How do you communicate your design ideas and vision to clients and collaborators through your sketches?

2 Choose your tools and style

The next step to communicate your design ideas and vision through your sketches is to choose the tools and style that suit your purpose and personality. There are many options for sketching tools, such as pencils, pens, markers, brushes, or digital devices. Each tool has its own advantages and disadvantages, depending on the effect, speed, and flexibility you want to achieve. Similarly, there are many styles of sketching, such as realistic, abstract, minimal, or expressive. Each style has its own impact, mood, and message. You can experiment with different tools and styles until you find the ones that work best for you and your design concept.

3 Use croquis and templates

The third step to communicate your design ideas and vision through your sketches is to use croquis and templates. Croquis are basic human figures that serve as a base for sketching your designs. Templates are pre-drawn sketches that you can modify or customize according to your needs. Using croquis and templates can save you time and energy, as well as ensure consistency and proportion in your sketches. You can find many free or paid croquis and templates online, or you can create your own based on your preferences and measurements.

4 Add color and texture

The fourth step to communicate your design ideas and vision through your sketches is to add color and texture. Color and texture can enhance the visual appeal and realism of your sketches, as well as convey the mood and atmosphere of your design. You can use different techniques to add color and texture to your sketches, such as shading, blending, hatching, stippling, or layering. You can also use different materials, such as colored pencils, watercolors, pastels, or digital tools. You can also use swatches or samples of the actual fabrics or materials you plan to use in your design, and attach them to your sketches.

5 Label and annotate

The fifth step to communicate your design ideas and vision through your sketches is to label and annotate. Labeling and annotating your sketches can provide additional information and clarification that may not be obvious from the drawings alone. You can use labels and annotations to indicate the name, description, or function of your design, as well as any special features, instructions, or specifications. You can also use labels and annotations to express your inspiration, intention, or feedback on your design. You can use words, symbols, arrows, or numbers to label and annotate your sketches, and make sure they are legible and concise.

6 Present and explain

The final step to communicate your design ideas and vision through your sketches is to present and explain them to your audience. Presenting and explaining your sketches can help you showcase your work, persuade your audience, and receive feedback. You can present and explain your sketches in different ways, such as in person, online, or in print. You can also use different formats, such as portfolios, mood boards, storyboards, or slideshows. You can also use different methods, such as narration, demonstration, or interaction. You can also use different strategies, such as storytelling, comparison, or evidence. Whatever way you choose to present and explain your sketches, make sure you are confident, clear, and engaging.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?