Interior and Furniture Design Trends in New Zealand and Australia + Hot on the Heels of Auckland Design Week

In this article, we delve into the captivating world of interior and furniture design in New Zealand and Australia, two countries known for their distinctive design aesthetics and innovative approaches to space styling. As an interior designer passionate about exploring design trends, I recently had the opportunity to attend Auckland Design Week, a vibrant celebration of creativity and innovation in design. Let’s dive deeper.

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Auckland Design Week (March 10th-16th, 2024) was a real celebration of design: colourful, intense and incredibly exciting!

The event lasted a whole week, I managed to attend only 2 days, but I learnt and saw so much. These days were filled with masterclasses, lectures, performances, communication with designers. Auckland Design Week (ADW) reminded me of Isaloni in Milan or MaisonObjet in Paris. It was the first time the design festival was held in Auckland, and I managed to get to the premiere.

So what is it like, interior design in New Zealand?

I identified four main characteristics:

-Sustainable

-Focus on creating viable products

-Use of recycled materials

-Timeless

In New Zealand, people are as environmentally conscious as possible. The use of recycled materials is a trend of the last 20 years in interior design all over the world, but it seems that New Zealanders follow it particularly scrupulously.

In terms of the design itself, I concluded that local designers prioritise quality over the external component. Interiors, furniture - minimalistic, but this direction is just dictated by the three main characteristics I wrote about above.

Terracotta colours, stripes and graphics are trending in New Zealand design right now, so take note.

By the way, the organisers made a very attractive graphic design of invitations, I was impressed.

Brands, performances, and masterclasses

ADW showcased a variety of interior showrooms and brands. Each of them tried their best to present themselves as flamboyantly as possible, but the one I remember most was the live installation at Fisher & Paykel:

Maori models were invited to portray a married couple. They showed their everyday life: cooking, talking on the phone, loading laundry, eating dinner, dancing... all accompanied by live music (violin), amazing!

In the same salon, there was a master class on making Italian focaccia, the chef showed us different stages of the process, and at the end he brought out already ready hot bread

This magical aroma of bread filled the space and there was a feeling of cosiness, of home. It was wonderful!

At ADW were represented not only New Zealand brands but also European: Italian, Danish, and French. I was able to chat with local designers, including furniture designers. It is quite a common practice here to study to become a fashion designer and later realise yourself as a furniture or interior designer.

Another distinctive feature of ADW is a lot of delicious food! They did their best in every salon: they offered fruit, cakes and snacks, the freshest croissants -- yum! For example, at Isaloni in Milan and MaisonObjet in Paris, this was not the case, where you had to go to a café on the exhibition grounds or to the nearest restaurants to have a bite to eat.

Interior and Furniture Design Trends in New Zealand and Australia

Interior design and furniture trends vary across the globe, reflecting cultural nuances, environmental influences, and evolving design philosophies. My experiences and insights from ADW have provided valuable perspectives on the evolving design landscape in New Zealand and Australia, which I'm excited to share with you.

• Embracing Nature-Inspired Designs:

  Both New Zealand and Australia boast breathtaking natural landscapes, from lush forests to rugged coastlines. Unsurprisingly, this connection to nature often translates into interior design choices. Kiwi and Aussie homeowners and designers gravitate towards natural materials such as wood, stone, and rattan, infusing spaces with warmth and authenticity. Timber furniture, in particular, is a staple in many homes, adding a touch of rustic charm and organic beauty.

• Minimalism Meets Functionality:

  The minimalist design ethos, characterized by clean lines, uncluttered spaces, and a focus on functionality, has gained widespread popularity in both countries. New Zealand and Australia's design scene often celebrates simplicity and efficiency, favoring furniture pieces that are both aesthetically pleasing and practical. Scandinavian-inspired designs, with their emphasis on simplicity and functionality, are especially prevalent, reflecting a desire for understated elegance and timeless appeal.

• Sustainable and Ethical Practices:

  In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumerism, leading to a surge in demand for sustainable and ethically sourced furniture and decor items. Designers in New Zealand and Australia are increasingly incorporating eco-friendly materials, such as reclaimed wood and recycled textiles, into their creations. Moreover, there is a growing emphasis on supporting local artisans and craftsmen, fostering a sense of community, and promoting ethical consumption practices.

• Fusion of Cultures and Styles:

  Both New Zealand and Australia are multicultural societies, influenced by a diverse range of cultures and design traditions. This melting pot of influences is reflected in the eclectic and vibrant interior design landscape, where elements from different cultures seamlessly blend together to create unique and eclectic spaces. From Indigenous art and Maori motifs to Asian-inspired decor accents, there is a celebration of diversity and inclusivity in the design ethos of these countries.

• Embracing Technology and Innovation:

  Innovation is at the heart of design in New Zealand and Australia, with designers constantly pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Technology plays a significant role in shaping the way spaces are designed and furnished, with smart home solutions, 3D printing, and virtual reality transforming the design process. Moreover, there is a growing interest in sustainable design practices, with designers harnessing cutting-edge technologies to create eco-friendly and energy-efficient spaces.

