Drawing is a passion for some people and a professional obligation for others. The second one is mostly valid for those working in sectors such as architecture. As architects or architecture students, we have to draw frequently as a part of our job. But not all of us have the same feelings about drawing.
If you already love drawing, how nice! But not everyone is in the same situation. Some of us cannot express ourselves comfortably by drawing. It naturally reflects on our school and business life. Well, can’t this situation change? Of course, you can change it! Because, contrary to popular belief, behind good drawings, the thing that lies is not talent but plenty of practice. We have collected some tips to help you improve your drawing character. By following them, it will be quicker than you think to produce not only good drawings but also drawings with a specific style. So grab a pen and paper and start drawing!
1- Draw Non-Stop!
We mentioned this so much that it has become a cliché. However, we can still say that this is an essential truth. That’s why we often find it useful to mention. Great drawings require practice, not talent in architecture.
Everyone’s ability to draw may be different. Therefore, a friend’s process may go much faster or slower than you. But the only thing that should matter to you is your own progress, forget about the others’. If you want to improve your drawing, you should take your time and draw at least a few sketches every day if possible.
2- Make Observations
You must be an excellent observer to draw well. You have to observe human movements, your own body, in short, everything you see around you. It is why beginners are told to make human sketches.
On your way to work or school on the subway, sitting in a café, observing and sketching people around you is one of the best exercises you can do. If you can’t find anyone, you can also examine yourself in the mirror.
If you prefer sketching people instead of inanimate objects to understand natural movement and the human body, you will move forward faster. But of course, the choice is yours. After all, it makes no sense if you don’t enjoy your work.
3- Don’t Be a Perfectionist
Nobody expects hyper-realist artwork from you. Don’t be too hard on yourself. The name of what you are doing is ‘sketch.’ Hundreds of imperfect, ugly, erroneous sketches will accumulate and create that wonderful drawing character unique to you. However, you have to be a little patient.
To eliminate perfectionism, you can continue to apply for the work above with a little bit of improvement. Obviously, you won’t have much time when sketching strangers on the go. But still, give yourself 10 seconds or so to pull out a person’s rough silhouette.
You wouldn’t want to disturb the other person by continually looking at them, would you? Therefore, start by giving yourself a short time to convey the most basic postures, such as the hand’s position, the hair, and the head’s direction. This way, no one will think that you are a weirdo, and you will not wear yourself out for the perfect drawing.
4- Don’t Be Afraid of Lines
Do not pretend you have a limited number of lines when you pick up the pen. Don’t try to draw the perfect line in your head over and over and then bring it to life. Free your hand. If necessary, overlap lines.
When your drawing is completed, the page doesn’t have to be clean. Nobody succeeded by trying it all at once. Try it; draw it wrong. What could be worst?
5- It’s Good to Try
Just getting started does not prevent you from trying different materials and techniques. You may have just started drawing, but you can also try crayons if you want. You wish to attract with soft pastels; if coloring your sketches will make you happy, why not trying? Or maybe you are very interested in drawing with charcoal. Then give it a try!
To improve on specific techniques and materials, you have to get to know and try them. And of course, there is no requirement for materials to reach a certain level in the drawing!