When you’re creating your logo, website, business cards, and much more, you want to make sure that your final product is going to stand out from the competition. Even if you’re just starting out, you should always have a sketching guide in case you need to create something new the next day. But, where to start?
If you’re an experienced logo creator, you must have a sketching guide that you can refer back to time and time again. Even if you’re just a budding artist, you should have a few basic sketching tips to take you from amateur to budding professional.
Whether you’re a budding designer or an established brand, you can learn a lot from other professionals who have already achieved success. Keep reading to discover how different studios like Terra & Ember sketch in clay.
Start with a sketch
The first thing you should do when you’re just starting out as a sketch artist is to take a diagram or a sketch of your project and turn it into a detailed sketch. If you’re working on a logo design that’s going to be in white, sketch out the letters and the background. Pay particular attention to any decorative elements like flourishes or lines that you might want to add. Afterward, color-curate your sketch to make sure everything is in proportion and that you removed any distracting elements.
Lay out your elements
After you sketch out the basic layout of your logo, it’s time to add the details. Start with the most important ones like your logo’s colors, type, and the overall design. You can add sub-elements such as the wordmark and the folder icon later on.
Draw your lines
To create your logo, the lines that you draw are its source of distinction. They should be thick enough to prevent the logo from looking too busy but not so thick that they become unprofessional or distracting. If you’re using a designed logo, it’s best to avoid scrolling across it with a felt-tip pen as this will leave very distinct lines. Instead, use a black or dark blue pen that’s consistent with the overall design of your logo.
Add a bit of color
To make your logo stand out, you should add a bit of color to distinguish it from the rest. While black and white logos can be rather monochromatic, you should always try to use at least one color in your drawings. This will help your logo to pop and make it look more professional.
Edit and finish
After you add the vital details to your logo, it’s time to finish it off. While you wouldn’t want to start creating a logo only to realize a few hours later that there are still a few details left out, you should never rush through this phase. A logo is supposed to be a long-term investment, so take your time and do it right the first time.
Summing up
The best way to sketch in clay is to use a commissioners’ guide as a reference. Many online resources provide one-of-a-kind, virtual tours of prominent architecture and historic sites, allowing you to draw inspiration from real-life architecture. By using these guides as your sketching guide, you’ll be on your way to creating some of the most memorable logos in the business.
