What is perspective in drawing, and 2 most important types of perspectives in interior design. (Perspective basics for interior designers)

Here, we will familiarize ourselves with the most extraordinary and most exciting field of descriptive geometry and will discover two main types of perspective – the most important skill in interior sketching.

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Fundamentals/Basics

Perspective is an area of descriptive geometry. Not many people are keen on learning descriptive geometry at school, and for many, it is synonymous with tedious technical tasks and dull routine. Perspective is an intriguing subject, full of surprising secrets, and is essential for interior designers. It is this knowledge that will let you work wonders on paper, allowing you to create impressive views of interiors and to reflect your ideas in the most effective way.

Perspective is the basic and most fundamental knowledge for sketching. It will help you deliver your projects expertly. Without it you will get nowhere – if you don’t know the laws of perspective, then you lack the foundations, which means you cannot move on, and no rendering technique or stylistic device will help you out if you don’t have a clear understanding of how to plot a space. The eye of a man has an admirable organization, and it is thanks to the laws of geometry that we can put down on paper or visualize the real world in the way our brain perceives it.

Types of perspective

What types of perspective are there, and which ones are of the most significant importance to interior sketching?

There are many types of perspective, to name but a few: aerial perspective, frontal perspective (or 1-point perspective), angular perspective (or 2-points perspective or oblique view), perspectives with three, four, five, and even six vanishing points. So, which ones are of the greatest value to interior designers?

First of all, it is the frontal perspective (it is sometimes called a perspective with one vanishing point). Secondly, there is an oblique view or angular perspective (with two vanishing points) and, finally, an aerial perspective (or tonal perspective). If the first two allow us to draw an interior correctly, the last one will enable you to fill your drawing with air and convey three-dimensionality of space. Once we master the basics, we can address more complex types of combined perspective – with three vanishing points and various three-dimensional effects. Latest are exciting perspective techniques that add more expression to a drawing.

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There is one artist that I want to point your attention to whose mastery of perspective I particularly admire. I am talking about Dutch graphic artist Maurits C. Escher. His work is simply mind-boggling! My favourite is his extraordinary self-portrait (check it here), where he is drawing himself while looking in the mirror sphere, which also reflects the interior. If you remove the ball, the room appears in a 1-point perspective; interestingly, the interior is reflected in the spherical mirror surface of the ball, it causes incredible effects and distortions of the space.

Escher’s art is one of the brightest examples of mathematical laws of perspective, coupled with the author’s imagination. Escher published a book, “Impossible Worlds”, where he plays with geometric rules, planes, creating inconceivable spaces. Scientists are well-versed in the beauty of mathematics, and Escher shows all of us that beauty.

“We adore chaos because we love to produce order.           ”

— Maurits Cornelis Escher

Once you grasp the rules of construction of geometry of a space, you can start experimenting with them. I call it ‘playing with perspective’. All sketching masters have an excellent command of this knowledge. So let’s get going and discover it for ourselves!

1-Point Perspective (Frontal View)

In this type of perspective, we have a vanishing point, which is always on the horizon line. This vanishing point is where all the lines converge to (that’s why it is called a 1-point perspective). When we draw an interior, we see three walls: one that is parallel to the picture plane (frontal wall) and two side walls.

It is a linear perspective, and it comes into play when your line of sight is parallel to the horizontal set of lines that converge upon a single point in the distance and perpendicular to the other set of lines in the view. It is the simplest type of perspective because we deal with only one vanishing point.

We are forever indebted for this knowledge to the Italian Renaissance. In the second half of the XVth century, Renaissance artists and mathematicians developed the linear perspective theory and brought precision and mathematics into mainstream art. Viva Italia!

Before that, artists drew ‘by eye’ or used Inverted Perspective (Byzantine Perspective), which is an art form unique to pre-renaissance religious art and is full of embedded meaning. As an example, look at Andrey Rublev’s “Trinity” and observe how the space appears flat and converges towards the viewer.

Thanks to Renaissance and its masters, who were not only prolific artists, sculptors, architects, but also prodigious mathematicians, the laws of perspective were discovered. Brunelleschi, Alberti, Masaccio, Ghiberti, Piero della Francesca introduced the use of perspective, and, in doing so, forever changed further development of art.

Renaissance masters were so fluent in the complexities of geometric construction that they were able to apply their knowledge of perspective to perform most complicated tasks and solve quite challenging problems. For example, painting of a ceiling of a dome has to take into account a variety of factors: first, people look at frescos from below, which significantly alters their perception. They also had to take into account the curved shape of the dome and correct for distortions that arise. Apart from that, there is a host of technical aspects such as the erection of scaffolding, working at a high altitude, temperature, humidity. In the case of frescos, the humidity levels are very high, as painting is performed over damp plaster). The frescos technique of mixing colours, a problem of lighting, and even the position of a painter’s body, all these are challenging factors for a painter. For instance, Michelangelo almost completely lost his sight while painting the Sistine Chapel.

My drawing for the book “The SKETCH“

When should we use a 1-point perspective?

1-point perspective is an ideal choice for depicting public spaces: bars, cafes, restaurants, hotel lobbies, as well as spacious residential interiors: sitting rooms, dining rooms, halls, and lounges, etc. This view lets you represent your idea on a drawing by showing the maximum amount of space. Suppose, we have a restaurant layout, with a rectangular shell: it would be sufficient to draw two 1-point perspective views – in one direction as you enter and one in the opposite. If we were to use a 2-point perspective view to demonstrate the design idea, we would have to draw all four corners of the space, plus a general view, a view from above, or even make a model (at least five sketches in total). In contrast, the 1-point perspective view allows you to show the idea with only two drawings.

We can change the position of the vanishing point in relation to the centre of the picture plane, placing it anywhere on the horizon line. It can be right in the centre, or it can be shifted to the right or to the left. This will make the picture asymmetric, which adds dynamism to the composition and allows you to reveal one of the walls to a greater extent. However, when the vanishing point is right in the centre, both walls are shown to the same degree, and, thus, appear balanced. It is this placement of the vanishing point that is often used in classical drawings of interiors. Classics loves symmetry.

“Classics loves symmetry.”

2-Point Perspective (Oblique View)

Another type of perspective important for designers is the perspective with two vanishing points. It is often called an «Oblique View». In this view, the horizon contains two vanishing points, and the picture reveals two walls of a space. You can move these points on the horizon line, but it is important that the distance between them should remain the same fixed value (usually this distance equals to the diagonal of the picture plane). When you have understood all the most critical basic laws of perspective, you will be able to experiment with them, creating drawings with the most effective angles.

2-point perspective is a linear perspective in which there are two vanishing points on the horizon line. This type of perspective appears when your line of sight is at an angle to the horizontal sets of lines that converge upon points in the distance. Simply said, you are at an angle to the wall. In a case with a 1-point perspective, you face the frontal wall. That is why its second name is "frontal view", remember?

2-point is usually visually more dynamic compare to 1-point because we can see the volumes of objects.

My drawing for the book “The SKETCH“

In which case 2-point perspective is the best choice?

It is indispensable when we want to show a space containing one main object, a dominant feature. Easy example: in the bedroom, it is a bed; in the study, it is a desk; in the nursery, it is a cot. And so on.

This perspective is ideal for small spaces, or when we want to draw in detail a specific corner of an interior. Also, it is the oblique view that allows us to show furnishings and other separate objects. I often use it to specify upholstery. A picture is worth a thousand words, and it is way easier to send an image along with an order for a piece of furniture depicting exactly what I had in mind.

My drawing for the book “The SKETCH“

Resources

Read also related articles on my blog:

• “Top books on perspective drawing: my personal choice“: here

• “The 6 principles of two-point perspective in interior sketching “: here

Learn more about perspective drawing in my book “The SKETCH“ (Amazon paper-based version or PDF).

Well, my creative friend, I hope you enjoyed this article, please let me know your thoughts on perspective drawing in the comments below. Is it a tricky subject for you?

P.S. Please help me grow my blog by sharing this article on your social media. Thank you in advance!

© Olga Sorokina

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Which brands and colours of markers are the best choice for interior sketching?

So many questions arise when you start sketching, my students most often ask me:

• What materials do I need for interior design drawing?

• Which brands of markers would be the best choice?

In this article, you will get the answers. Plus, I will share what I love to use in my everyday sketching routine, what my favourites are, and how lucky we are to have these types of markers!

