On April 9 I did my first Sketch Jam. It was fun. Since last year I decided to no longer say ‘no, I cannot draw’ there is no threshold any more holding me back. I just try. I am a beginner. I joint this opportunity of the Visual Thinking School offered by xplane in Amsterdam.

VISUAL THINKING SCHOOL (VTS): Visual thinking is about using pictures to help you solve problems, think about complex issues and communicate more effectively.

And I happened to be nearby, so I subscribed.

There I was sitting, 15 interaction designers and me. I definitely got nervous and I checked once more the invitation:

WHAT IF I CAN’T DRAW? You don’t need to be an artist.
 In fact, most regular VTS attendees don’t have design-related day jobs. The whole idea of VTS is to practice getting ideas down on paper. If you can draw a line and a circle, you’re prepared!

Ok, so I stayed and just tried.

We did a Sketch Jam. It was fun. We were given 4 “drawing challenges to develop and share our skills.” One of the exercises was speed drawing: 15 characters, for each we had 20 seconds.

BLOG Sketch Jam

Drawing challenge

Everyone can draw, even if it’s only stick figures.
Melly

What I took away with me

  • I can draw;
  • Make characters simple and similar, play with context, add tools and accessoires or messaging; and don’t fall into the pitfall of stereotypes;
  • Develop your own iconography, and you will be faster next time;
  • While drawing a whole story start simple and add details later; post-its with key words as place holder will help to finish a drawing challenge later;
  • Practice and get better;
  • Have fun – it’s fun!

A huge Thank You! to the xplane Amsterdam crew and my fellow participants. You truly inspired me.