Basic Isometric Tutorial: Using Isometric Blocks to Build and Cut: Basic 3D Forms

Isometric building blocks are essentials to create complex forms.

In the following examples you see how basic blocks can be transformed into a more complex block structure. This is imaginary of course. But there is no rules here when it comes to practicing drawing blocks. The point is to have some fun doing it.

 

Use guide points and lines to help you locate the start and end of a slope or a curve/rounded edge. This is the ONLY way you can plot an accurate slope on an isometric plane. Add a little bit of dimensions in your creation by adding in some shades. You need to know where your light is coming from. And then shade the side where the light does not fall directly on.

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Basic Isometric Tutorial: How to combine Isometric Blocks & make them Meaningful - Basic Isometric Furnitures

Isometric building blocks are essentials to create different forms.

In fact, if you can draw blocks of various sizes and proportions at ease, and in any orientation you wish, you can draw basically ANYTHING on earth. Yes. Really.

In the following examples you see how 3 basic blocks can be transformed into simple isometric furnitures you can easily find at home. 

Do not worry about the details yet. If you are a beginner, it is good enough to be able to combine blocks to make anything up. If it looks like a chair you’ve got it. Leave the details and intricacies later.

Other details which you may notice in a real world furniture like textures, joints and curves, etc. These you will be able to slowly add them in. But for now, stick with the basics first.

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Improve my SKETCH!

One of the most common problems students have: Coming up with a decent sketch of anything. 

Does that sound like you?

Have difficulty working out proportions and perspectives?

Always cannot get your sketches or drawings right?

See what can be done to SUPERCHARGE your drawing(s)

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Let me know in the comments what else you like to learn and watch.

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3D Drawings - Oblique and Isometric Drawing Practices

Classroom demonstrations on Oblique and Isometric Drawings.

Practice, Practice and Practice.

The only way to improve your drawing skills. There is no short cut.

How to Draw a 3D Bottom Half Sphere

Steps to draw a 3D bottom half sphere.

I'll be writing about the steps soon when I find the time. Meanwhile make do with just sketches. They should be pretty self explanatory.

2D to 3D Drawing - Oblique Drawing

The image above is an example drawn in 1N1. The one just below is demonstrated for 1N2.

There are various forms of 3D drawings. In the order from the least realistic to the most realistic 3D drawing: Oblique Drawing, Isometric Drawing, One-Point Perspectives, Two-Point Perspectives, and finally Three-Point Perspectives. The last one (Three-Point Perspective) is commonly used in Interior and Architecture illustrations and sometimes in Comic Drawings to product very 'dynamic' perspectives.

The examples above shows how an Oblique Drawing is done.

Step 1:
Draw the object's side or front or side view in 2D. Draw exactly how you want it to look like. Observe the chair example.

Step 2:
Select your view point, i.e. from the left or the right.

Step 3:
Project 45 degree lines from the 'corners' in the direction where their respective surfaces is visible to the eye.

Step 4:
You should already know the length of the third dimension. Mark it at the end of each 45 degrees projection lines.

Step 5:
Complete the drawing by joining the end points of each of the 45 degrees projection lines.

Step (Extra):
Make use of the crating method and guidelines to complete more complicated drawings. Refer to the examples with a 'cut' corner, the triangular object and the drawing of a pyramid.

Note: Parallel lines. Many students are not aware that their line works were not parallel to each other whenever they should be parallel. Thus usually ending up with some weird distorted looking objects.

Be careful. When you draw the third dimension to scale, remember to apply the foreshortening technique, i.e. divide the value by 1/2. Otherwise your object will end up looking elongated and you wonder why. =)

Your Homework:Refer to your Design Journal and flip back to your coaster design ideation section. You have at least three to four full pages of organic looking 2D coaster designs. Copy the shapes and convert them into 3D Oblique drawings.

Practice drawing 3D Oblique drawings using your 2D coaster ideas. Fill up at least two full pages of drawing in your design journal.
(A few examples can be found in the image above).

Have fun...

Presentation Drawing in Drawn in sub-Context - With Human Figure Interaction

Difficulty drawing human figures? Fret not. There is always the internet with lots of resources.

But do remember copyright issues. So do not simple copy and use images without permission from the owners. Alternatively, use images from Yahoo image search with filters to locate Creative Commons images. Those images are free for copying and use.

An alternative would be to use an image as a reference, and then draw it out on your own. Making modifications and eliminating unnecessary details. I find using internet images as a reference to draw objects, figures or even hands very useful since I admit I am not good at drawing figures or hands interacting with objects.

Many students failed to draw decently. I can confidently say almost none draw with a reference.

Now I'll explain why I call the above 'sub-Context'. The full contextual illustration shows the user, using the product in its intended environment. The example above did not show the intended environment.

Figure Drawings for Presentation Drawings

The 'N' or 'O' Level presentation board 'Presentation Drawing' component requires the student to show their Prototype used in Context. In other words, 'Contextual Drawing'.

That means the Prototype should be presented with the user, using the product in the proposed environment. It is best to present such that it is clear how the product is intended to be used and how it works.

But most students will find drawing human figures or hands to interact with the product the most difficult. So it is necessary for the student to practice drawing simple figures and hands as early as possible.

Presentation Board | Presentation Drawing | Working Drawing Overall (Planning) Starter Kit (2011)

(Almost) Everything required within your Presentation Boards.

Note the different types of drawing techniques employed to communicate your ideas when you present them in your presentation boards. Note also the timing shown in the image above is for illustration purposes only.

Presentation Board Layout Planning (I) - Drafting

Presentation Board Layout Planning (II) - more details shown

Tips:
It is always good to list out what you wish to include in your

1) Presentation Drawing
2) Working Drawing

The expectation for Presentation Drawing is
a) Competent graphic presentation,
b) with all detail showing contextual use of design solution

The expectation for Working Drawing is
a) Detailed working drawing
b) with material list.
c) Drawing standards must be adhered.

How to draw Oblique to 1-Point Perspective & Isometric to 2-Point Perspective Drawing Made Easy