Wrapping up

The interior and furniture design scene in Aotearoa and Australia is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape, shaped by cultural influences, environmental considerations, and a spirit of innovation. From nature-inspired designs to minimalist aesthetics and sustainable practices, there is a rich tapestry of styles and trends to explore.

My insights from ADW 2024 have provided a firsthand glimpse into the creativity and innovation driving the design ethos of these countries, and I'm excited to see how these trends continue to evolve in the future.

Interior Design Drawing

By the way, hand-drawn projects are very much appreciated in New Zealand and Australia: you can often see hand-drawn sketches in magazines and interior and furniture catalogues. If you want to master interior sketching from scratch — welcome to my online course "BASE".

P.S. Please share this article with anyone who may find it useful. Thank you!

© Olga Sorokina

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Join hundreds of designers who are currently taking my Interior Sketching course.

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

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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

Top 5 books on perspective drawing: my personal choice

In this article, I will share with you my absolute favourite books on such a hot topic as perspective drawing for interior designers, architects, and urban sketchers.

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.

P.S. Find your special gift at the end of the article.

“The artist’s business is to be able to draw an object so that it will look solid and not flat like the surface of the paper on which it is drawn. In so doing that artist employs a method that we call perspective.”

— From "Perspective Made Easy" book by E. Norling

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"The SKETCH. Interior Design Drawing"

Olga Sorokina (click for a direct link on Amazon)

I'm happy to include my book on this list. I wrote it specifically for interior designers as well as interior design students who want to master perspective drawing and interior sketching with markers from scratch.

This is a very actionable and quick-read book that, if you would work with, will change your interior design project presentation and, possibly, even your whole creative life. I share my story in the book and how sketching transformed my life. I designed "The SKETCH "particularly for beginners in freehand sketching and for those who want to master a fantastic skill of hand rendering for better performance on the interior design scene. In case you want to make drawing commissions your new job (often called "sketch artist"), you will find inspiration here.

Here you will find a lot of tools, tips, and tricks for freehand sketching, examples of some of the masters of the craft, recommendations for materials. Students need to practice from the book with the step-by-step exercises. Richly illustrated, this little black and white book can serve as a source of great inspiration, and for some of you, it is going to become an excellent small table book.

My book is available in PDF version here

Paper-based from Amazon here.

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“Drawing Perspective. How to See It and How to Apply It”

Matthew Brehm (click for a direct link on Amazon)

One of the recent coloured books on perspective, your hands-on guide to this tricky topic (big bonus: it's excellent polygraphy quality). It will be particularly valuable for urban sketchers and artists who love to do outdoor sketching since the majority of the examples featured are those drawn from location. No dry theory, but it does explain in a playful way how perspective works. Probably, one of the most straightforward books to read as it explains every type of perspective drawing so clearly.

I believe it will also be essential for beginners in general, actually, all levels will benefit from this book with its fun image quizzes (yes, you can draw right inside the book!), step-by-step schemes and diagrams, not to mention its «Perspective Chambers», which is really something special that I haven't seen in any other books on this topic. Definitely, those workbook exercises, in the end, are such a practical bonus for the reader (these worksheets for each task can be done in the book or downloaded).

This book gives you heaps of fun, practical exercises, and encourages you to play with them while demystifying such a complex topic for the majority of artists as perspective. The book will help you develop a working knowledge of how perspective appears in the world, why it seems the way it does, and how to apply these understandings in your sketches, accordingly, the perspective concept is broken down into "seeing it", "understanding it" and "applying it», a great explanation! After reading it, you will see the world around differently, and you will actually understand perspective so that learning how to draw it becomes effortless and fun.

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“Perspective Made Easy”

Ernest R. Norling (click for a direct link on Amazon)

This tiny black and white print is a perspective classic, a great introduction quick-read book and foundation to perspective for beginners. Just look at its stats from Amazon Best Sellers Rank (for the day of publishing this article): 

#4 in Architectural Materials

#46 in Pencil Drawing

#22 in Arts & Photography Study & Teaching

This book is simple, short, quite easy to understand, and really helpful. A concept of perspective that confuses almost every interior design/architecture student is demystified here, it starts very basic and builds on each idea. In my opinion, it is one of the best books I have found for teaching perspective, but, if you are hoping for something advanced, «heavy», with innovative ideas for teaching, clear instructions and step-by-step drawings with good quality coloured images then this book is probably NOT for you, plus there's not that much in terms of interior design.

