Intro to Concept Sketches and Isometric Sketching

Sketch

A graphical representation of ideas to quickly communicate design intent and details.

Concept Sketch

Can be quickly and roughly drawn to document brainstormed ideas or show more details. Includes shading to communicate more precise info or annotations to better explain technical details.

Step 1 to Concept Sketches

Find and draw the proportions of the object (size and scale of an object), also use details (Use of shapes, markings/details, and landmarks.) to get the object as close to reference shape.

Step 2 to Concept Sketching

Locate the light source and make a mental note. Areas closer to the light source are lighter and areas further away from the light are darker.

Step 3 to Concept Sketching

Apply tonal shading (Shade 3D elements for the 2D drawing) to the sketch(s). Refer to the subject frequently to compare it to the sketch(s).

Isometric Sketch

A sketch that appears 3D because 3 sides are shown.

Isometric Sketch characteristics

Width, Depth, and Height are represented in true proportion, Width and Depth lines are drawn 30 degrees from horizontal, All horizontal lines are vertical, Shape of object faces are distorted (Doesn’t represent true shape)

Step 1 for Isometric Sketches

Measure height, width and depth of the object

Step 2 for Isometric Sketches

Decide on scale and convert measurement into graphical units. (Standard is 1 unit = 0.25in)

Step 3 for Isometric Sketches

Create construction box equal to height, width, and depth measurements. Use construction box to draw shape at proper proportion. Erase box after finishing sketch.

Step 4 for Isometric Sketches

Add notes to drawing