“Telling yourself you have all the time in the world, all the money in the world, all the colours in the palette, anything you want — that just kills creativity.”

— Jack White

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You can tell a story on paper even with very limited colour palette.

It’s actually even good in interior sketching to start with 7-10 colours if you are a beginner. Why? Because you don’t get overwhelmed with such a variety of choices (“Analysis paralysis” as they call it ), and really focus on what’s most important in drawing:

• Perspective

• Composition

• Light

• Volumes

Colours only close this list, beautifully though, but they go last.

I remember back in the days when I did my very first interior sketch commissions (it was 2007) clients asked me to do linear sketches. Pen on paper. No colour. That’s right.

If you are reading this blog post, the chances are that you are a newbie in sketching and hand rendering, or maybe you are a pro and simply want to learn more about the marker technique. In case you are going to buy your first set of markers, and now you’re asking yourself a question: Where do I start with so many options and offers?

Well, here is my strategy: Less is More.

Which colours?

First and foremost, buy basic colours, as you will need them the most. For interior sketching, it is better not to use pure, bright colours, but rather tones that are a bit ‘dusty’, ’noble‘ tones. What does that mean? With interiors, it is better to choose colours that people would feel comfortable living in. A typical interior sketching palette would include beige, grey, blue, olive, and woody tones.

You can buy the markers individually or in sets. There are even sets of ready-to-go colour combinations for architects and designers, which consist of marker colours that work well with one another.

“Less is More. A typical interior sketching palette would include beige, grey, blue, olive, and woody tones. That is 7-10 markers in total to start.”

Your first marker selection might be as follows:

• Light gray (NG 2, Neutral Grey #2)

• Mid-gray (NG 4)

• Dark gray (NG 7)

• Light beige (or vanilla)

• Olive

• Dark brown (chocolate)

• Black

As you can see, there are seven colours in all, of which three are grey shades. Greys occupy a special place in interior sketching. Firstly, they are used to give background colour to the entire sketch. Grey markers differ not only in tone, but also in warmth and coldness: there are Neutral Greys, Cool Greys, and Warm Greys. To start with, you will need a Neutral Greys. Usually, they are marked by ‘N’ with a number: the higher the number, the darker the tone.

What brand of markers to buy?

One of the first questions people often ask in my online sketching classes is about which materials they should use. What brand of markers is the best? How do various brands of pens differ from one another? 

Up until now, I have tested five brands: Promarker, Copic, TOUCH, Stylefile markers, and Chartpak. All of them are good. These firms make professional quality markers that are perfect for drawing and are non-toxic.

If I were to pick a favourite, it would be Copic. They have a vast array not only of colours but also of marker tips. These include ‘Classic’ markers, ‘Extra Wide’ ones, the thin ‘Ciao’ markers, and remarkable ‘Sketch’ (the last two have brush points). Maybe it is Copic Сiao that has influenced my technique most of all.

Here are my favourite Copic sets on Amazon: https://schoolofsketching.com/resources

For example, I did this drawing by using Copic Ciao markers. I’ve included this set in the list in “Best marker sets from Amazon for interior sketching” article on my blog.

Let’s talk more about Copic Сiao. Firstly, they have a thin body that is very convenient to hold in your hand; you will simply feel it instantly. However, the main difference is that on one side there is a wide/chisel tip (incidentally, a bit narrower than a Copic Sketch, Promarker or Stylefile). At the other end, there is a brush tip, also known as the ‘super brush’, which truly lives up to its name! It is the brush that lets you make photo-realistic effects and fantastic not only for sketching but also for landscape drawings, abstract painting, portraits, architectural sketches, and even for calligraphy. Copic markers can be refilled, that is their tremendous advantage over the majority of other brands. Although they are currently one of the most expensive markers available on the art market, in the long term, Copics are the most cost-efficient.

Promarker is also very good. They are quite similar to Stylefile, ZIG, and Copic Classic. But these are single-use markers, which are not refillable.

Chartpak is markedly different from the markers mentioned above. These markers have one very wide tip with bevels, that is highly convenient for interior sketching. The only disadvantage is that these markers have a rather strong smell of solvent.

Check more of my interior drawings in marker technique on this section on the website.

Behind the scenes of creating a new illustration for my book “The SKETCH. Interior Design Drawing“

A couple of more useful tips on markers

• Before buying a marker, test it in the art supplies shop and find the marker that suits you best. If you don’t have this opportunity, watch videos on marker brands on YouTube (f. ex mine is «schoolofsketching») – this will help you make a decision about which materials are most suitable for you.

• When you realize that sketching is ‘your thing’, be ready to invest in quality materials, training courses, and books. This way, you can develop your skills to become very good at sketching, and this will happen quite fast with regular practice. Sketching will be of great use in your work and will raise your professional skills level.

• It is recommended that you store markers horizontally – this will extend their service life.

• Storage and transportation: keep your markers away from the sun. If you are going on a trip, pack them into your hand-carried baggage because the low temperatures in the baggage compartment will have an adverse effect on the pigments inside the markers.

Learn more about markers from my book «The SKETCH», available on Amazon now. Here is the PDF version of the book: link.

Check my other favourite marker sets from Amazon in this article on my blog.

P.S. Please share this blog article with your creative friends.

© Olga Sorokina

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"BASE": a Course Which Teaches All the Basic Techniques You Need to Implement Sketching in Your Interior Design Practice

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The 6 principles of two-point perspective in interior sketching

In my previous blog article, I covered the principles of one-point perspective in interior sketching.

Today we will talk about the second most used and popular in architecture and interior drawing — the two-point perspective. It is also referred to as an oblique view since here we are viewing the object, interior, architecture from a corner, we literally see that corner.  

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So, these 6 principles of two-point perspective in interior sketching are: 

1. All the diagonals in your drawing recede either to one or the other vanishing point.

2. All vertical lines are perpendicular to the horizon line

3. There are no horizontal lines except for the horizon line and the lines of the objects which are precisely at its high

4. The closer the pieces of furniture or decor elements to us, the more details we can see.

5. All objects decrease in size as they recede into the distance.

6. All furniture and other interior design elements along the converging lines (or the lines of convergence) become foreshortened.

“Perspective is the key to what you see in our 3D world. Mastering perspective will improve your sketching skills and make your drawings look professional. ”

— Olga Sorokina

My interior drawing in two-point perspective and oblique view grid from BASE

Resources:

• If you want to dive deeper and become a professional in interior drawing, join my online course BASE.

Read also related blog article: “What is perspective in drawing“.

P.S. My dear Creative, I hope you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media so more people can learn about perspective drawing. Thanks in advance!

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© Olga Sorokina, 2020

The 9 principles of one-point perspective in interior sketching

One-point perspective (also referred to as frontal view) appears when we look at the object, interior, building, or street straight on, we face it.

It is the simplest type of perspective since we have only one vanishing point and one of the most used in interior drawing.

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So, these nine principles of one-point perspective in interior sketching are: 

1. All the lines in your drawing are either horizontal, vertical, or recede to the vanishing point.

2. All horizontal lines are parallel to each other.

3. All vertical lines are parallel to each other.

4. The horizon line runs at your eye level, which is usually 1,5-1,7 m high.

5. All horizontal lines are parallel to the horizon line, and all vertical lines are perpendicular to the horizon line.

6. All diagonal lines to recede to the vanishing point, these are referred to as converging lines.

7. The closer the objects to us, the more details we can see.

8. All objects get smaller and smaller the farther away they are from us.

9. All objects along the converging lines (or the lines of convergence) become foreshortened, and their lines will reach the vanishing point if we prolong them.

With the last 3 principles, think about the railway: rails will recede to the vanishing point on the horizon line, and the space between sleepers will get smaller as they recede into the distance.

Perspective is the key to what you see in our 3D world. Mastering perspective will improve your sketching skills and make your drawings look professional.

“Perspective is the key to what you see in our 3D world. Mastering perspective will improve your sketching skills and make your drawings look professional. ”

— Olga Sorokina

Resources:

• If you want to dive deeper and become a professional in interior drawing, join my online course BASE on Podia.

My interior drawing in one-point perspective and frontal view grid from BASE

Read also related articles on my blog:

“What is perspective in drawing“

“Perspective Drawing Explained: 7 Types of Perspective in Interior Sketching”

“The 6 principles of two-point perspective in interior sketching”

P.S. My dear Creative, I hope you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media so more people can learn about perspective drawing. Thanks in advance!