This small-format book is a light reading, even though some parts of it may seem too advanced, but most of it is very simple and easy to understand. It covers so many essential topics: vanishing points, ellipses, cylinders and cones, shadows, and shades. Also, at the end of every chapter, there are highlights to note and assignments to apply the newly learned information. You can finish this book quite quickly, but the book is designed so that the concepts may stay with you as you read and practice the exercises. I believe for beginners studying from this lovely little book before going into something advanced can make learning perspective more enjoyable, and later it will be easier to learn the more complicated perspective concepts.

While I was reading Norling’s book, I had a feeling that a mature architect sits in front of me and explains perspective principles in simple words and with fun examples. I like the statement which opens the book: "The artist's business is to be able to draw an object so that it will look solid and not flat like the surface of the paper on which it is drawn. In so doing, that artist employs a method that we call perspective."

It was written originally in the 1940s, the language might seem outdated, but the rules of perspective don't change. Just to give you an antiquated example of wording from the book: "Imagine your wearing a diving helmet." What?! A diving helmet? Why it’s not a snorkel and mask? I see this old-fashioned language as an added entertainment feature, so have fun.

This book is a useful reference for drawing in perspective, and it's a good deskbook for anyone who has learned basic perspective techniques, most of this information has been taught in art classes, but it is a solid reference/reminder-book to go back to whenever someone needs to refresh on the concept. 

Finally, I will add that this is a timeless classic that I would recommend to anyone interested in learning perspective drawing. Definitely, this book is an excellent tool for learning the basic intricacies of perspective; small, clear, and concise, it will be an essential addition to any Creative’s bookshelf.

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“Perspective for Interior Designers: Simplified Techniques for Geometric and Freehand Drawing”

John Pile (click for a direct link on Amazon)

A prominent author of numerous books on interior design and such topics as the history of the interior, color in the interior (a list of John Pile’s books is here) did not leave behind such a hot topic as perspective in interior sketching. I believe that this book will benefit any interior designer who wants to master perspective and draw in front of their clients.

The book starts with a section on the fundamental technique of a 2-point perspective, which is presented through 14 sequential steps. This black and white, quite small, and straight forward edition offers the most important types of perspective for interior designers (1- and 2-point) in a simplified, clear, and concise way. The book is quite extensive in content with clear visual instructions, and you can read it in just a couple of days, yay! 

The author covers special situations like reflections, views from above, case studies, furniture. You will learn how to draw to scale, how to place floor plan in relation to drawing, how to draw circles in perspective, as well as ellipses and stairs (oooh, a tricky topic, right?) from Pile’s book as well. Perspective for Interior Designers offers an easily accessible and quickly learned method that will serve every interior designer’s drawing needs.

Also, here you will find some specific techniques for drawing interiors, step-by-step demonstrations, analysis of floor plans, and a simple and accurate method to make perspective drawings from them. I can say that this volume is a complete and specific guidebook, which is easy to understand. I wish I would have it when I was a student at the St Petersburg Art Academy.

By reading it, you will get the joy of being able to make accurate, technical, and professional-looking perspective interior drawings to scale. This book will help you stop struggling with perspective, so I highly recommend John Pile’s work for all interior designers, interior design students as well as architects (for others, it might seem to be very comprehensive or too technical).

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“Sketching for Architecture + Interior Design” 

Stephanie Travis (click for a direct link on Amazon)

This beautifully done book is broken up into three chapters (furniture + lighting, interiors, architecture) with multiple drawing techniques in each section that emphasize the process. Each chapter provides in-depth steps and examples to follow. Forty-five step-by-step drawing exercises take you from the simple forms of furniture to interiors, to more sophisticated building exteriors and cityscapes. Stephanie provides excellent "how-to" steps, which makes it easy to follow and try out yourself. With its simple approach, easy to follow instructions and plenty of drawing examples, I believe this book should be available in all the Art Schools and Design Universities’ libraries. Interestingly enough, this book explains and outlines sketching in a way that works both for non-professional and industry professionals like architects and designers.

Having grown up with computers, today's interior design and architecture students are extremely adept at creating computer imagery, but often lack confidence in their freehand sketching skills, or even do not know how to sketch at all. Sketching has almost become a "lost art”, and this book is perfect not only for students but also for design professionals, as well as for those who just want to learn to sketch and see things in a new light. Sketching, and the careful observation that it entails is essential for the successful development of the next generation of designers. We can’t underestimate the importance of being able to sketch out an idea on the fly and learning to see in a new way, especially for a visual industry.

You can perceive this book as an excellent masterclass in free sketching. The instructions are insightful and pointed, and the freehand sketching adds so much texture and intimacy to the book, its compactness is beneficial for travel and is comfortable to review. This book might potentially give you “new eyes” and to draw what you see instead of what you think you see. The playful exploration of line, form, shadow, pattern, perspective, and composition is broken into manageable steps that build upon each other without a lot of overwhelming technical jargon. Through simple, beautifully hand-drawn examples, you will learn how to capture and portray the unique qualities of a subject rather than just reproduce a copy.

