Drafting for the Theatre

12. Sketching—Where All Our Drafting Solutions Begin

136 12.1 Sketching Although not frequently associated with technical drafting, sketching is a significant and vital part of the drafting process. With sketches, we can often solve problems more quickly. By downplaying the need for precision and suspending perfectionist tendencies, most designers are better able to quickly produce multiple design solutions. Similarly, “sketchmode ” helps technical designers overcome the common fear of a blank sheet of paper or computer screen most of us face when in “drafting-mode.” Sketching is a process that graphically commits a thought to paper and then enables fine tuning, clarification, and further development of the initial idea. Design and technical solutions that are developed in this greatly improve the quality of problem-solving by eliminating the narrowness and rigidity associated with formal, straight-line projection and have the added benefit of not appearing as “cast-instone ” to other collaborators. Sketches can be very conceptual, as shown in figure 12.1, or relatively accurate representations . Both “forms” are generally useful to a designer’s thought process and save time at the drafting table. By “working the problems out on paper” freehand, one is not bound by conventional expectations, slowed by proper tool use, nor subjected to the constraints of CAD syntax. Sketches are among the most common ways through which we explain thoughts to other people. A quick sketch of a design or technical solution provides a common frame of reference and helps us to visualize and, hopefully, gain a deeper understanding of the drafter’s ideas. A sketch also serves as a visual outline for the development of the more formal drawings needed later on in the design process. 12.2 Line Technique Straight Line Horizontal lines are drawn working from left to right, for right-handers; unlike tool drawing, vertical lines are best drawn with a downward stroke (fig. 12.2). The process is identical to the “pull” technique introduced in the discussion of lines and letters. When sketching, a fairly soft lead such as HB, F, or H is preferred, although there are times when harder leads such as 2H and 4H can be useful, particularly during the initial layout. Enhanced line quality control is obtained through the use of short segments approximately 1″ in length. When drawing inclined 12. Sketching—Where All Our Drafting Solutions Begin 12.1 A bubble diagram 137 straight lines, it may be helpful to shift the paper slightly to compensate for the desired angle. When sketching, don’t tape the paper in place. Curved Lines Small circles and arcs can be easily sketched using one or two strokes, but large circles require more preparation. In general, arcs are more easily sketched when the hand and pencil are placed on the concave side of the curve (fig. 12.3). of intersection and tangency with a series of short, smooth arcs. Another method that works well, especially for large(r) circles, is the use of a tick strip. With the center point of the circle established, a tick strip is marked with the approximate radius of the circle and used to mark as many points as desired relative to the center point. 12.2 Sketching straight lines 12.3 Sketching small curves Circles can be drawn by lightly sketching a square that circumscribes the soon-to-berealized circle. Midpoints of each side are marked as points of tangency (fig. 12.4), and diagonals are drawn from the corners of the square, creating guidelines for another four points where arc segments will intersect. To complete the circle, connect the various points 12.4 Sketching large curves by using a square or a tick strip 138 12.3 Maintaining Proportion The most important consideration in freehand sketching is proportion. Begin by establishing the relative (not exact) proportions of height to width. All other lines will be based on this initial proportional relationship. Here are some tools and techniques that may aid the process. Graph Paper Graph paper is already divided into defined units. Ratios (proportions) are easily maintained , since graph lines serve as guides for sketched straight lines. A variety of commercial graph paper is available with many different grid sizes. Sketching may be done directly on the paper, or on a transparent overlay sheet placed over the graph paper. Having an assortment of graph paper is a great resource for any drafting studio. Pencil-Length Comparison Proportional relationships can be established by using a pencil (or a pencil...