© Olga Sorokina

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"BASE": a Course Which Teaches All the Basic Techniques You Need to Implement Sketching in Your Interior Design Practice

(For Interior Designers & Architects)

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"BEFORE" and "AFTER": interior sketches made by my students (fantastic progress)

Recognizing your progress is essential. At times, it may seem like you're endlessly drawing without seeing improvement in your skill level. However, by comparing two drawings—one from now and one from a year ago—you'll immediately notice the changes. Allow me to showcase a few examples from my students where the results speak volumes. As I love to say: “Practice makes progress“.

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1 Example

Take a glance at the sketches by my student, Kate, before and after enrolling in my courses. The transformation is remarkable, wouldn't you agree? We witness not only a mastery of perspective but also a skillful depiction of textures and an impressive presentation of interior design ideas. Kate successfully completed BASE and PRO courses at my Online School.

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2 Example

Similarly, observe the watercolor works of another student, Polina. Post-course completion, Polina's drawings exhibit enhanced detail and professional rendering. Polina diligently completed all of my interior sketching courses, including Watercolur, BASE, PRO, and Textures.

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3 Example

In the "BEFORE" photo, you'll find Anastasia's very first interior sketch from my perspective challenge. Following her completion of courses in interior sketching (BASE+PRO, Textures) witness the breathtaking "AFTER" result! It's worth noting that Anastasia's professional background lies in land surveying, without any formal training in the arts. Yet, her dedication and the guidance from my courses propelled her into a successful sketch artist.

4 Example

In the "BEFORE" photo, you'll find one of Heather’s very first interior sketches she made before enrolling in my online courses. Following her completion of my online courses in interior sketching BASE, FURNITURE, TEXTURES, PERSPECTIVE, take a look at the the outstanding "AFTER" result! I’m so proud of my students!

“Practice makes progress”

In each of these instances, my students transitioned into full-time freelance sketch artists, securing interior sketch commissions. It's inspiring to note that even with completion of just the "BASE" course, many students began receiving their first sketch commissions. This demonstrates that achieving success in this field is within reach for anyone.

For further inspiration, explore more sketches crafted by my students on Instagram using the hashtag #SorokinaStudents

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Theatre Interior Sketching in Procreate: Behind the Scenes of My 2025 Norwegian Project

In this article, I share the behind-the-scenes story of my final 2025 project, interior sketches for a theatre in Norway. I’ll show how I worked from photographs, designed the composition and costumes for the characters, and how Procreate helped me bring the stage atmosphere to life.

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“My theatre, my whim — and whoever steps inside becomes an actor.”

From Brief to Theatre Sketch

At the end of last year, I completed a project that felt like a quiet but powerful full stop to 2025: a commissioned sketch for a theatre space in Norway. Theatre is an endless source of inspiration for me. A place where space, costume, movement, light, and emotion merge into one living narrative. The moment this new commission from Norway appeared in my inbox, it felt like it had found its way straight to me.

The Brief: Clear Goals, Open Vision

The client reached out after discovering my work on Pinterest. They were preparing a presentation to pitch a real estate property in Oslo, as a potential theatre space. What they needed were not technical drawings or polished renders, but expressive sketches that could help their customer feel the potential of the space. There was no fully formed vision yet. Only a few references, a general direction, and a tight deadline. The brief invited interpretation and suggestion: atmosphere over detail, expression over precision.

Here’s a glimpse of the brief:

The client prepared a PDF presentation that clearly outlined what they needed. What made this commission unique was that they included examples of my own sketches from Pinterest, both fashion and interior, that they loved. From the start, I had a clear sense of the overall vibe they were looking for, which made it exciting and inspiring to start sketching.

Theatre…

Theatre has always been deeply personal for me.

Opera, ballet, dramatic theatre — all of it lives somewhere very close to my heart. Beyond architecture and interiors, I’m endlessly fascinated by the stage, by storytelling, by the moment just before the curtain rises. I even attended acting classes in Auckland, which gave me a deeper understanding of presence, movement, and emotion in space.

One of the most joyful parts of this project was designing the people themselves, their clothing, their posture, their roles within the scene. Because alongside interior sketching, I also work with fashion sketching, and I even teach a beginner fashion sketching course.

For me, this project became a rare three-in-one pleasure:

• sketching interiors,

• developing a spatial concept,

• and drawing elegantly dressed people, each carrying a small story of their own.

Those figures were never just decoration. They were narrative anchors — connecting space, mood, and imagination into one theatrical moment.

So when this project landed on my desk, it felt like a meeting of two worlds: spatial sketching and theatrical emotion.

Working With Real Photographs

An important part of this project was the fact that I wasn’t drawing from imagination alone, the client visited the building together with a professional photographer. After the visit, they sent me a selection of photographs taken from different angles and invited me to choose two perspectives that I felt would work best for the sketches.

Working over real photographs made the process both efficient and grounded. I could rely on accurate proportions, real light conditions, and authentic spatial relationships, while still allowing myself freedom in interpretation, atmosphere, and storytelling. It’s a balance I really enjoy: reality as a base, imagination as a layer.

Initial photos

Working Under Time Pressure

The timeline was tight, but strangely energising. I remember feeling incredibly charged by this assignment. It felt like an ideal project for me, so much freedom, so much trust, and so much space for interpretation. For three days straight, I worked almost non-stop, fully immersed in the process. By the end of the second day, my drawing hand was genuinely sore, but in that satisfying way that tells you you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

During those days, ideas followed me everywhere. I remember cycling through Auckland and thinking about the main colour of the sketch. Theatre interiors often lean into familiar clichés: deep wine reds, dark burgundy, emerald velvet. I consciously chose a different path.

I settled on a warm orange-brown tone, a colour with depth and nobility, but also warmth. I kept thinking about Norway, its cold climate, and how this colour could feel inviting, comforting, and human. It became the emotional backbone of the sketches.

I had to imagine the scenes:

• a lively foyer with elegantly dressed guests waiting for a performance,

• a backstage costume area with actors working behind the scenes

From Composition to Drama

Every sketch, no matter how expressive the final result, starts with structure. In the rough drafts you can clearly see that I began with composition. I treat the space almost like a stage set. I decide where the viewer stands, where the main focus sits, and how the eye moves through the scene.

At this stage, I work like a screenwriter or a theatre director. I assign roles. I decide who is in the foreground, who stays in the background, who becomes the main character, and who quietly supports the story (so much fun!). This is where the drama of the scene is built, long before colour or detail appears.

Only once this visual dramaturgy feels right do I move forward.

Backstage: Rough Sketch

Backstage: Final Sketch

Rough First, Clear Later

I always start rough. The first version of the sketches was intentionally loose and expressive. One scene was fully coloured to establish mood and direction. The second was shared as a line sketch only, a way to test composition, characters, and atmosphere before committing further.

This stage is crucial. It opens a conversation.

The client responded warmly. They loved the overall look and feel, but suggested small, thoughtful adjustments:

• making figures looser and less detailed,

• shifting costumes to feel more theatrical VS fashion,

• adjusting characters to better tell the backstage story,

• and pushing the linework to feel rougher, almost like charcoal (I actually really loved that suggestion!).

This is where sketching becomes collaboration.

What changed between the rough and final versions wasn’t the idea, it was clarity. The sketches became more aligned with the client’s vision while staying expressive and alive. Sketching is about communication, it’s a visual language.

Foyer: Take 1

Foyer: Take 2 (and the final one) with charcoal linework

Why I Use Procreate

Both sketches were created in Procreate. I love it for sketching client commissions because it allows speed, flexibility, and experimentation without losing the hand-drawn feeling.

Working digitally made it possible to:

• test ideas quickly,

• adjust line quality and mood,

• respond to feedback efficiently,

• and work confidently under tight deadlines.

It’s the same workflow I teach in my Interior Drawing in Procreate course.

What This Project Taught Me

This theatre project reminded me why I believe so deeply in hand sketching:

• It turns uncertainty into clarity.

• It allows ideas to exist before decisions are final.

• It helps clients imagine what doesn’t exist yet.

Again, sketching is a language. And sometimes, that language takes you to places you never planned (even to a theatre in Norway).

If you’re curious to learn how to build this kind of visual confidence yourself, my Procreate course is always a good place to start.

