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Pattern making: How to make illustrations when you can't draw
On one of my doll lists we've been having a big discussion on what people like in their patterns. A big point of contention was whether it was better to have photos or drawings. All the designers said it is just too expensive to put photos in your patterns - at least it is if you want to charge a competitive price. I've seen patterns go for $16.00 when it is a 'photo' pattern, others are usually about $8.50 or so. I am getting ready to make my troll into a pattern and this has been on my mind. I'm not very good at drawing so how was I going to get my ideas across. I worked it out ... here's how to do it ...
This first example would be for explaining needle sculpting. Print out your photo (if you're like me and just store the things on the hard drive) and cover it with a piece of tracing paper. Light boxes come in handy here. Then take a good dark pen - I used an extra fine point Sharpie - and trace the outlines of the features. Then you can add little dots and numbers at all the needlesculpting points.
Step 1: Print your photo
Step 2: Trace the shapes of the face
Step 3: Add your teaching details
I wondered if you could do this for other things too. I thought about how to show finger turning. I actually sat and sewed a hand so I could do this. Sometimes I obsess over my ideas, LOL. Anyhow - set up the shot so it will be easy to trace later. Print it out and trace the outlines. Get totally carried away putting little dots on your picture to indicate sewing lines (or not) and draw in your turning tubes.
Step 1: Set up and take photo (duh)
Step 2: Print out photo and trace shape
Step 3: Add details - but maybe not this much, ha ha
I think this is going to work for me and my troll !!
What a great idea - now I just have to create the doll so I can photograph it and draw it - any tips on how to get started on that!
Michelle
Please let me know when I can see a picture of your finished troll.
GREAT IDEA and very acurate for drawing.
Posted by: Judy Hunter at February 9, 2007 9:35 PMBy George! I Think You Did It!!! WOOOHOO
Love & Hugs
Fran
What a great idea!
Posted by: Tammy at February 10, 2007 6:00 AMI think your on to a great idea. my drawing skills are not what I would like either. I'm jealous you can post pictures.
Posted by: Maryellen at February 10, 2007 6:12 AMWorks for me! The same "drawings" could be used for other patterns too if instructions are the same even if a bit different in shape. Good on you!
Posted by: Baja Betty at February 10, 2007 9:26 AMNow why didn't I think of this!!! Fantastic!!! Glad you worked it all out so I don't have too, hehehe!!
Posted by: Sandra Corson-walker at February 10, 2007 11:01 AMFantastic idea Judi!! Thanks for this great tip
Posted by: shashi at February 10, 2007 12:27 PMYour dolls are quite wonderful. Glad that I wandered into your space.
Posted by: Princess Haiku at February 10, 2007 6:22 PMJudi,
This is a great idea! Do you have photoshop? If you do then you can save yourself time, making a black and white "pencil sketch" rendition of your drawing.
Please have alook at my blog to see what I mean...
http://dollmakersmuse.blogspot.com/2006/11/how-to-turn-photo-into-sketch.html
I know I may be in the minotiry, but I prefer a good diagram to a photo -- photos hardly ever show what I want to see (if I can even tell what it is I am supposed to be looking at,) but a well-rendered diagram can tell me what a designer is actually *thinking*, which is what I really want to know. I hope other designers take your advice -- really!
JudiA
Posted by: JudiA at February 11, 2007 7:39 PMI like the drawings as long as there's a really good photo of the finished doll on the cover. Maybe a good closeup of the face on the back cover if you can afford it.
I would also vote for more drawings than fewer. Sometimes I'll be making something from a pattern and the directions just don't make sense.
I like what you've done so far. :-)
If your directions are as clear as this posting, you'll have no problems with your pattern! It looks very clear- the diagram vs the photo means you only have to show the important stuff. I have heard about patterns on CD though I've never seen one. Do they include photos? It shouldn't be a money issue then, right?
Posted by: mimi k at February 12, 2007 4:58 AMDitto all of the above, and it looks very professional. NOW can you write that book?
KAthy
Posted by: KAthy White at February 12, 2007 7:56 AM
Make your own version of Judi's dolls.
Many patterns available!