Technical topics covered include tools, line weights, perspective, proportion, composition, shading, serial views, and context. Exercises are illustrated with beautiful sketches, specially created by the author. Sketching for Architecture and Interior Design is the number one practical guide for design students wishing to master the art of looking and drawing. Interior designers and architects might find themselves using this book on studio projects, especially in the schematic design stage, since the book helps with diagramming and processing conceptual ideas, which then translate into the architectural concept.

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In terms of proportions and standard dimensions for interior design and architecture, check out classic Peter Neufurt book: https://amzn.to/31CUGZC

Links here are Amazon Affiliates, so if you buy any of these books, I get a commission at no extra cost to you.

What are your favourite books on perspective, and have you already read any of these books?

Let me know in the comments below.

P.S. Please share this article on your social media so more people can learn about perspective drawing and freehand sketching. Thanks in advance, and good luck with your sketches!

© Olga Sorokina

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6 Major Styles of 19th-Century Furniture: From Neoclassical Splendor to Arts and Crafts Charm

The 19th century was a remarkable era for furniture design, marked by a rich tapestry of styles that continue to captivate us today. From the refined grace of Neoclassical pieces to the ornate splendor of Victorian creations, this century witnessed an evolution in design influenced by history, technology, and changing tastes.

Rococo Revival Chair. Drawing by Olga Sorokina from “Interior Sketching in Watercolour” Online Course

19th-century furniture encompasses a wide range of styles and designs that were popular during the 1800s. This century witnessed significant changes in furniture design and production techniques, influenced by historical events, social changes, and technological advancements.

Here are some key aspects of 19th-century furniture:

1. Neoclassical Furniture (Late 18th to Early 19th Century): The early 19th century saw the continuation of Neoclassical design, which drew inspiration from ancient Greek and Roman art and architecture. Furniture from this period often featured clean lines, classical motifs, and a sense of symmetry. Materials such as mahogany and rosewood were commonly used.

2. Regency Furniture (Early 19th Century): The Regency period, which roughly corresponds to the first quarter of the 19th century, was characterized by elegant and refined furniture design. Dark woods like mahogany were popular, and pieces often featured classical ornamentation, brass inlays, and decorative motifs.

3. Victorian Furniture (Mid- to Late 19th Century): The Victorian era, spanning most of the 19th century, was marked by a diversity of furniture styles due to the Industrial Revolution and changing tastes. Early Victorian furniture continued the Neoclassical tradition, while the mid- and late-Victorian periods saw the rise of various revival styles, including:

- Gothic Revival: Inspired by medieval architecture, Gothic Revival furniture featured pointed arches, tracery, and dark woods like oak.

- Renaissance Revival: Influenced by the Renaissance period, this style included ornate carvings, rich fabrics, and heavy, dark furniture.

- Rococo Revival: A revival of the Rococo style from the 18th century, characterized by elaborate ornamentation, curved lines, and light, pastel-colored woods.

4. Arts and Crafts Movement (Late 19th Century): In the latter part of the 19th century, a reaction against mass-produced, overly ornate furniture led to the Arts and Crafts movement. This movement emphasized craftsmanship, simplicity, and the use of natural materials. Furniture from this period was often handmade, featuring exposed joinery and a focus on functional design.

5. Eastlake Furniture (Late 19th Century): Named after the British designer Charles Eastlake, this style was influenced by the Aesthetic Movement and featured geometric shapes, incised decoration, and ebonized wood.

6. Art Nouveau (Late 19th to Early 20th Century): At the end of the 19th century, the Art Nouveau movement emerged, characterized by flowing, organic forms, sinuous lines, and motifs inspired by nature. Furniture of this period often featured curvilinear designs, intricate inlays, and materials like stained glass.

Key moments:

Innovations in Production: During the 19th century, advancements in manufacturing technology allowed for the mass production of furniture, making it more accessible to a wider range of people. This led to the production of simpler, more affordable furniture alongside high-end, handcrafted pieces.

Upholstery and Fabrics: Fabrics and upholstery styles also evolved during the 19th century. Jacquard-woven fabrics, floral patterns, and richly embroidered textiles were commonly used for upholstery, curtains, and drapery.

Overall, 19th-century furniture reflects the dynamic changes in design, technology, and societal influences that occurred during this century. It encompasses a wide range of styles, from the classical elegance of the early 19th century to the ornate eclecticism of the Victorian era and the innovative simplicity of the Arts and Crafts movement.

P.S. Please share this article with your friends on social media so more people can learn from it.

Related articles on my blog:

“11 reasons why interior designers and architects should sketch”

“Watercolour Interior Drawing: Overcoming 3 Common Mistakes Beginners Make”

“Top 10 factors that affect the cost of an interior sketch”

Blog Archive: here

By Olga Sorokina

Contact: olga@schoolofsketching.com

Instagram @schoolofsketching

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Join My Furniture Drawing Mastery Online Course:

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11 Reasons Why Interior Designers and Architects Should Sketch

“When architects draw, they experience architecture, they are walking through the space in their minds.”