Thank you for reading and for being part of this journey.

Olga Sorokina

P.S. If you enjoyed this blog article, please share it with your peers. Thank you in advance!

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Custom Interior Sketches for Clients: My 3 Case Studies in Procreate

This September, I want to talk about something very practical and exciting: how to turn your sketches into real commissions.

Procreate is an amazing tool not only for practice, but also for professional client work. Over the past few years, I’ve created a number of commissioned sketches entirely in Procreate: from concept drawings to interior design proposals.

In this post, I’d love to share three case studies with you. For each project, I’ll show the line version and the colored version, and explain how the sketches evolved into final results for clients.

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Case Study 1:

Sketch for a Designer Show House (Dallas, TX)

This commission came from a U.S. client preparing for a Designer Show House. Their request was very specific: “We need the rendering of our room to be more suggestive and less detailed.”

By the time I joined the project, the client already had a fully developed concept package:

• a detailed PDF with the floor plan, furniture layout, and action zones,

• a separate PDF with material selections,

• all furniture and textiles carefully chosen.

My task was not to design, but to translate all this information into a suggestive sketch, one that communicates the atmosphere without overwhelming detail. As always, I began with a line sketch to establish composition and proportions.

Interestingly, this project was also the first time I experimented with coloring in Midjourney. Of course, the final colored version will be fully created by me in Procreate, but I thought you might find it interesting to see some of my Midjourney experiments along the way: watch on my YouTube (3 minute tutorial)

Line version

Color version

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Case Study 2:

Police Administrative Building Concept (Florida)

The second commission was for a future administrative building of a police station. Since the architecture was still conceptual, the client needed a sketch that would suggest possible solutions.

Here again, I started with a line drawing. Because the building wasn’t yet constructed, we went through several iterations to adjust forms and space. I worked closely with the lead architect, we even had Zoom calls to refine ideas together.

The final colored version provided a clear and expressive visualization of the concept, supporting the architectural vision while keeping the design flexible for further development.

Line version

Color version

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Case Study 3:

Interior Redesign (Los Angeles)

The third project was especially exciting because I was both the interior designer and the sketch artist.

A client from Los Angeles wanted to completely redecorate their existing interior. I developed a proposal and presented it through sketches in Procreate. The process began with a precise line drawing, followed by a colored version that communicated the atmosphere of the redesigned space.

The client loved the result, and this project actually became a bonus lesson inside my Interior Sketching in Procreate Online Course, where I walk you through the entire process step by step.

Line version

Color version

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Final Thoughts

Each of these projects demonstrates how powerful Procreate can be for professional sketch commissions. Starting with a line sketch and then moving into a colored visualization not only helps structure the creative process, but also gives clients clarity and confidence in the design.

If you’d like to learn how to create sketches like these, renderings that clients will pay for — my Interior Sketching in Procreate Online Course will guide you through every step.

Inside the course, you’ll discover:

• How to build your interior sketch from scratch

• Line to colour: my techniques for coloring your sketch professionally

• Real client case studies and bonus lessons

Turn your interior sketches into commissions! See program and sketches from the course:

Happy Sketching!

Olga Sorokina

Join my Newsletter here

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Read more from my blog:

Summer School + Drawing Modernism: Sketching the Red & Blue Chair by Gerrit Rietvild (Zoom Replay)

There are objects in design history that go far beyond their functional purpose. They embody an era, reflect its ideology, and become a language through which we understand the past. One such object is the Gerrit Rietveld’s Red and Blue Chair — a striking symbol of modernism and the focal point of our latest live Zoom session.

Watch the Replay

In this Zoom workshop, we explored the historical and cultural context behind the emergence of modernist design. The early 20th century brought radical shifts in art, architecture, and furniture, and this chair, with its clean lines, purposeful geometry, and uncompromising simplicity, reflects it all.

As I often tell my students: this chair is more than a seat, it’s architecture in miniature. A pure example of the modernist principle, “form follows function.”

We discussed how the political, social, and technological changes of the time shaped design thinking. The idea that design should serve life, not decorate it, was at the heart of the modernist movement, and it’s still deeply relevant in today’s interiors.

If you missed the live Zoom session, the full replay is now available. It includes the lecture, and the live sketching demo. Watch it today:

Watch here

Note: This video is time-sensitive and will be available only for the next few weeks. After that, it will be exclusively accessible to students enrolled in:

• Interior Sketching Summer School

• Furniture Drawing Mastery (online course)

A Book I Recommended During the Session

For those of you who love diving into the history of interiors, I mentioned a fantastic reference during the live session:

”A History of Interior Design” by John F. Pile 

You can find it here: https://amzn.to/437ImBb

This is a must-have for interior designers and students who want to deepen their understanding of historical context.

Sketching Materials We Used

Here’s a list of the materials featured in the live demo:

• A pencil (I love using Blackwing https://amzn.to/42ugCp5)

• A ruler

• A few coloured pencils (yellow, black, red & blue)

• A black marker

• A few sheets of paper A4 (Letter size)

Join the Summer School (Starting May 14th!)

My Interior Sketching Summer School is a 5-week immersive online journey into interior sketching, design thinking, and visual storytelling. You’ll develop the skills to sketch interiors with confidence — while drawing inspiration from design history and architecture.

Whether you’re a design student or an experienced interior designer looking to refine your hand-drawing practice, this program will support your growth with step-by-step lessons, a private WhatsApp chat, and personal feedback on your drawings from me.

Start Date: May 14, 2025

Format: Asynchronous lessons + group support

Note: If you’re already my BASE course student, Summer School is available to you at a special price.

New to my courses? You’re welcome to join too — we’d love to have you.

Learn more about Summer School 2025

Questions about Summer School or my online courses?

Simply email me at olga@schoolofsketching.com

Happy Sketching!

Olga Sorokina

These sketches below were created by my students after just one lesson.

Most of them had no prior drawing experience. Some were certain they couldn’t draw at all.

And yet — with structured instruction, a clear method, and the right guidance — they achieved results like this.

This is exactly what we do inside the Interior Sketching Summer School:
Build a strong foundation, develop clarity in perspective, and translate interior spaces into compelling hand-drawn visuals.

If you’ve been wanting to sketch — not casually, but professionally — this program is designed for you.

We start May 14, 2025. Join us.

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Read more from my blog:

Blog Archive: Read Here

Interior Sketching Essentials: Tools, Paper, and Markers

Materials You Will Need for Interior Sketching

To get the most out of my online courses and achieve high-quality sketching results, you’ll need the following materials.

I’ve also included sample links from Amazon for your convenience.

1. Markers and Paper

• Alcohol-based markers such as Copic, Molotow, Winsor & Newton Promarker, Zig, Chartpak, Stylefile, or TOUCH (any professional marker brand will work). More on it below.

• Marker paper, size A4 or Letter (at least 70g/m2): This lightweight paper helps preserve your markers’ pigment and makes blending easier.

  Example: Canson marker PAD

Tip: Regular paper will also work for practice.

2. Grey Markers

• At least three shades of gray:

• Light (e.g. N2 / C2). Example: Warm Grey #2 (Chartpak)

• Medium (e.g. N4 / C4)

• Dark (e.g. N6 / C6)

Examples:

Here is a nice Copic grey set of 5 + liner: Copic Sketch Alcohol Marker 5 Colors + Multiliner SP Set, Sketching Grays

Set of 6 from W&N: Winsor & Newton ProMarker Set, 6 Count, Neutral Tones

3. Coloured Markers

• At minimum, please prepare these 5 essential colours:

• Beige, Sand, or Light Brown. Example: Potato Brown (TOUCH) https://amzn.to/4iU4VPh

• Dark Brown or Chocolate

• Olive

• Deep Red

• Deep Blue

Example: Here is a nice set I like: Copic Marker 12 Piece Set - Architecture Colours

4. Highlighting Tools

• White pastel pencil (e.g. Caran'd’Ache) https://amzn.to/42kv5Vp

• White ink gel pen (e.g. Gelly Roll, Sakura) https://amzn.to/43uVeC3

5. Linework Tools

• Black liner or waterproof fineliner (e.g. Copic Multiliner https://amzn.to/3T03Iuf, Uni Liner, Faber-Castell)

• Pencil (I use Palomino Blackwing https://amzn.to/42ugCp5), eraser, and ruler

• Optional: Architect’s ruler (ideal for precise measurements and drawing to scale). Example: Architect's Scale Ruler (Inches)

Happy Sketching!

