Sketching, Drawing and Illustration

Drawing

Drawing is one of the oldest and most basic forms of communication. Before language, cave dwellers communicated by drawing simple figures on the walls of caves. As the world became more and more complex, the need for drawings increased.

Interpretation

The ability to read and interpret drawings is needed in many occupations. Drawings can be used to convey simple and complex messages in a clear and precise manner. Information can be given and ideas expressed using drawings and graphics that would take thousands of words to express.

Graphic RepresentationA drawing is a graphic representation of an idea in the mind of the person creating the drawing. Object details such as size, shape and locational relationships can be clearly described with drawingsDrawing is a communicational tool.

Areas of Drawing

In DSG, drawing is divided into two areas (with a third that we do not do): Rough Sketching Refined Sketching Technical Illustration

Sketches

Sketches are freehand drawings used to formulate, express and record information and ideas. The sketched map made by a truck driver and the incision sketches on a skull by a brain surgeon are uses of the same problem solving and communication techniques.

Freehand Sketching

Often done by artists and used to express aesthetic ideas. May not be concerned with perfect accuracy in shape, size and relationships. Because the drawing is not to be used as a guide, details are often not developed.

Refined Sketching

Used to convey information accurately and completely. Craftsperson or machine operator should be able to create the object exactly as it was visualized by the drafter. Such drawings are tools for communicating ideas of the designer as well as specifications to the people who will make the design.

Technical Illustration

Blends technical and freehand drawing. Goal of the technical illustrator is to present a picture like drawing of the design which shows how it would appear in the real world.

Used in technical journals, magazines, instruction packages that come with consumer products and part of sets of architectural and industrial drawings.

Universal Communication Form

Drawing is one of the first communication technologies. Still the closest thing to a universal language form. A technical drawing created by a designer, engineer or drafter in India can be read by a machine operator in France or Australia.

Drawing Materials and Equipment

Many tools and special materials are used to produce modern high quality technical drawings. Paper, Cloth and Plastic Film to draw on Pencils and Pens Erasers, Cleaners and Brushes

Drawing ToolsDrawing tools can be used to draw objects in proportion to their true size. (to scale) Drawing instruments include: T-squares -Dividers Parallel Edges -Guides Triangles -Templates Compasses -Irregular

Curves

Measurement and DrawingThe development and use of a standard measurement system has been a technological goal of all societies. They are internationally controlled by the International Standards Organization. (ISO)The International Metric System is the standard for worldwide technical drawing and communication.

LetteringWhen drawing, there is often a need to communicate more information than a drawing can convey. The added information is expressed in letters and numerals. Modern electronics has had a great impact on lettering. A computer can accurately and precisely produce letters and numbers in a wide variety of fonts and sizes.

Charts and Graphs

Graphs and charts are widely used forms of graphic communication. They are used to: Shows trends Present data analysis and

comparison Display mathematical

relationships Show the behavior of

systems

Summary

Drawing has been a universal system of person-to-person communication throughout history. Modern technology has accelerated the need for drawings.