Fucks Wit It.

As an artist, it comes as second nature to me to begin an idea with a drawing. My professors always say that sketching and more importantly brainstorming are both key to great work, and I agree. With this in mind, I felt it an obligation to tell others about the importance of sketching.

First I want to start by saying that how you draw isn’t as important as what you draw. This doesn’t require amazing talent. You do not have to have rendering skills or even know what chiaroscuro means. Having said that, keep in mind that this is about sketching and brainstorming; it is not about finished pieces. This is about beginning a process that will help you with a desired outcome. It will tie up loose ends and provide direction in which you may not have thought you would take.

Start with a blank sheet. This is the only rule. Where, when, and why you draw is all up to you. I find that it is best to start with my first thought. Whatever comes to mind, I write it down or draw it. From there I keep on going with the thought.

Don’t be afraid if you’re getting off topic. If your purpose is to create an advertisement for toothpaste and you find yourself drawing a spider with creepy eyes then keep going. All you’re doing is discarding your distracting thoughts and making way for new ideas. The key is to keep your pen moving, whether you’re writing or drawing, make sure you keep putting things on the paper.

Do this until your entire page is covered. Step away from the paper and take a break. When you go back and look at what you’ve drawn you can decide which ideas have potential and which ones really wont work. Once you choose what you like most, start a new page with your best idea. Start the process over again with this one idea in mind and branch off.

From there you can really see what will and what isn’t going to work. Once you bring your ideas to the medium you will use for your project you will have a clear understanding of exactly what you want to do.

The more you brainstorm the more ideas you will create. Don’t give up at first if nothing is coming to you. Keep thinking and putting it on your paper. Some of the best ideas come from the smallest most insignificant doodles.

(The following images are an example of my own brainstorm process. I did a logo/tag for a hypothetical clothing company. There are sketches and then the finished product. These sketches are more typography based but you can see what I mean by keeping your thoughts going and doing what doesn’t always make sense while brainstorming.)