Olga Sorokina

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Want to Sketch Interiors Like a Pro?

Check out the Program & Sketches from My Online Course
"BASE": a Course Which Teaches All the Basic Techniques You Need to Implement Sketching in Your Interior Design Practice

Professional Interior Drawing Online Training for Designers & Interior Design Students

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My Procreate Workshop at iPad for Architects and Designers Summit 2025 (IFA25)

I have a secret project that I haven’t told you about yet…

A few months ago, my friend David from Sketch Like an Architect asked me if I was interested in teaching a workshop at the iPad for Architects & Designers Summit this year. Lots of work and behind-the-scenes communications went on for months and now I’m excited to finally let you know that…

… iPad for Architects & Designers is officially open for registration!

Click here to register for free

iPad for Architects & Designers 2025 (IFA for short) is Free 6-day Online Event with 20+ Video Workshops Focused on Helping Design Professionals Make the Most of their iPad.

I’m excited to be one of the 20+ amazing instructors in the event – in my online workshop, I’ll be teaching/sharing with you my behind-the-scenes of making an interior sketch commission in Procreate.

What you’ll learn from my session:

​
+  My full Procreate workflow – from underpainting to final details

+ How to use the right brushes and techniques to create textures like wood, velvet, and reflections

+ Time-saving methods to optimize your process and work faster

+ How to present your sketches professionally for clients

​Check All the 20+ Instructors Here

Oh, and the most important thing… this online event is totally FREE from March 25-30. That’s right, 20 workshops, one week only (March 25-30), all for free!

But, pssss, you have a secret option to enroll today wish you choose a VIP ticket during the registration.​

Can’t wait to see you there!

Olga Sorokina

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Want to master interior sketching in Procreate from scratch?

Check also my “Interior Drawing in Procreate“ online course:

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How to Draw Interiors Fast?

If you want to speed up your sketching, here are some of my key tips to help you draw faster without losing quality:

1. Practice Gestural Drawing:

Quick, loose sketches help capture the essence of your subject. I love practicing with live model drawings—it’s a fantastic way to improve speed and fluidity.

2. Master Marker Techniques:

Learn how to use different marker widths. For example, a wide chisel nib is great for covering large areas quickly, while a thin nib is perfect for finer details. Rotate the marker in your hand to create lines with varying thicknesses.

3. Leave White Space:

Don’t feel the need to color every single detail. Leaving white space gives your drawing air and makes it feel more alive. Let your sketch breathe!

4. Use What I Call “Enlivenings” in My Book “The SKETCH. Interior Design Drawing”:

These are quick fine-tuning touches—add accents or a few design objects to bring your sketch to life in seconds.

5. Time Yourself:

Set a time limit. Often, working under pressure forces you into your creative brain, bypassing overthinking. Quick sketching is liberating!

6. Use a Limited Color Palette:

Choose a palette of 3-4 colours and stick with it. Test your colours on a scrap of paper to make sure they work well together—keeping it simple speeds up the process.

Check the bonus tip, watch my today's video on YouTube: click here to watch

In that video, you can see 3 quick sketches I teach how to draw in my brand new lesson in PRO online course.

Learn how to draw interiors like a pro, master advanced sketching techniques, and take your skills to the next level. Check out online course PRO details here: click

Check my blog archive: here

Happy Sketching!
Olga Sorokina

Interior Sketching Series: A Recap of My 1-,2-,3-Point Perspective Demos

Welcome back to the blog!

Over the past few weeks, we've embarked on an exciting journey through the world of interior sketching. Our three-part series covered essential techniques to help you create stunning interior sketches with confidence and ease.

In case you missed any of the sessions, here's a comprehensive recap of what we learned.

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Day 1: Understanding 1-Point Perspective

On the first day, we dove into the basics of 1-point perspective with a practical sketching demo focused on a bathroom.

Key Takeaways:

- Vanishing Point: The concept of the vanishing point and how all lines converge towards it.

- Horizon Line: Placing the horizon line correctly to establish the viewer's eye level.

- Drawing a Bathroom: Applying 1-point perspective to sketch a bathroom, emphasizing depth and proportion.

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Day 2: Mastering 2-Point Perspective

Building on our foundation, day two was dedicated to 2-point perspective with a focus on sketching a dining room.

Key Takeaways:

- Two Vanishing Points: Understanding how to use two vanishing points on the horizon line to draw objects at an angle.

- Drawing a Dining Room: Moving beyond simple shapes to sketch a dining room, capturing its dynamic angles and interior elements.

- Practical Applications: Using 2-point perspective to sketch furniture, room corners, and various interior elements from different viewpoints

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Day 3: Exploring 3-Point Perspective

Our final session introduced the advanced technique of 3-point perspective with a focus on a wardrobe interior.

Key Takeaways:

- Three Vanishing Points: Adding a third vanishing point, below the horizon line, to create a sense of height and depth.

- Drawing a Wardrobe Interior: Understanding how the addition of the third point distorts the objects, making them appear more three-dimensional.

- Applications: Practical demo of using 3-point perspective to sketch tiny interiors like wardrobes, home offices, etc.

Mastering 3 points allows you to bring a new level of dynamism and drama to your sketches, making them truly stand out.

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Additional Resources

Materials Used: Sketchbook, Markers and Fineliners

For all days of the series, I used markers and fineliners to create the sketches. These tools are essential for achieving clean lines and vibrant colours in your interior drawings. Here are the Amazon links to the materials I used:

- Markers: I use Sketch&Art Terracotta in the videos, but here is an Amazon set of 60 Colours https://amzn.to/4bu1aLZ

- Sketchbook: I used similar to this one, Hahnemuehle size A5 https://amzn.to/4bt1Elq

- Fineliners: I used Milan Sway fineliner on Day 1 https://amzn.to/3zrs9KZ , for Days 2 and 3 I used a waterproof fineliners from UniPin https://amzn.to/4f9YBBT

Instagram Live Stream: Perspective Drawing

Between Day 2 and Day 3, we had an insightful Instagram live stream where we delved deeper into perspective drawing. We discussed tips and tricks, I answered your questions, and provided additional information on my online course BASE. Watch the replay.

Live Q&A Session: Final Thoughts and BASE Course Introduction

To wrap up the series, we held a live Q&A session on Instagram where I answered your questions and provided further insights into interior sketching. During this session, I also introduced my online course, BASE, which offers comprehensive lessons, community support, and exclusive content designed to take your interior sketching skills to the next level. Watch the Q&A replay here.

Wrapping Up the Three-Part Series

Throughout this series, we've covered the essential perspectives that form the backbone of interior sketching. From the basics of 1-point perspective to the complexity of 3-point perspective, each session built upon the last to enhance your sketching skills.

I hope you found these sessions both informative and inspiring. Sketching interiors is not only a valuable skill for designers but also a rewarding creative outlet. Remember, practice is key! The more you sketch, the more confident and proficient you'll become.

What’s Next?

If you enjoyed this series and want to dive deeper, I invite you to join my online course, BASE. It offers structured lessons, and in-depth exclusive content to help you master interior sketching. Learn more about the course here.

Thank you for following along, and I can’t wait to see the incredible sketches you create! Use the hashtag #SorokinaStudents on Instagram and tag me @schoolofsketching so I can see your drawings.

P.S. Enjoyed the article? Please share it with your creative friend, let’s spread the word about interior sketching together.

© Olga Sorokina, 2024

"BASE": a Course Which Teaches All the Basic Techniques You Need to Implement Sketching in Your Interior Design Practice

(Perfect if you are a novice in drawing interiors, interior designer, id/architecture student)

Interested in the topic of perspective drawing?

You might like to check these articles from my blog:

• Perspective Drawing Explained: 7 Types of Perspective in Interior Sketching

• “The 9 principles of one-point perspective in interior sketching”

• “The 6 principles of two-point perspective in interior sketching”

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Read more from my blog:

Blog archive: here

Interior Drawing: My 3 Rules of Custom Sketches

Having honed my craft working with esteemed interior designers since 2007, I've distilled three essential rules for custom sketching.

These rules are the product of my experience, offering guidance for success in the custom sketching world.

Let’s dive deeper in this article.

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Rule #1

The first rule of custom sketching is: "Never draw to order without prepayment".

