WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

You may be thinking that your invention idea is enough to sell on its own even without sketches. It’s unlikely, and it just makes every subsequent step harder. Additionally, sketching has far more benefits beyond being a visual aid to help you tell your story. Sketching is an excellent brainstorming activity and can help you further visualize ideas you may already have. It’s cheap and effective, even when it’s not enormously detailed. Remember: sketches are not drawings. They’re simple, with minimal detail.  You don’t need color or multiple pens and pencils. It’s just the basic concept laid out in visual form.

Having sketches of your work also makes it easier to communicate. Some concepts are difficult to get across verbally. Having an image as a supplement makes communication less of a chore. It also aids in collaboration, as colleagues can actively see and comment on your project. People may interpret your words differently, but a sketch is more universal. It also allows for faster iterations and changes, even if you have an existing prototype. That’s another thing to keep in mind: sketching isn’t prototyping. Prototypes take time, money, and effort. Sketches require far fewer resources.

HOW TO IMPROVE

The most common piece of advice you’ll hear for any skill is “practice, practice, practice.” And it’s true: the more you work at a skill, the more you’ll improve. Painter Bob Ross once said, “Talent is a pursued interest. In other words, anything that you’re willing to practice, you can do.” Therefore, if you want to make better sketches, make as many as you can. Sketch whenever you have a free moment. Doodle in the margins of your notebook. Scribble on a napkin at a restaurant.

That being said, there are a few more specific tips we can give you. First, be messy. You’re not creating a masterpiece. It’s okay if there are overlapping lines or eraser marks. Taking field notes may also prove useful, depending on what sort of invention you’re working on. Consider practicing making pen sketches: it’ll prove useful if you’re ever without a pencil when inspiration strikes.

One common recommendation for artistic sketchers is to try precision, i.e. inventive, sketching. Using a different skill set broadens your options and gives you more freedom and experience. The same is true in reverse. Try recreating a garden scene or a loved one’s face in your sketchbook. It may not be the most flattering likeness, but it’s still practice.

If you’re especially passionate about polishing your sketches, you might want to consider taking a class in sketching. Plenty of art and business schools offer courses in inventive or production sketching. Websites like Skillshare also host seminars on the topic. This is a great step if you want your sketches to be above and beyond in quality.

THE BOTTOM LINE

The value of a good sketch can’t be overstated. It’s invigorating, helpful, and even fun. Having a unique, useful idea will always be the most important factor, but coupled with visuals, it becomes something more. It makes the product feel real long before the prototype phase. Sketching is a skill any good inventor- any good creative type, really- should consider having.

Many people struggle to draw a stick figure, but if you can get it down on paper it will be easier to talk about. If you have the time and you have several ideas a class might be a great place to start. Not everyone can be Bob Ross, but everyone can have an idea. Find out what kind of inventor you are today by taking our inventor quiz!

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If you or anyone you know has ever been in this situation, don’t fret. While sketching is an important part of both the brainstorming and prototyping phases, it’s not strictly necessary. There are also workarounds to get something like a sketch finished, without the need for artistic talent.

HIRE AN ARTIST

The most obvious solution is also the most difficult. Art takes time, and as the saying goes, time is money. Unless you have a very close friend or family member willing to be your sketch artist, you’re going to be shelling out for a commission. Even then, what you envision in your head might be difficult to communicate with others. Only attempt this step if the invention is simple design-wise and only if you have the funds.

ATTEND ART CLASSES

If you have the time, a few art courses might help you improve. This is still a desperate option and should only be tried if you have deep pockets. However, most art classes teach a great number of skills beyond being able to sketch, which could prove useful as an inventor. If you’re a student, see if it’s offered as an elective. Also, many community centers offer art classes.

USE CLIPART

Clipart and premade assets might not convey professionalism, but they’ll do in a pinch. Combined with the above methods, it may be possible to create something far closer to your interior visualization. Don’t be afraid to be creative, especially with any recolor or cropping tools. Need a wheel? Crop one off a car. Use a jump rope as a cord. You’re an inventor and therefore naturally creative. The options are endless.

USE A GRAPHING PROGRAM

As we covered in a previous article, graphing and art programs may assist you if you struggle to draw. Being able to connect lines through points, both straight and curved, should give you the same freedom you’d expect with a pen or pencil. The drawback is that some programs are finicky to use or cost money, but plenty of free alternatives exist.

