Now before I go too far, let’s make it clear that this post is about a digital fashion sketchbook, but that the layout, process and development in MOST ways is no different than for ANY kind of fashion sketchbooks!
Because I did this work digitally (sketching freehand on my iPad Pro), I want to shout out Tayasui Sketches app for creating my favorite app for fashion illustration!
I also want to credit Pret-a-Template (here’s a video about it) for the croquis template I used, although I’m not a fan of their sketching interface, I often recommend their croquis.
USING A CROQUIS TEMPLATE
Peek in closely below and you’ll see that in this particular sketchbook, I decided to sketch on templates that I laid out all over the digital page.
First, I imported the croquis template and then copy and pasted it all over the page.
Next, I made that page semi-sheer and then opened a new layer over it for creative fashion sketching.
THIS IS JUST ONE WAY TO WORK
You can CERTAINLY do all of your sketches freehand, although one benefit of working this way is that your ideas all come out in the same proportion for that client or market. That can make it easier to understand your design concepts proportionally in relation to the customer’s body type.
POSED CROQUIS TEMPLATES
Digital fashion sketchbook
the images you see above are extracted from the Module 6 video from Fabric, Form and Flow Eveningwear Sketching course.
It’s an online course with hour long tutorials, homework and assignments/projects based on “eveningwear”.
MEANING: “SPECIAL FABRICS” (sheer, sparkle, fuzz, shine, metallic, sequin, satin, leather-look, taffetta, charmeuse, etc. etc….)) and dramatic/ “special silhouettes”.
Because I believe that when you are studying shine, shadow, and texture, seeing it achieved on all kinds of media actually helps you understand the principles that “make it work” even better! Regardless of what kind of media you use.
Digital drawing using the Tayasui app for android, ipad or computer is used for some of the modules in FABRIC FORM AN DFLOW, design and art markers for others, and gouache and pencils for yet others.
A course like my online program Fabric, Form and Flow: Eveningwear sketching
introduces you to the idea (and that’s my point) that there are MANY approaches and formats to fashion design sketching, and also to fashion illustration!
It’s my hope that you get the comfort of peering over my shoulder and listening to my creative thought process so that you can see how it all rolls out when I work ….
this gives you the insights to affirm and evolve your own processes that work best for you!
You’ll know right away what ways “work best” and feel best for you.
POSED CROQUIS, STATIC CROQUIS or FLATS?
Because I used croquis templates in this sketchbook page, I never had to spend any time thinking about the models’ poses.
I never had to worry about making her body look anatomical or proportionate, and didn’t have to deal with the way fabric creases up or flows differently when the model leans or bends one way or the other.
Some people (including me ) LOVE this freedom because it helps them focus ENTIRELY on the CLOTHING AND DESIGN and not struggling with figures …..
While some OTHER PEOPLE (including me) would never give up the thrill of sketching freeehand models from photos, live models or the imagination. in their fashion sketchbooks!
STATIC FIGURES and templates (pre drawn figures that you sketch over) are also great for technical drawings and flats because of the clean clarity of the clothing being presented squarely and cleanly with no distractions.
Adding color
makes all the difference in bringing your designs to life!
I recommend always choosing colors from ACTUAL fabric swatches you have on hand so that your sketch and swatches can be presented together. This always makes a stronger presentation.
Front, Back, and Side Views
Whether you use templates or draw freehand digital fashion sketches, or with markers, or with gouache and pencils…
Exploring front, back and side views as above in your sketches reminds you that fashion design is a 3-D art form that needs to be considered from all angles!
In today’s example I worked only fronts and backs, but the Pret-a-Template template that i used for teoday’s sketches croquis all come with THREE views, which is really nice option to have, especially for bridal or eveningwear (where side views can be very very important!)
Digital Fashion Sketchbooks
are super portable, bright and clean, versatile, and give you that beautiful possiblity of trying out colors or strokes and then undoing them when you don’t like them…
for many, this is a healing experience that softens the feeling of “making a mistake” or “ruining a sketch” (which are feelings that all of my courses try to soften and soothe so that you can get into the playful flow state that brings out the best of our imagination.
QUANTITY GIVES YOU FREEDOM
I usually sketch 3-5 times as many outfits or ideas as I actually need so that I have the looseness and freedom to warm up my ideas, then edit down to my favorites.
In order to be able to keep what I love, and toss the rest.
This is also because a certain amount of sketching time is really just me “warming up” and getting into the creative flow state!
I hope these insights served you. Let me know how it’s going, and join me over in Fabric, Form and Flow to deliberately up your sketching and designing game in an encouraging environment online!
Love, Laura