It is best to draw on prepayment of 100% or 50%. With 100% it's clear, you get paid first, then you start sketching. So your nerves will remain in the most healthy state :-) Of course, the customer in this case needs some proof that you do not disappear, do not leave him and draw everything qualitatively and in time.

Rule #2

The second rule is, "Never draw for someone for free!"

If for someone this rule is not obvious, then know that drawing to order for free/for nothing/for the goodness of your heart/for a portfolio you thereby discredit yourself and other artists. It is interesting to note that when you offer to draw for free, your reputation and professionalism fall in the eyes of the customer. Incredible but true! By the way, I'll tell you in confidence that decent customers try to stay away from such sketchers-altruists, afraid that they may be let down or do not meet expectations for the quality of work and deadlines. For them it looks like just inadequacy, also it is disrespect for their labor, and often themselves from a professional point of view, plus insecurity.

Rule #3

Third rule: "Name a decent price for your sketches".

No sketches for 15 dollars. Customers, who will appear in your life for such a price, most likely, will suck all the energy out of you, you will spend a lot of time/nerves on drawings, plus, you will be constantly asked to redo something, to make new and new changes in the project and in the end, for 15 dollars you will sit for sketches for days on end, without seeing daylight, working non-stop in the equivalent of one or two working weeks of an ordinary person with an average salary. There's a very good English expression for this: "The more they pay - the less they complain”. Your clients are your mirrors, how much you value yourself, your talent and professionalism, the higher your confidence in what you do — the better and more well’ paid your clients will be. Trust me, I learnt that the hard way.

To summarise:

• Rule #1: Never sketch without prepayment to secure compensation and reduce stress.

• Rule #2: Avoid working for free, as it can harm your reputation and professionalism.

• Rule #3: Set fair prices to maintain your energy and professionalism.

Now, if you're eager to delve deeper into the art of interior sketching, I invite you to join my online course on interior drawing. Let's unlock your creative potential and take your skills to new heights. Explore my course “BASE“ and start your journey to becoming a skilled sketch artist today!

P.S. Please share this article with your creative friend.

© Olga Sorokina, 2024

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"BASE": a Course Which Teaches All the Basic Techniques You Need to Implement Sketching in Your Interior Design Practice

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Blog archive: here

Perspective Drawing for Beginners: Welcome to My Perspective Series

Welcome to the culmination of our 3-Day Perspective Drawing Series, where we've delved deep into the art of creating depth and dimension on a two-dimensional surface. Over the past three days, we've explored fundamental concepts, practical techniques, and creative applications of perspective drawing.

Let's take a moment to recap the highlights from each day of this journey.

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Day 1: Perspective Drawing Basics

On Day 1, we laid the foundation for our exploration by diving into Perspective Drawing Basics. We introduced the concept of perspective, the visual illusion that allows us to represent three-dimensional objects on a flat surface. Two crucial types of perspective were unveiled: the frontal view (1-point perspective) and the oblique view (2-point perspective). Through step-by-step demonstrations, we learned how to draw boxes in both 1-point and 2-point perspective, mastering the art of creating depth in our sketches.

Day 2: Mastering Circles in Perspective

Building upon our understanding from Day 1, Day 2 challenged us to tackle the intricate task of drawing circles in perspective. We learned how to overcome common challenges and avoid major mistakes when sketching ellipses, crucial elements for rendering cylindrical objects realistically. Through detailed instructions and hands-on practice, we honed our skills in drawing circles and ellipses, unlocking new possibilities for adding depth and realism to our artwork.

Day 3: Drawing Cylinders in 1-Point Perspective for Interior Design

In our final installment, we ventured into the realm of interior design, exploring how perspective drawing principles can be applied to create immersive spaces. Focusing on drawing cylinders in a 1-point perspective, we discovered techniques for rendering cylindrical objects within architectural contexts. From furniture to decorative elements, we learned how mastering perspective drawing enhances our ability to design and visualize interior spaces with precision and creativity.

Unlock Your Potential with Perspective Drawing

As we conclude our journey, I invite you to continue exploring the endless possibilities of perspective drawing. Whether you're a beginner seeking to master the basics or an experienced artist looking to refine your skills, the principles of perspective offer a gateway to boundless creativity and expression.

Elevate Your Skills with "Perspective Drawing for Interior Design" Course

Ready to take your perspective drawing skills to the next level? Dive deeper into the world of interior design sketching with my online course, "Perspective Drawing for Interior Design." Learn in the most efficient way from someone who has actually done it – me!

In this comprehensive course, I'll guide you through easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions that fit your schedule. Whether you're a seasoned designer or just starting out, you'll gain the skills and confidence to win better projects, charge more than your competitors, and elevate your interior design game.

Don't just take my word for it – check out the rave reviews from students who have already enrolled in this course. Join us and unlock your potential with "Perspective Drawing for Interior Design" today!

One of the sketches from the course “Perspective Drawing for Interior Design“

Happy sketching!

P.S. Please share this article with your creative friend who might be interested in perspective drawing.

© Olga Sorokina, 2024

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Read more from my blog

Check My Blog Archive: here

The Best Fineliners for Interior Sketching: A Comprehensive Overview with Sketch Examples

When it comes to interior sketching, the right tools can make all the difference. As a sketch artist deeply involved in the world of interior design, I've put together a comprehensive overview of the fineliners I swear by.

In this article, we'll delve into the world of fineliners, comparing their performance on different papers, showcasing my interior sketches, and providing a detailed analysis to help you choose the best liner for your artistic endeavors.

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Why fineliners?

Fineliners are an essential tool for any sketch artist, providing precision and control that can elevate your sketches to a new level. They are ideal for interior sketching – from line precision to ink quality and durability.

For those who prefer visual demonstrations, I've created a video where I compare the fineliners in action. This video will give you a firsthand look at how these artist pens perform and help you make an informed decision. Explore the unique qualities each liner brings to the table and how they contribute to the overall aesthetic of the sketches.

In this video, I'll show how the liners fare on different types of paper – regular paper, marker pad, and thick sketchbook paper. You will see how the choice of paper can significantly impact the outcome of your line. Understanding their performance on various surfaces will help you choose the right artist pen for your preferred sketching environment.

In this video, I also mentioned my 16-Day Instagram 5-Minute Sketch Challenge, here is a quick overview of the sketches I did there: watch

Amazon links

Artistic tools come in various price ranges, and it's essential to find a balance between quality and cost. Here are the Amazon links for your convenience. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Liners that I show in the video (or similar):

(1) Copic Multiliner 0.5:

https://amzn.to/3T03Iuf

(2) Copic Multiliner SP 0.3 (refillable):

https://amzn.to/49c6YcA

(3) Sharpie Pen:

https://amzn.to/3SGVI0J

(4) Pentel 0.5 Liner: 

https://amzn.to/42HRbzJ

(5) Touch Liners (I had this a a set): 

https://amzn.to/49fk1tY

(6) Micron (set in black):

https://amzn.to/48ngCrE

(7) Faber-Castell Artist Pen (raw umber) B:

https://amzn.to/3urp3V8

(8) Faber-Castell Artist Pen (a good set):

https://amzn.to/4bDj3sP

(9) STAEDTLER set (even though I don’t show this liner in the video, I love it and used to use it quite a lot and plan to buy it again):

https://amzn.to/42CFP01

Are you ready to make your own choice?

In conclusion, the world of fineliners offers a myriad of choices, each with its own strengths. Based on my experiences, I recommend those mentioned above as the best fineliners for interior sketching. However, personal preferences play a significant role, so feel free to explore and find the one that resonates with your artistic style.

As you embark on your artistic journey, keep in mind that the right fineliner can be a game-changer. Experiment with different options, share your thoughts, and let the creative process unfold. I hope this overview helps you find the perfect fineliner.

Resources

Download my PDF-list of all the materials I use for interior sketching (markers, paper, etc): here

Read also related articles on my blog:

• “Which Brands and Colours of Markers are the Best Choice for Interior Sketching?”

• “Top 10 factors that affect the cost of an interior sketch” (blog article+link to my live stream)

Please let me know in the comments which liners do you use and if you are happy with them.

Happy sketching!

P.S. Please share this article with your creative friend.

