Re: Step Away from the computer

Stepping away from the computer…

I have to start off by saying I go completely "gaga" over any person who sketches and draws well. I love these types of people…I don't even have to know them. If you can draw/sketch, I am in love with you.

Interestingly enough being a bit out dated and from the school of pen and ink, I think sketching is very important. It's almost like crawling before walking. I think I've mentioned I had an Architecture professor while studying Landscape Architecture who was adamant about folks knowing how to sketch and draw prior to getting on the computer and designing in CAD, Illustrator, FormZ, etc. As you can imagine this professor was partial to computers - but he did learn the programs. When I think back to it, most of my best work in design school came from sketching/drawing first. I think the process freed me somehow and made me more creative not just while learning but in everyday life. 

Working at a University I get mixed emotions about design schools particularly Architecture schools that teach CAD and other drawing programs to first year students and expect that form of teaching to be the "only way". I think it's important that  these students (or any design student) know simple sketching concepts or how to draw as well or even know what a 5H, 4B, or 8B  pencil is. More so, the importance of hand lettering, measuring, etc. There have been too many times that I have see students not obtain jobs in these fields because they are unable to sketch out quick concepts. 

I can honestly say that I don't sketch much know as I should, mainly because I am always at the computer and some parts of me had been a tad bit afraid to sketch after not doing it consistently for some years. I do think since attending UB I have pulled out my pen, pencil, and AD markers more to help better process my ideas (on multiple sheets of paper and sticky notes I might add). When starting a design project I usually pull out a few of my old sketch books or fundamental design books on presentation, and/or conceptual blockbusting to get ideas flowing. I am beginning to enjoy sketching again but then too it's also making me not want to go to the computer.