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Design

Posted by xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points

Is it necessary to be able to draw well in order to become a good Graphic Designer? What is your opinion?

I have always had trouble when it comes to drawing illustrations (think: people, animals, and other illustrations that are more detailed).

Is there anyone with experience that can tell me if this can set you back a lot in graphic design? Or would you say that being able to handle other aspects of design is more important?

8 Answers

Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points

The title Illustrator is somewhat different compared to Logo / Graphic Designer — even though you might be more of an illustrative logo or graphic designer.

And having super-talented drawing ability isn't necessary for web designers, if that's what you're interested in. However, things like digital art and complex illustrations are whole different area. Most artists and designers who are very talented there, focus specifically on that.

I also think those who are focused specifically on art drawing things, won't necessarily be able to pick up on what a well-designed website or app looks like. A rare case might be Mat Helme at Treehouse; he's both artistic and able to do more complex illustrations, web design, etc. But I don't think this is needed, at least not initially, depending what area you want to focus on.

One of the most important things about graphic design isn't the artistic side, but how you can recognize shape, lines, form, perspectives, shadows, etc.

In terms of pure art, digital, illustration and more, you can take a look at CG Cookie, Digital Tutors or Tuts+ and soon realize how complex that can get.

Wayne Priestley
Wayne Priestley
19,579 Points
Wayne Priestley
Wayne Priestley
19,579 Points

I think knowing how to use the application your using in your design process would make up for any lack of drawing skills.

Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points
Dustin Matlock
Dustin Matlock
33,856 Points

There are multi-talented people who code / design websites and even create original logos. My belief is some people are born with more artistic ability than others, but I also feel learning art and recognizing good design can be learned as well. One of my favorite courses at Treehouse is Career Foundations. It provides some great insider information into this sort of thing, and there's a lot of advice from Treehouse staff on their experiences.

One of the most interesting parts of the video, was where Mat Helme gave his story on how he became a designer, how he learned web design, etc. You can take a look at the Careers in Web Design video where he shared his thoughts on learning and recognizing good design. That specific part started at 12:29 through the video, but I think the other information he shared about what he had originally set out to do was interesting as well.

xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points

:D hey that is great! I am definitely going to watch those videos, thank you so much!

xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points
xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points

Yes, I hope so. I guess being able to deliver a good design doesn't always have to mean being able to draw well.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

Viaceslavas Praporscikas
Viaceslavas Praporscikas
90 Points
Viaceslavas Praporscikas
Viaceslavas Praporscikas
90 Points

knowing application doesn't mean you will start creating good illustrations in photoshop/illustrator. Anyway, most important is creativity and imagination. Likewise , drawing beautiful horses or sunsets with pencil won't make you a good "digital" designer.

xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points
xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points

This also makes sense I guess,

Maybe a combination of knowing how to do something, and having the creativity and imagination to do it are then the most important parts of designing.

Thanks for your thoughts on my question!

xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points
xwzotwvqqj
xwzotwvqqj
16,571 Points

Thanks for the amazing responses. It has motivated me even more to continue working on the skills that I have and try to make amazing designs with it. Great service!

andrew thompson
PLUS
andrew thompson
Courses Plus Student 2,252 Points
andrew thompson
andrew thompson
Courses Plus Student 2,252 Points

I dont think that you need to be good at drawing to be a good designer. To riff off of Dustin's comment about about Shapes, Lines, lighting etc. I think that most people who are "better" at drawing are just a little more sensitive to these things right off the bat. They have been practicing this for years through drawing & it is just second nature to them. For me drawing has been essential in communicating idea's quickly wether it be a layout, icon or interaction.

Your original comment it seems is actually about the fidelity of the drawing & if it is a necessity to be a good designer & the answer to that is No. No you do not have to be great at drawing to be a good designer, what you need to do is be able to communicate your ideas effectively & quite often a stick figure, basic shapes, motion lines will do the trick.

While aesthetics does play a very large roll in the final design its not the only aspect. Remember design is about problem solving above all else. If you haven't addressed the problem there is no beautiful drawing or site in the world that is going to fix it.

best of luck exploring design!