© Olga Sorokina, 2024

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"BASE": a Course Which Teaches All the Basic Techniques You Need to Implement Sketching in Your Interior Design Practice

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Read more from my blog

Blog Archive: here

Understanding Positive and Negative Space: Elevate Your Interior Design Drawings

In the dynamic world of interior design, the principles of positive and negative space are akin to the artist's brushstrokes on a canvas, shaping the aesthetic and functional essence of a space. As we delve into the realm of interior design drawing, these fundamental concepts take center stage, serving as the blueprint for creating spaces that are not only visually stunning but also harmoniously functional. Let’s dive deeper in this article.

Positive Space: Where Design Comes to Life

In the realm of interior design drawing, positive space constitutes the tangible elements that define and fill a room. Imagine the furniture, fixtures, and decor items—the elements that breathe life into the design. When sketching an interior space, positive space is the canvas upon which the designer articulates their vision, carefully placing each item to create a cohesive and purposeful environment.

Negative Space: The Unspoken Elegance

As the unsung hero of interior design, negative space plays a pivotal role in enhancing the overall aesthetic. It's the open floor space, the unoccupied walls, and the areas around and between furniture. In the realm of drawing, it's the blank canvas that allows for the articulation of design, contributing to the sense of openness, flow, and balance within a room.

Strategic Applications in Interior Design Drawing:

1. Furniture Choreography:

   - The arrangement of furniture is a dance between positive and negative space. In your drawings, consider how each piece contributes to both functionality and visual appeal, creating a symphony of form and function.

2. Navigating Traffic:

   - Intelligently managing negative space ensures smooth traffic flow within a room. It's about creating paths that are free from obstruction, fostering a sense of ease and practicality in the design.

3. Harmonious Balance:

   - Achieving the perfect equilibrium between positive and negative space is the key to a visually stunning interior. Striking this balance prevents a space from feeling cluttered or sparse, fostering a sense of visual delight.

4. Artistic Framing:

   - Negative space acts as a framing device, directing attention to architectural features, artwork, or designated focal points. It's the whitespace that enhances the significance of design elements within your interior composition.

5. Visual Comfort:

   - A well-considered distribution of negative space contributes to visual comfort. It ensures that a space is inviting, providing individuals with the freedom to relax and engage with the environment.

6. Spatial Symphony:

   - Mastering the interplay between positive and negative space is the art of spatial planning. It involves not just meeting functional requirements but doing so in a way that captivates the eye and evokes a sense of balance.

In the realm of interior design drawing, understanding the dance between positive and negative space is the hallmark of a skilled designer. Just as a maestro conducts an orchestra, an adept designer orchestrates a symphony of elements on paper, setting the stage for a beautifully realised interior. As you embark on your design journey, let positive and negative space be your guiding notes, creating spaces that are as functional as they are visually captivating.

(Quick note) Elevate Your Gallery Experience:

As you embark on your design journey, consider applying the principles of positive and negative space to your appreciation of art. The next time you visit an art gallery, focus on the negative space in the paintings. Notice how the deliberate use of empty space enhances the impact of the artwork, guiding your gaze and influencing your emotional response. You'll find that this heightened awareness transforms your gallery experience, allowing you to see and appreciate art in a new and enriching light.

Happy sketching!

Olga Sorokina

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Master drawing furniture with my online course for beginners:

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Shadows and Light: The Interior Artist's Guide to Mastering Value Study Techniques

In this article, I'd like to underscore the significance of incorporating a value study into your interior drawings.

It's quite common to observe beginners using a pleasing colour palette for their sketches. However, a key aspect often overlooked is the variation in tones. Without a thoughtful value study, the sketch tends to appear flat and lacks the dynamic contrast that brings it to life.

The secret to enhancing your interior sketches lies in mastering the art of value study.

“Sketching teaches us to become very observant, to see nuances.”

— Olga Sorokina

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A “value study" in drawing refers to the exploration and representation of different shades of light and dark within an artwork. 

When it comes to interior drawing, understanding and effectively depicting values are crucial for creating a sense of depth, lighting, and atmosphere.

Here is a quick guide on how to approach a value study for interior drawing:

• Identify Light Sources:

• Determine the primary light sources within the interior space. This could be sunlight streaming through windows, artificial lighting from lamps, or a combination of both.

• Note how the direction and intensity of light affect different surfaces and objects in the room.

• Define Major Forms:

• Identify the major forms and shapes within the interior, such as furniture, architectural elements, and decorative items.

• Use values to accentuate the three-dimensional qualities of these forms. Consider how light and shadow play across surfaces.

• Establish a Focal Point:

• Decide on a focal point within the interior. This could be a specific area, object, or piece of furniture that you want to draw attention to.

• Use a higher contrast around the focal points or key elements in the foreground, making it stand out within the composition. This not only directs attention but also adds to the perception of depth by making those elements visually prominent.

• Consider Material and Texture:

• Different materials and textures within an interior space will reflect light differently. Pay attention to how values can convey the characteristics of materials, such as the shine of polished surfaces or the softness of fabrics.

• Experiment with variations in shading to depict a variety of textures realistically.

• Balance Light and Shadow:

• Achieve a balance between light and shadow to create a visually appealing composition. Avoid overly bright or dark areas unless intentional for artistic purposes.

• Use mid-tones to connect light and shadow, allowing for smooth transitions and a cohesive overall look.

• Utilize Reflections:

• If there are reflective surfaces like mirrors or glossy furniture, consider how they interact with light sources and surrounding elements. Reflections can enrich your value study.

• Experiment with Different Times of Day:

• If possible, explore how the lighting changes throughout the day. Different times of day can significantly impact the mood and atmosphere of an interior space (think here “Haystacks” by Claude Monet).

• Morning and evening light, for example, may create long shadows and warm tones, while midday light can be brighter and more direct.

• Create Atmosphere:

• Use values to establish the overall atmosphere of the interior. A well-executed value study can convey the mood of the space, whether it's cozy and intimate or spacious and airy.

• Practice Depth and Perspective:

• Use values to emphasize the sense of depth and perspective in the room. As objects or surfaces recede into the background, gradually decrease the intensity of values. Darker values in the foreground will contrast with lighter values in the distance, creating a sense of depth. Emphasize the contrast between light and shadow in the foreground. Remember that objects in the distance often have softer, less defined edges due to atmospheric effects.

• Refine Details:

• Pay attention to details in your interior drawing. Use values to highlight intricate details in furniture, patterns on surfaces, and other elements that contribute to the overall realism of the scene.

Remember that achieving depth and perspective in a value study requires a balance between accurate observation and artistic interpretation. Experimenting with these techniques will help you create interior drawings that not only capture the spatial relationships but also convey a convincing sense of depth through the effective use of values. Observe real interior spaces, study how light interacts with various elements, and practice consistently to enhance your skills in depicting values in interior drawings.

P.S. Hope you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media so more Creatives can learn about the importance of value study and interior sketching.

© Olga Sorokina, 2024

Drawings from my online course on watercolour techniques in interior sketching. Learn more here

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Transform your interior drawings with depth and perspective in my online course “Interior Sketching in Watercolour“

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See my blog archive: click here

Perspective Drawing Explained: 7 Types of Perspective in Interior Sketching

In this article, I'll introduce you to seven exciting perspective techniques that I employ in my interior drawings. From the fundamentals of 1-point and 2-point perspectives to the fusion of 1+2, "distorted" perspectives, and more, discover how each technique can bring depth and uniqueness to your sketches. Join me on this creative journey to the art of perspective drawing.

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In the world of interior sketching, perspective is the key to bringing your designs to life on paper. Whether you're a budding artist or an experienced designer, mastering different perspective techniques is essential. In this article, we'll explore seven intriguing types of perspective that can add depth, dynamism, and uniqueness to your interior sketches.

(1) One-Point Perspective (Frontal Perspective):

The fundamental technique for interior sketching, that forms the backbone of interior sketching. Here, we have only one vanishing point on the horizon line, but it forms everything. 

Read also related article on my blog for a more in-depth exploration of 1-point perspective:
“The 9 principles of one-point perspective in interior sketching”

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(2) Two-Point Perspective (Oblique View):

Here we can see two vanishing points on the horizon line, adding an extra dimension of dynamism to your drawings compared to the more static nature of 1-point perspective.

Read also related article on my blog:
“The 6 principles of two-point perspective in interior sketching”.

