Do Designers Need Drawing Skills?

As an illustrator, drawing skills, which involve sketching, drafting, rendering, and the like, can benefit designers when it comes to formulating basic ideas and other detailed graphics.

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk

Depending on the people you ask, this question may bring different answers.

As an illustrator, drawing skills, which involve sketching, drafting, rendering, and the like, can benefit designers when it comes to formulating basic ideas and other detailed graphics. However, it is worth noting that designers use these skills in various ways. While some like to draw and sketch with pen and paper, some can translate their visuals better with the help of computer software.

Having drawing skills as a designer

Whether you prefer to start your design process manually or digitally, no doubt acquiring drawing skills as a designer has its advantages. Consider the following.

Drawing can help designers understand the fundamentals of design

When drawing, an artist examines composition, shape, line, form, perspective, and color. Similarly, designers may increase their grasp of good design through sketching.

Drawings are a valuable way for designers to communicate their ideas

It is sometimes difficult to express a concept without leaving out essential nuances. A designer can utilize drawing to make rough drafts that can be used to keep others updated on their progress.

Drawing can help designers become mindful of their work

By sketching out their ideas, designers can better understand their thought processes and become more mindful of their decisions.

Drawing, aka learning a new skill, is fun

Who doesn’t want to have fun? It is an excellent way to de-stress and take a break from an entire workday. What’s more, is that it an incredible outlet for expressing creativity. Plus, learning a new skill is beneficial for your professional development.

At this point, whether a designer chooses to incorporate drawing into their daily design process is up to their personal preference. It may be a crucial key to their success, or it may simply be unnecessary. Whatever they decide, I believe one can gain a wealth of knowledge when trying something new.