test pens effectively, focus on real drawing …
TIP 248 How to Draw an Infinity of Products (with ellipses and cylinders)
How to Draw an Infinity of Products (with ellipses and cylinders) Transcript below Hey guys Welcome to the “Sketching Mini-Tutos”! …
Young man feeling lethargic looking for new ideas for his art and design projects
Feeling stuck or uninspired like “Creative Lethargy”? Gets practical tips to overcome creative blocks, organize your ideas, and reignite your …

Chou-Tac

Hello! I'm Chou-Tac, 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 dream goal as a student or professional designer.

Leave a comment in the blog or send me an email at choutac@thedesignsketchbook.com : )

Chou-Tac

View all posts

8 comments

Leave a Reply to Bitya Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

START SKETCHING TODAY!

Get The Designer Starter Kit for Beginner Sketchers
RECEIVE YOUR FREE BOOK

FREE Sneaker Sketching Book

37 Secrets of Footwear Designers - Free Book
RECEIVE YOUR FREE BOOK
close-link
Start Sketching Today Step-by-step!

GET YOUR DESIGNER STARTER KIT NOW!

The
close-link
The
SEND ME THE BOOK NOW
Send me The Book
close-image

Don't Miss New SKetching Tutorials!

Subscribe
LEARN 1-TIP-A-DAY TO BOOST YOUR LEVEL!
SUBSCRIBE!
Yes! I want to follow
The Design Sketchbook Youtube CHannel!
close-link
Click Me