The idea that graphic designers need to have strong drawing skills is a common one. But is it really necessary to be able to draw if you want to become a successful graphic designer? In this article, we will explore this question and provide some insights into the skills and tools that are essential for success in the field of graphic design.
Graphic design is a diverse field that encompasses a wide range of specializations, including branding and logo design, layout design, marketing asset design, user experience design, packaging, web design, and more. Within each of these specializations, there are specific skills and tools that are essential for success. For example, a branding designer needs to be skilled in typography, logo design, and color theory, while a web designer needs to understand how to code and how to layout websites to attract viewers.
The times when drawing skills become useful are when doing custom illustrations for packaging, hand-drawn icons or lettering, or surface pattern designs. But they’re not necessary for everything. You could be a logo designer without knowing how to draw, and I’ve met many of them. The sketching out of concepts that you do in logo design does not have to be precise and amazing; it’s for you to get concepts flowing. The real expertise depends on your abilities to use the programs and create a logo there.
You could be a packaging designer without knowing how to draw and actually use stock imagery for any illustrations that you may need. Design is all about your ability to compose an attractive design for your client to then accomplish their business goals. That being said, while drawing is not a requirement to be or learn design, having the skills can provide a number of benefits for a designer.
It makes a designer who has stronger drawing skills be more versatile in their work. They can create their own illustrations or custom graphics instead of just relying on stock images or pre-made designs. This can result in more unique and engaging designs that stand out from others. It can also give a designer more flexibility in the types of projects they take on because they’re not limited by available stock imagery or elements.
Strong drawing skills can help a designer be better at communicating their ideas to clients or team members. They can create sketches or illustrations to help explain these concepts, which can be especially helpful when working with clients who may not have a design background. This can lead to better collaboration and more successful projects as a result.
Having drawing skills can enable a graphic designer to explore their creativity and generate new ideas. They can sketch out concepts and ideas quickly, making it easier to communicate with clients or collaborate with other designers. Drawing skills can also allow designers to experiment with different visual styles and techniques that may not be possible with stock imagery or pre-made design elements.
It’s important to note that you do not need drawing skills to be a graphic designer. If you want to learn how to draw, then it’s important to start by practicing observing what you see and not taking your eyes off of that object while your pen draws it on paper. Your drawings are going to look horrible at first, but it builds up your ability to have your eye and hand in sync and duplicate what you see onto the page.
The way to become really good at drawing is to practice every day. Drawing your hand every day is a great way to start, and it can show your progression of skills from that first hand to the last drawing. It takes a ton of practice, and the key is not to give up when your drawings look bad.
In summary, while drawing skills are not essential for every aspect of design, they can provide a range of benefits for designers who possess them. Ultimately, it depends on if you want to be doing custom illustrations, surface pattern designs, and icons with your work or not. Be sure to practice your drawing if you want to learn it and otherwise, focus on mastering the elements of graphic design first and foremost.