Do I Need Drawing Skills In Order To Be A Designer?

The ability to convey an idea takes priority in any language, whether spoken word or a design language. Darlene Susco, a designer and the founder of iDsusco, says 'the ability to effectively communicate a message to your audience is more important than drawing.' More often than not, it is a challenge to turn an idea into something material. For this reason, having adequate drawing and sketching skills can come in handy. Drawing and sketching, like any other skill, is an acquired talent. Almost all of the people we admire in the space of art have put in hours of dedicated hard work to procure this ability. Over time it becomes easier to get a thought out of your head and onto paper. What one must keep in mind is that designing is a language, and drawing is more a form of expression. That drawing helps express ideas - yes! - that is necessary - no! 

Beliefs of an age long gone

The misconception that only a person with exceptional drawing skills can create new designs and turn it into a profession comes from an era long gone. In the past, the king or clergy would conceptualise the design. The project would then be entrusted to gifted artisans who would work for months or even years to complete them. As people were not aware of the hierarchy in a design project, they would assume that the sculptors themselves were responsible for the design work. However, it was usually the king or the clergy who would visualise major design projects.

From an early time designing has always necessitated knowledge across a wide range of fields. For example, Leonardo Da Vince, a polymath, and a genius, by all means, was active during the Renaissance period as a painter, draughtsman, engineer, scientist, theorist, sculptor, and architect. It was a widespread belief that in order to create new designs, one must already be exceptionally good at drawing. But the truth, however, may surprise you. The fundamental ideas behind a design project don't require you to have any drawing skills. Rather, it requires you to be able to communicate the idea in such a way as to make the client understand your vision. Being able to draw even basically helps convey the idea succinctly. 

Many great designers like Charlotte Beecham, of Charlotte Simone;  Donna Ida Thornton, Britain's queen of jeans;  Leah McSweeney, of Married to the MOB, among many others, were not gifted with exceptional drawing skills, nor did they have a background in fashion but still made it big in the global fashion community. Their success is solely credited to their dedication and hard work, with an incredible passion for their craft.  

Can you still be a designer without drawing skills?

With regards to an individual who wants to pursue a career in design, it is a common question to ask oneself if their drawing skill is up to the task. Although your drawing skills will help you in precision, one must keep in mind that their primary objective while designing anything is to communicate the idea behind the design. It is of the utmost importance that a person interested in pursuing a career in design have a great deal of sensibility, observational skills and curiosity. One should be able to observe the intricate details of an object or idea. Having the ability to draw will no doubt be an added advantage in this pursuit. Moreover, it is never too late to pick up a new skill, and in almost all cases, it is very rewarding to do so.

Some institutes have courses designed to help such students hone their skills and teach ways to improve their drawing abilities. Most design courses have a visual skill module that includes drawing and sketching classes, considering many of the questions that a young design aspirant may have. Furthermore, most modern design tools are digital, with artificial intelligence to aid many aesthetic exercises. As a result, creating shapes and morphing objects is easier than ever before, and turning ideas into designs is more approachable than one might imagine. 

Can digital tools and artificial intelligence compensate for the lack of drawing skills? 

The digital 21st century has been the era of problem-solving. Much of this ease is due to exceptionally well-designed products and services. This progress has come from removing barriers and creating innovative design solutions. Moreover, digital tools further aid in creating new designs that push the boundaries of innovation and creativity. Modern design tools altogether remove the need for pen and paper sketching and instead rely on your ability to think creatively and out of the box. Digital aid and artificial intelligence make up for many drawbacks one may have due to the lack of good drawing skills. They remove the need to have precision with your hands, and greatly enhance your ability to create intricate details. 

To conclude, I want to emphasise that a deficiency in drawing skills does not mean a lack of design ability. One must not forget that designing is a language, whereas drawing is a tool that will help you better speak this language. A person who is fascinated with design or wants to pursue a career in design must not shy away from trying to learn how to draw.  With enough practice and hard work, you will find that it is not that difficult to improve your abilities. An artist is not born; in fact with years of hard work and practice, an artist is created. With this, I hope you feel confident in giving your pencil and creativity a shot. Nothing is complicated if one is genuinely dedicated and inspired.