Interior design and architecture begins with an idea, and drawing is a fantastic tool to define it, to give form to this abstract concept that exists only in the designer's head for a while. Based on my experience, I can ensure you that sketching is the fastest way to design, yes, even though you've mastered all the design soft like 3DS Max, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, Revit, and all other programs. Sketching is natural for designers.

11 reasons why we do it:

• to think,

• to discover,

• to express & manifest

• to understand ideas in our heads,

• to give form to something,

• to structure thinking,

• to communicate ideas and examine them,

• to present,

• to record and document, 

• to understand the world,

• to understand oneself (yes, I know it sounds quite philosophical, but that's true)

“Sketching is the process of discovery; it is like breathing, meditating, or exercising, just let it flow”

Most important, in my opinion, we do it to think, to evolve ideas during that process of freehand sketching. You transfer and translate your ideas into our world through the visuals. An experienced architect or interior designer make a drawing first thing almost automatically, instinctively. Well-made drawing establishes credibility with clients from the first meeting.

A professional dancer thinks through the act of dancing. His/her body literally «thinks» during that beautiful process, and creates choreography. It's thinking in motion. That can't be more true, that we, as designers, and architects think through the act of drawing to uncover and reveal and to draw something out that sits inside of our brains. 

“A good idea will generate a good drawing.”

What is the best drawing form for you?

Drawing may take many forms, and it's important you find your favourite, the most comfortable for you. It can be a freehand sketch on a piece of paper or digital drawing on the iPad in Procreate. Maybe it's a quick Photoshop concept sketch or a mixed technique that suits you best. For example, I noticed that very often interior design students create a hand drawing, then scan it and colour on a computer later. As one architect said: “Drawing is the first visible thing of the form of the thought, the changing point from the invisible powers to the visible thing. It's a special kind of thought, brought down onto a surface”.

“Drawing is the first visible thing of the form of the thought, the changing point from the invisible powers to the visible thing. It is a special kind of thought, brought down onto a surface”

Different stages in the interior design process require different kinds of drawing: expressive and quick early sketches are followed by more precise perspective views, layouts, and sections to scale. It all starts with a sketch first, even though very often these early, nearly abstract, exploratory drawings hold meaning only for its maker. It's the beginning of everything.

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. Do you want to master interior drawing from scratch? Welcome to my Online School of Sketching.

P.S. Hope you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media so more people can learn about perspective drawing and freehand sketching. Thanks in advance and good luck with your sketches!

© Olga Sorokina, 2023

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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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Featured in:

Check out the recent Redfin article we were featured in:

11 Timeless Beige and Neutral Home Decor Ideas | Redfin

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Read other articles on my blog:

How to Gain Admission to Your Dream Design University, Elevate Your ID Diploma or Become a Sketch Artist?

Exciting news awaits you at my Online School of Sketching today! 

As a sketch artist and experienced educator in sketching since 2015, I am thrilled to offer you my personalized coaching sessions to unlock your design potential and achieve unparalleled success.

In a nutshell, with my 1-1 coaching, you could gain admission to your dream Design University, elevate your interior design diploma project or become a professional sketch artist.​​

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Here are the benefits:

1. Gain Admission to Your Dream Design University: With my personalized guidance and refined interior sketching and perspective drawing skills you'll acquire through the coaching, you can confidently apply to prestigious design universities and secure admission to the institution of your dreams. Let's turn your aspirations into reality!

2. Elevate Your Diploma Project: Enrich your interior design diploma project with breathtaking sketches that captivate and impress. With this one-on-one coaching, you'll master the art of hand rendering, enabling you to create outstanding presentations and set yourself apart from your peers.

3. Enhance Professional Opportunities: As you refine your sketching skills under my tutelage, you'll be equipped to pursue exciting career paths. Imagine becoming a professional sketch artist, collaborating with renowned brands, or even sharing your expertise by teaching interior sketching to others in your community.

4. Boost Confidence and Express Your Ideas: My coaching sessions will nurture your sketching abilities, allowing you to confidently express your design concepts and ideas. Develop a unique artistic voice that resonates with clients, colleagues, and collaborators, making your mark in the interior design and architecture world.

5. Unleash Your Creativity: Through personalized coaching, you'll gain the tools, techniques, and inspiration to unleash your full creative potential. Break free from limitations and explore new horizons in sketching, enabling you to craft even more beautiful, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing environments for people to live in.

What people say:

​Here's what you will get from my 1-1 coaching:

1. Confidence and Guidance:  Gain the confidence to express your creative vision and receive expert guidance tailored to your needs. I will provide personalized feedback on your sketches or design projects, allowing you to showcase your design concepts with clarity and artistic flair.

2. Insights from a Pro:  Benefit from my extensive professional experience in interior design and architecture. I have collaborated with renowned brands, worked on award-winning projects, and shared my expertise at international events. With my guidance, you'll gain invaluable insights and industry-relevant techniques.

