Intro to Technical Drawing - Waverly 207

Nov 25, 2022
3 min read

Updated: Feb 18, 2023

Nov 25 - Nov 13, 2022

Introduction

Brief

Surveying

First step was to survey our studio, measure length, width, height of walls and all the nooks and crannies. We used rulers, measuring tapes and laser measure. During this part of the project I found out that production designers usually have very limited time to survey spaces so it's always good to take plenty of pictures. Sometimes it's impossible to get accurate measurements, in those cases we can use tools and a bit of photoshop magic to find out approximate distance, for example, using our friend's height, table or random stick as reference point.

Images

Lettering Workshop

In the middle of the project we had lettering workshop to learn and practise neat and coherent handwriting for our drafts. I write all capitals in my everyday handwriting, so this was not something absolutely new or challenging, but it still was fun experience to know 'proper' way. After workshop I did practice some more at home, I experimented with different pens, I enjoyed 1.2 and 0.03 fineliners as well as 1.0 calligraphy pen the most!

Technical Drawing

This was my second technical drawing this year. I inked this one as well, therefore I was sure about getting crisp and defined lines. But next time I plan to challenge myself and use only pencil as it is more common in the industry.

White Model

As I had a lot of time, instead of copying and attaching my tech drawing onto the mountboard and redrew everything and then cut out and put it together. I had fun playing around with lights and creating these beautiful shadows from window frames. I also decided to add nice forest-y background and therefore I think I achieved nice authentic look!

SketchUp Model

As I had plenty of time, I did some additional work and created SketchUp file. In future if ever needed, I can add set dressing to our studio.

Sketch Visual

Creating sketch visual was some additional work that I wanted to do as well. I enjoy creating these kind of simple concept drawings as I want to explore this topic more in the second year of university. For this one I used new technique - paper collage and to edit it further I used Procreate on my iPad to add general tones, some lighting effects and textures.

Created by fine liners and permanent markers, paper collage, Procreate.

Reflection

What did I learn?

I learned how to create technical drawings specifically for film & TV industry. I learned 'proper' lettering that elevated and will elevate my drafts. Through my own initiative and experimentation I learned how to create realistic shadows when photographing my white model. I also grasped new techniques when creating my sketch visual.

What went well?

I think this whole project went very delightfully! I did a great job by planning and working trough the whole project so therefore I wasn't stressed at all and had enough time to give great attention to every detail. As technical drawing is one of my least favourite parts when designing, I wanted to start working on it ASAP so I can finish it quickly as well. I think I succeeded and managed to enjoy it.

What was challenging and what could I have done better?

I didn't find it particularly challenging as I have done plenty of drafts in my previous education. I believe that there's always room for improvements, but my work followed the brief as well as I did additional work. If there was more time I would've done some set dressing and probably draw another sketch visual using other tools.

Long-term implications

Put loads of time and effort from the beginning of the project so that there's no pre-deadline stress and anxiety!
... use extra time to add more thoughtful details to finished piece whenever that's a draft, model or visuals.

Conclusion and other feelings

I'm very proud and content with the work I've done in these three weeks. I already notice how my skills improve project after project. This one helped me with time managment so I plan to bring this newfound knowledge to my next projects!