3 drawing methods

observation, visualisation, presentation There are three kinds of drawing styles for Visual Communication Design. Designers use each different style for different purposes and at different stages of their design process. These drawing styles are not systems (like perspective or paraline drawing) but approaches to drawing. Whether the designer or artist is drawing to record the form of a real object, drawing to make an imagined object visible or drawing in detail to present a fully formed concept to a client, she or he is always mindful of what is hoping to be achieved. Please note: The VCAA Study Design defines these drawing styles in the 'drawing methods' section, don't confuse them with different 'methods' (drawing systems) when you examine materials, methods and media. (VCD Study Design p44).

Method 1 - Observation drawing Method 2 - Visualisation drawing Method 3 - Presentation drawing

observation drawing   Observation drawing is visual perception made real. Observation drawing is part of the research or initial stage of the design process. The best way to learn about or better still, from an object is to draw it. Designers make observation drawings of things or layouts to learn about existing designs. Do you play a musical instrument? Can we really know about a piece of music from listening to it? Only a musician who plays a piece, knows the piece. They know where the tricks are, they know how the composer infuses feelings and emotions into the piece. So too does a designers who draws existing forms or layouts. They begin to understand the make up of the composition. But: Observation drawing must be done from life!! That is, you have to be looking at the real thing to draw it!! Non Negotialbe. Why? Because when you sketch a form you will be making a 2d representation of it. (Even if you are using a 3d drawing method like perspective). So, your mind has to process the form from 3d to 2d - and in this processing - you learn. You learn the object, and you create original art. By contrast, if you draw from a photo the camera has already done the 2d - 3d processing for you and you simply copy a shape. Notice I said 'shape' not 'form'. What is the point copying a shape in a photo that you already have? You learn nothing, and when you learn nothing you gain no insight to take with you from your research to your Generation of Ideas stage.

This style includes: Freehand sketching, Sketch note taking, Still life drawing, Life drawing, Wire frame drawings to record structure and/ or parts, Details of objects, Layout sketches of communication design, Freehand perspective (without the aid of vanishing points), 2 dimensional views like sketch 3rd Angle Orthogonals, Renderings to record form, surface, texture, pattern, colour, shade.

observation drawing means drawing from life

visualisation drawing The purpose of visualisation drawing is to make imagined concepts real. Drawing from the imaginiation helps the flow of ideas. Visualisation drawing can be quick sketches to build broad concepts or more detailed drawings aimed at teasing out problems before designs are developed and refined. Visualisation sketches are used in conjuction with creative, critical and reflective thinking as part of the process of selection of ideas for development.   This style includes: Freehand sketching, Freehand and more formal Perspecitive and/ or paraline drawing methods, Graphic layouts for communication design, Explanatory diagrams, symbols and icons, Details of sections of objects, Renderings to suggest form, colour, surface texture/ sheen, pattern or shade, CAD or Sketchup massing concepts, Creative model making, Drawing made in any media.

Visualisation drawings are found in generation of ideas and development of concepts stages. Freehand sketches of boat forms. Nathan Giastis 2013. Graphic layout for a poster. Kate Gaylor 2014. Visualisation watercolours for skateboard designs. Lisa Peric 2012.

Presentation drawing   Presentation drawings are developed and refined design concepts. They are the resolution of design ideas. They are final presentations. Presentation drawings may be created with manual, computer or combined manual and digital methods. They reflect the intentions expressed in a design brief and are the final design solution for your client. They may be 2 or 3 dimensional and can include technical drawings such as architectural plans and elevations and/or 3rd Angle Orthogonal drawings. But: Presentation drawings don't always have to be 'neat'. They can be expressive if they communicate ideas, information or concepts as the designer intended. This style includes: Freehand artistic methods and styles, Technical drawings in 2 and 3 dimensions, Photographic work, Computer/ CAD renderings, Maps, expanatory diagrams, logos and symbols,

Presentation drawings present your ideas to your client Presentation editorial illustration. CLC 2008. Presentation of corporate identity for a cafe. Bianca Barresi 2012. Presentation advertisement using paraline and perspective drawings. Alex LiRossi 2013.