3. Accelerated Skill Development:  Experience rapid interior sketching skill development with practical exercises and personalized recommendations. Refine your sketching abilities and elevate the quality of your work.

4. Professional Perspectives and Tips:  Tap into my wealth of professional perspectives and insider tips. Learn sketching techniques, presentation strategies, and industry best practices to impress clients and colleagues.

​Pricing

Secure your spot in my coaching program today:

- Single Zoom Session: For those enrolled in my online courses ("BASE," "PRO," "Watercolour," or "Procreate"), a one-hour Zoom coaching session is $190 USD. For non-enrolled individuals, the price is $290 USD.

- Five Sessions Package: Dive deeper with a comprehensive package of five one-hour Zoom coaching sessions for $760 USD. The fifth session is complimentary. Receive continuous support to achieve your design goals. For those enrolled in the online courses I’ve mentioned above, a one-hour Zoom coaching session is $760 USD. For non-enrolled individuals, the price is $1160 USD.​

Spots are limited, so please complete this form to secure your spot asap.

​Wishing you boundless inspiration and, as always... Happy sketching!

Olga Sorokina

Founder, Online School of Sketching Ltd

Author of "The SKETCH. Interior Design Drawing"

My blog: https://schoolofsketching.com/blog-in-english​​

Artificial Intelligence and Interior Design: Good or Bad? What is the future of sketch artists and interior designers as AI rapidly advances?

AI and ID: good or bad?

OK, let’s address today that “elephant in the room”. 

Recently, a question came up from one of my students enrolled in my online course “BASE”:

“Olga, what is the future of sketch artists and interior designers as AI rapidly advances?"

Since this question concerns many people, I'll share my point of view here.

You are very welcome to share your ideas and insights on AI in the comments below. What are your thoughts? Please share them below. I’m really excited to read your comments.

Alright… Typically, professional interior designers study design for 4-6 years (in my case it was 6 years, year 6 was entirely dedicated to the diploma project).

Historically, the profession of an interior designer requires:

 Stage 1. Copying

Almost all art education starts with copying the works of masters: we learn by attempting to replicate what is already known. This is our nature. The initial stage is learning the history of interior design and architecture, and providing “recipes” for popular canonical styles, like classicism, modernism, minimalism, etc., allowing us to assemble them piece by piece.

Stage 2. Blending

After mastering the history and understanding the basics, future interior designers can blend the knowledge they have acquired and mix it with other known elements to create new, more complex, and contrasting solutions that maintain a coherent and harmonious appearance. This is for instant, how some of the styles in interior design have emerged: fusion, boho, and contemporary classic, to name a few. You can break the rules when you know them, right? In other words, the educational system significantly expands on the range of interior designs that can be created.

Stage 3. Creativity

After mastering both canonical styles and the ability to break the rules of their formation, resulting in more intriguing visual outcomes, can we explore creativity. This means completely freeing up from the restrictive rules of specific styles and creating without being bound by existing conventions, while still adhering to the fundamental principles of design. This approach pushes the boundaries in every way.

Alongside with all that, there is a 1-1 work with clients, work with real three-dimensional spaces, sketching, considering dimensions, proportions, technical nuances, ergonomics, etc. By the way, clients in the majority of cases do not know exactly what they want. They see a picture on Pinterest — they want that feeling, ambiance, and emotion, they can imagine how they live in that interior. But they don’t know “How To”, this is our job as an interior designer.

In terms of visual work, AI learns from what is already known and created before 2021, specifically from publicly available images. However, it cannot distinguish between a good and a bad interior design or identify mistakes. You should give it very precise commands and prompts to receive proper feedback.

Interior design involves too many variables that exist in different planes. For AI to progress further, extensive training would be required. Moreover, the person responsible for training it would need to possess impeccable knowledge and understanding of these concepts. Therefore, achieving even the first stage is certainly not something that can be accomplished in just a few years.

However, even if we imagine a scenario where AI perfectly masters the first stage, not to mention the extensive work needed to go beyond standardised solutions, it would not pose a threat to skilled designers. 

The initial stage where AI enters the life of an interior designer is as a tool that can handle certain routine technical tasks to enhance efficiency. In my opinion, AI speeders things up, it saves time, it gives you more options and you can accomplish more in less time.

Even if we hypothetically consider the perspective of complete substitution, we can draw parallels with the fact that all work was initially done manually. However, the mechanization of labor and the subsequent industrial revolution with the transition to assembly line production led to the term 'handmade' being used as an advantage even after two centuries.

Therefore, it is unwise to rely on AI 100%. 

 However, my online course “BASE” can help you gain a deeper understanding of interior sketching and perspective drawing.