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(3) Combined Perspective (1+2):

A fusion of 1-point and 2-point perspectives, with some furniture objects having their own 2-point perspective. In this sketch, you can see a blend of 1-point perspective for the room and 2-point perspective for the objects, in this case, two classic bergere armchairs. What makes this perspective truly captivating is that each chair has its own set of 2 vanishing points. Here, things get intriguing with a total of 5 vanishing points! 

In my online course BASE, I'll guide you step-by-step in drawing this French interior.

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(4) "Distorted" Perspective:

Some love it for the dynamism it brings, while others find it challenging. It's a unique fusion of one-point and two-point perspective. I find it really profound as it brings a lot of dynamic to the sketch. With "Distorted" Perspective, the back wall (also referred to as the frontal wall at times) takes on a trapezium shape, in contrast to the rectangular form of the back wall in our 1-point perspective (please take a look at my drawing below). This transformation adds an intriguing element of dynamism to your sketches, making it a captivating technique to explore. 

You can learn how to create this captivating effect in my online course PRO.

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(5) "Elevated" Perspective with Two Vanishing Points:

Ideal for small spaces like bathrooms and home offices, this technique can add a new dimension to your designs. 

Join me in THE CLUB and explore how to create interiors with this perspective.

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(6) "Elevated" Perspective with Three Vanishing Points:

Take your perspective skills to the next level with three vanishing points, offering even more depth and complexity to your sketches.

Let’s draw this interior together in my online course PRO.

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(7) Four-Point Perspective:

Think about it as two sets of 2-point perspective.

You can draw this classic oval bench with me in my online course “FURNITURE“.

In my practice, I most often utilise the fundamental 1-point and 2-point perspectives, which form the backbone of interior sketching. Remember, the best way to make good interior sketches by hand is to make a lot of them, quickly and spontaneously, until it becomes natural for you.

To further dive into the art of interior sketching and discover the nuances of these perspective techniques, be sure to check out my 35-minute Instagram live stream where I explore this topic in greater detail: watch here.

DEMYSTIFY PERSPECTIVE DRAWING

Perspective drawing might seem complicated or intimidating, but with my Perspective Drawing for Interior Design course, it becomes fun and easy.

My step-by-step approach ensures you'll finally understand perspective, transforming your sketches and boosting your confidence.

Do you want to master perspective drawing for interior design from scratch?

Welcome to my online course

“Perspective Drawing for Interior Design“

Read also related articles on my blog:

“What is perspective in drawing“

“Perspective Drawing Explained: 7 Types of Perspective in Interior Sketching”

“The 9 principles of one-point perspective in interior sketching”

“The 6 principles of two-point perspective in interior sketching”

P.S. Hope you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media so more people can learn about perspective drawing and interior sketching.

© Olga Sorokina, 2023

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See my blog archive: click here

Marker choice: my favourite marker sets for interior/architecture sketching from Amazon

This article will help you realize and select what exact materials you will need to start sketching, which brands of markers would be the best choice for you, I will share what I use in my sketching routine, you will get direct links here to my absolute favourites. You can use this list as a guide while shopping on the Internet. Also, you will learn which marker brands can be potentially damaging to your health.

Please note, links I provided here are affiliate; if you buy, I make a commission (at no extra cost for you!). As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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Here I will recommend a variety of brands to choose from, but If I were to pick my absolute favourite marker brands, it would be Copic and Touch. They both have a vast array not only of colors but also of marker tips. In Copic, for example, these include ‘Classic’ markers, ‘Extra Wide’ ones, the thin ‘Ciao’ markers, and remarkable ‘Sketch’ (the last two have brush points). Copics are more pricy; Touch markers are more affordable. Here I also share Stylefile and Chartpak brands, which are quality and quite affordable.

I don’t recommend you use Touchfive, Touchnew, and Vista Artista markers since their quality not as good as their price (yes, they are cheap), not to mention that they can be damaging for your health, especially for the lungs. My students and I tried these markers, and unfortunately, we didn’t enjoy drawing with them.

Professional markers usually have two nibs: a wide one (chisel, wedge-shaped) on the one side and a thin one on the other (fine liner tip), or it can be a brush nib with the thin one. 

Side note: I’m a big fan of brush nibs; they are my absolute favourites.

Some markers are refillable (like Copic, for instance); some are not (like Promarker or Stylefile, for example).

YOU CAN DOWNLOAD MY PDF "MATERIALS FOR INTERIOR SKETCHING".

ENTER YOUR NAME AND EMAIL HERE:

Gray marker sets:

Grays go first. I purchase grays more often than any other colour. Why? Grays are the most important in interior drawing since they create tone and value, background and shadows in your sketch. A set of grays might be your first purchase when you get serious about interior sketching.

1. COPIC 5 grays at least are essential, but «the more grays – the better». 

Take a look at this 5 Sketching Grays Copic Sketch Set of Markers (5 markers + multiliner). Refillable markers and replaceable nibs: 

https://amzn.to/2LxdDGm

2. COPIC 12 grays is my favourite set of grays; it’s great if you’re serious about interior sketching or consider to draw sketch commissions in future, then check this Copic Classic set:

https://amzn.to/2RQL5J5

3. TOUCH 6 grays. It is an excellent alternative to Copic, Touch markers are really good, plus they are cheaper than famous Copic:

https://amzn.to/2LuPhgi

4. TOUCH 12 grays. Here is a nice set of warm grays, ShinHan Touch Twin Brush Marker Set 12WG Warm Grey:

https://amzn.to/2RTVbc7

5. STYLEFILE 12 grays. Stylefiles are also perfect quality markers for interior sketching. Double-ended with fine and broad nibs, but they are not refillable as Copic, for example. Look at this Brush Marker-Neutral Grey Set:

https://amzn.to/2LwcIWE 

6. STYLEFILE 12 grays. The same set but with wedge and fineliner tip, if you prefer wedge nibs instead of brush ones:

https://amzn.to/2KYnC8a

7. CHARTPAK Gray Set. There are 22 greys+3 blacks. They are not refillable, one-nibbed, but excellent quality. Chartpak is markedly different from the markers mentioned above. These markers have one very wide tip, that is highly convenient for interior sketching. The only disadvantage is that these markers have a rather strong smell of solvent. This 25 colours set contains 22 grays (warm, cool and neutral), plus three blacks:

https://amzn.to/2ROYykF

8. LETRASET/ WINSOR & NEWTON I like 6 Neutral Tones Set from Letraset (as I mentioned, grays are the most usable markers in interior sketching). These markers are not refillable. Recently Letraset ProMarker brand was renamed to Winsor & Newton ProMarker, but the marker quality stays the same:

https://amzn.to/2XrPurQ

Coloured marker sets:

When purchasing colored markers, focus on earthy, wooden tones. Yes, you will need some basic bright colors like red, yellow, green, etc., but you will not need five reds or seven violets, which are usually included in marker sets for manga drawing, for example. Our aim is an interior design and architectural drawing.

Here are some sets where grey colors are already provided, so you can purchase any of them and have it all: grays and colored markers all in one. Or maybe you prefer to buy gray and color sets separately. Here is the list of my favorites:

1. CHARTPAK Architecture Set, (25 colours):

https://amzn.to/2XnvZ3U

2. TOUCH Twin Brush Marker Set B (48 colours). NB: Grays are included here!

https://amzn.to/2J5ivkd

3. TOUCH If you want more bright colours check Touch Twin markers (60 colours) with fine tip nib on one end and a medium-wide chisel nib on the other:

https://amzn.to/2XjcVyL

4. COPIC ciao Set B. It was my very first Copic marker set. I remember at the time how pricy it was for me but at the same time how happy I was when I got it! This set was an excellent investment for my business. Copic Ciao is more affordable in comparison with Copic Classic or Copic Sketch.

https://amzn.to/2XvF6KQ

5. COPIC INK REFILLS They are available in all 358 colours of Copic palette, but I need only my top-frequently-used Copic colours such as grays, for example, this one:

https://amzn.to/2Xx1KCs

6. STYLEFILE markers (24 colours, grays are included here). If you are looking for your first and relatively affordable set, I would have started with them:

https://amzn.to/2xxuwZ9

7. STYLEFILE markers (24 colours), these are double-ended but with brush tip:

https://amzn.to/2LGfBEw

Side note: you can purchase markers one at a time to get familiar with a new brand, for instance, with Letraset:

https://amzn.to/2JjDVKD

P.S. Please share this blog article with your friends, thank you in advance.

© Olga Sorokina

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