Hand sketching is a valuable tool in the arsenal of an interior designer, offering numerous benefits that can enhance the creative process, improve communication, and facilitate collaboration. Not to mention, incredibly relaxing and meditative!
In this blog post, I explain why hand sketching is a helpful practice in interior design and how it can positively impact the design workflow.
Hand sketching is an art form that for me takes continuous practice. During different phases of my career I have felt more or less confident.
I try to give myself 30 minutes every few days to just practice. I often enjoy practicing on a Saturday morning with coffee. Here are a few reasons why:
Creative Exploration: Engaging in freehand sketching allows for creative exploration and experimentation. It provides an opportunity to freely express ideas, concepts, and designs without the constraints of specific tools or software. By dedicating time to practice, I can push the creative boundaries and discover new possibilities.
Idea Generation and Problem Solving: Sketching is an effective tool for generating ideas and solving design problems. It helps me visually brainstorm and explore different approaches to a project. Through sketching, I can quickly iterate and refine my ideas, identifying strengths and weaknesses, and finding innovative solutions.
Communication and Collaboration: Freehand sketches are a powerful means of communication, especially during the concept phase of a project or client meetings. Sketches can effectively convey my design intent, allowing others to visualize and understand my ideas more clearly. It facilitates collaboration and enables productive discussions with clients, team members, and stakeholders.
Design Thinking and Visualization: Sketching promotes design thinking by encouraging me to visualize and map out my thoughts and concepts. It enhances my ability to think spatially and see the bigger picture. Sketching helps me develop a visual language that aids in translating abstract ideas into tangible forms.
Improving Observation Skills: Regular sketching enhances my observation skills by training me to pay attention to details, proportions, and relationships between objects. This skill is invaluable in accurately capturing the essence of what I see and translating it into my designs.
Relaxation and Mindfulness: As I mentioned, sketching can be incredibly relaxing. It allows me to disconnect from digital screens and immerse myself in a tactile and hands-on activity. It can be a meditative process that helps me focus, de-stress, and rejuvenate my creative energy.
By dedicating time to regular practice, even for just 30 minutes every few days, I can gradually improve my sketching skills and reap the benefits it offers. Sketching is a personal and subjective form of expression, so I embrace my own style and enjoy the journey of continuous learning and growth as an interior designer.
I hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. Follow me for more day to day design activity on instagram.
Ciao, Stephanie
My son, Leonidas enjoys sitting next to me while I draw