“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)

The Limitations of AI in Interior Design:

AI has made significant advancements in various industries, but it also has inherent limitations when it comes to interior design. Let's explore these limitations:

1. Lack of Subjective Judgment:

While AI excels at analyzing patterns and replicating existing designs, it struggles to grasp the human touch in design decisions. Interior design often involves subjective judgment, cultural context, and individual preferences, which can be challenging for AI to comprehend.

2. Inability to Identify Mistakes:

AI's training is based on existing designs, making it difficult for it to differentiate between good and bad design choices or identify potential errors. The keen eye of an experienced interior designer is crucial in ensuring functional and aesthetically pleasing spaces.

3. Complexities of Three-Dimensional Space:

Designing interior spaces requires a deep understanding of spatial relationships, proportions, and technical nuances. AI's current capabilities fall short when it comes to working with real three-dimensional spaces, considering dimensions, and addressing ergonomic considerations.

The Synergy Between AI and Interior Designers:

Rather than viewing AI as a threat, interior designers can embrace it as a powerful tool that enhances their creative process and efficiency. Here's how AI can be beneficial:

1. Time-saving Efficiency:

AI can handle routine technical tasks, freeing up designers to focus on ideation, conceptualization, and personal interactions with clients. It expedites the design process, giving designers more time to delve into their creativity.

2. Enhanced Inspiration:

AI-generated design inspirations can serve as valuable references, helping designers explore new ideas and expand their creative horizons. By incorporating AI-powered tools, designers can access an extensive database of design elements and styles, enriching their design process.

The evolution of interior designers is a testament to their artistic growth and creative problem-solving skills acquired throughout their education and careers. While AI offers powerful tools and possibilities, it cannot replace the nuanced judgment, creativity, and expertise that interior designers bring to the table. By embracing AI as a collaborative tool, designers can harness its benefits while preserving the irreplaceable human touch in their craft.

So, if you're passionate about interior design or aspiring to be an interior designer, remember that your artistic intuition, ability to blend styles, and capacity for creative thinking make you an indispensable force in shaping remarkable spaces that resonate with people's lives.

You are very welcome to share your ideas and insights on AI in the comments below. What are your thoughts? Please share them below. I’m really excited to read your comments.

P.S. Hope you’ve enjoyed reading please share this article with your friend.

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Watercolour Interior Drawing: Overcoming 3 Common Mistakes Beginners Make

Mastering Watercolor Interior Drawing:

Conquering 3 Common Beginner Mistakes

In this blog article, we will explore three common mistakes that beginner artists often make in watercolour, with a focus on interior sketching. By understanding these mistakes, you will gain valuable insights and learn how to avoid them. Additionally, we'll address the main fear beginners face and provide guidance on overcoming it. So, get ready for an enjoyable and inspiring read!

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Watercolour - A Captivating Medium

The allure of watercolour lies in its ethereal qualities, its lightness, and the semi-transparency of colours. It can evoke various moods, from introspection and melancholy to vibrancy and joy. Watercolour resides on the boundary between drawing and painting, combining the best of both worlds. Even Leonardo da Vinci recognized its unique attributes and utilized it for his sketches.

Watercolour can be likened to an actress – spontaneous, free-flowing, and light, yet also capable of achieving balance and realism through techniques like glazing. It has captivated me and I consider it superior to other mediums such as oil, acrylic, tempera, pastel, and even markers.

“Watercolor, a captivating actress, dances between chaos and serenity, embodying both untamed spontaneity and balanced realism.”

— Olga Sorokina

Choosing Between Watercolour and Markers

A common question I receive is whether I prefer watercolour or markers. The answer depends on the purpose. Markers are excellent for quick interior sketches and are beginner-friendly due to their ease of use and control. They offer transparency and layering capabilities, similar to watercolours.

For travel and convenience, markers are my go-to choice. I always carry a couple in my bag for sketching on the go, whether in cafes, parks or during dance classes. However, when it comes to plein-air painting and more extensive academic drawings, watercolour excels. It is my preferred medium for courses like "Watercolour in Interior Sketching."

It is worth noting that my journey with watercolour began in childhood, whereas markers gained popularity relatively recently. So, consider your purpose and experience when selecting between these mediums.

Conquering the Fear of Water

One of the main fears beginners face in watercolour is the fear of water itself. The uncertainty of how to control water and achieve the right paint-water ratio can lead to frustration. However, it is essential not to let this fear discourage you. Let me share a valuable tip to help you befriend watercolour.

Embrace water and approach it with curiosity and openness. Fall in love with water! Often, beginners set high expectations for their initial watercolour attempts, and any setbacks can lead them to abandon the technique. Remember, nobody expects to effortlessly ride a bicycle without practice. Similarly, watercolour requires patience and practice.

Mistakes are not something to be avoided; they are gifts from the divine. Instead of striving for perfection, seek to understand your mistakes, learn from them, and grow. As Salvador Dali wisely said, "Mistake - a gift from the divine. Therefore, do not strive to correct your mistakes. Instead, try to understand them, delve into their meaning, endure them. And liberation shall follow."