SKIP TO PROTOTYPING

Why not? Skipping to the prototyping is a viable option in some cases. It may be a bit more difficult without a sketch, especially if you’re using a 3D printing program. But it’s still possible! If you can modify previously-existing products, that’s a great way to start. And if you have to start from scratch, using a 3D printer is still feasible. In fact…

USE A MODELING PROGRAM

Using a 3D modeling program has the added bonus of making a multi-dimensional version of your product. There is one downside: many 3D modeling programs are difficult to use and can be costly. Again, if you can find a friend who owns the program and have them assist you, it should make your project all the easier. From there, you can go straight to printing and have a basic prototype for your pitch meeting.

SKETCH ANYWAY

Unless it is physically impossible, try sketching anyway. It may not be the most beautiful or recognizable creation, but the only way to improve is through practice. Furthermore, drawing your invention yourself is the only way to ensure it looks like it does in your head. Just remember to use fresh paper and your eraser.

Remember: there is no wrong way to sketch. If you can hold a pencil, you can do it. Believe in your own talent.

While sketching is important to help get your idea across, don’t feel stressed if sketching isn’t your strong point. As long as you have inspiration for your idea and you can describe it we can help you! Check out what type of inventor you are by taking our inventor persona quiz!

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AUTODESK SKETCHBOOK (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android)

If you need a wide array of brushes, this freemium app might be for you. There are 140 pre-designed brushes included, with the option to adjust them or even add your own. There’s also no layer limit, meaning you can stack and blend to your heart’s content. The $16 a month subscription fee might put some people off, but there’s a free trial to let you test the waters. And if you do subscribe, you get  24/7 support and access to tutorials and training videos.

ARTWEAVER 6 (Windows)

Another option with brushes to spare, Artweaver’s main draw (pardon the pun) is the collaboration features. If you and a partner are sketching up an invention, you can work together from your own computers on the project. You’ll need an internet connection, and to shell out $47 for the commercial version. It also runs exclusively on Windows, giving it a limited audience. Still, for collaborative sketches, there’s no better option.

VECTR (Windows, Linux, Chromebook)

Most sketches aren’t too graphic-intensive, which makes programs like Vectr a fantastic option. There isn’t an extensive toolbox (even after expanding the list), but for concept sketching and the like, there’s plenty to work with. There are also built-in tutorials and the option to download the app or work online. Best of all, it’s free, with cross-platform support.

SVG-EDIT (All platforms)

Like Vectr above, SVG-Edit is geared towards simple designing and sketching. You have the option of working online through your browser or through the desktop app, making it technically work on all platforms. No matter what, your finished work will be saved locally and can be used in any other installed program you have. Not bad for another freebie.

ADOBE PHOTOSHOP CC (Windows, Mac)

Photoshop has earned its place as the most recognizable image-editing software on the planet, but it’s also surprisingly useful for sketching. It’s arguably the easiest option to use on this list, and the latest iteration is cloud-based (CC stands for Creative Cloud). It’s pricey at $28 a month, and for more advanced image editing, some may find it lacking. For beginners, however, there’s no better place to start.

GIMP (Windows, Mac)

The GNU Image Manipulation Program is a completely free equivalent to Photoshop. What it may lack in intuitive design, it makes up for it in the number of features and tools at your disposal. With a competent mouse or touchscreen, the various drawing tools can make any sketch a masterpiece. It’s clunky, but it’s more advanced than its paid counterpart. And did we mention it was free?

LEONARDO (Windows)

Leonardo’s biggest draw is its “infinite canvas.” Zoom in or out, it doesn’t matter–you will never run out of space. For projects with minute details, this feature is invaluable. It’s also designed with tablets in mind, provided they run Windows. It’s still in development with more features being added, but it’s an overall promising alternative to paid art programs.

MEDIBANG PAINT (Windows, Mac, iOS)

Many artists covet Paint Tool SAI, a program geared towards the creation of manga and digital paintings. But SAI is expensive, whereas Medibang Paint has all the same features, and more, for free. It’s lightweight, admittedly, but it’s cross-platform and has access to the cloud. Start sketching on your laptop and then have to run to a meeting? You can continue your work on your phone, no problem.

We hope these apps got your creativity flowing! Are you likely to create an app, a product or maybe, a mixture of both! Take our inventor quiz to learn more about the innovator in you!

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