“Mistake is a gift from the divine. Therefore, do not strive to correct your mistakes. Instead, try to understand them, delve into their meaning, endure them. And liberation shall follow”

— Salvador Dali

Drawing from my online course “Interior Sketching in Watercolour“

Let's Explore the Three Common Mistakes

Now, let's delve into the three common mistakes that often arise. By recognizing and addressing these mistakes, you can enhance your artistic abilities and improve your watercolour interior drawings.

Mistake #1: Fear of Water and Embracing Mistakes

This mistake stems precisely from the fear of water that I mentioned earlier. Let me emphasize that mistakes are wonderful! The more mistakes you make, the faster your growth and progress will be! It sounds strange, doesn't it? But consider this: the best way to learn something is to actually do it, isn't it? The same applies to watercolor. You just need to engage in regular practice without giving up at the first sign of failure. Embrace the process, let the colors flow if they wish to, and experiment fearlessly. Be open to making mistakes because you are learning! Find joy in the process, for you have embarked on watercolor to explore something new and infuse more creativity and happiness into your life. The most important thing is that through regular practice, you will reach a level where you can smile at your early works and see those mistakes, understanding that without them, you wouldn't have grown creatively. Art is a process, so enjoy it and stop judging yourself or constantly comparing yourself to others.

Mistake #2: The Colour Conundrum - Embracing the Artistic Sweet Spot

When it comes to colour, novice painters often find themselves caught in two extremes: oversimplification or overcomplication. The former group tends to rely on bright, unadulterated hues straight from the tube or palette, while the latter muddle their creations with an excessive mix of colours, resulting in muddy tones. These polar opposites can hinder your watercolour journey. But fear not, for there lies a glorious middle ground, a harmonious balance to be discovered.

In watercolour, finding the "golden mean" is paramount. It can be achieved by following two essential rules:

1. "Don't settle for colours straight from the tube; instead, mix them on the palette" - this rule applies to those who tend to oversimplify, helping you infuse depth and nuance into your artwork.

2. "Limit your palette to three or four colours at most" - this rule guides those who tend to overcomplicate, allowing you to maintain clarity and coherence in your creations.

By embracing this delicate equilibrium of colour, you unlock the true potential of watercolour and set your imagination free.

Mistake #3: The Power of Water - Embrace Its Essence

One common mistake arises from a fear of embracing water in watercolour. This fear can lead to artworks that resemble gouache or tempera paintings, lacking the translucency and vitality that watercolour is renowned for. When the paint is applied too heavily, the paper loses its breath, resulting in a lifeless piece that yearns for the touch of water's magic. Remember, watercolour is the embodiment of its name, a celebration of water's fluidity and grace.

Let go of your inhibitions and allow the water to dance upon your canvas. Embrace its essence and infuse your artwork with life, air, and vibrancy. Grant yourself the freedom to explore the boundless possibilities that watercolour offers.

Now I'm eager to hear your thoughts: Have you encountered these mistakes and fears in your artistic journey? Do you recognize them in your own work? How does working with watercolour make you feel? Have you ventured into its captivating realm before? Share your experiences and insights in the comments below!

P.S. If this blog post has ignited your creative spirit and provided valuable insights, please spread the inspiration by sharing it with your fellow artists and friends on social media. Let's embark on this artistic adventure together! Thank you!

© Olga Sorokina, 2023

Check out the program and sketches from my online course 'Interior Sketching in Watercolor'

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7 signs of "imposter syndrome" in sketch artists and interior designers

“Imposter syndrome” very often refers to women and over-achievers, who doubt their accomplishments or fear being discovered as a fraud. It is when you have a strong feeling that you do not deserve the success that you have achieved, and everyone around you is mistaken about you and sooner or later will realise that you are an “imposter”.

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Funnily, “imposter syndrome“ is rarely associated with a real lack of knowledge and skills, much more often an incompetent person does not feel that he is doing something wrong. It usually goes hand in hand with perfectionism and/or lack of self-confidence.

I have noticed some particular signs-indicators that show that a creative person might have “imposter syndrome“.

7 SIGNS OF “IMPOSTER SYNDROME” IN INTERIOR DESIGNERS & SKETCH ARTISTS:

1. You find it hard to accept praise and/or criticism about your drawings/interior projects (even if the criticism is constructive)

2. You are nervous if you don’t know the topic at 100+ % and scared to make a mistake

3. You constantly feel like you lack some knowledge and you can’t pursue your dreams before you get through one more online course, and another one, and another… You see what I mean here :-)

4. You feel like you don't deserve your professional success and you think your success is just a fluke

5. You are constantly afraid that the “real you” are about to be discovered as a fraud

6. It seems to you that others would do the same things you do but quicker and more effortlessly 

7. Just the thought of you making a mistake (or worst, failure!) is simply unbearable for you and makes your stomach move

To be true, I had a very strong “imposter syndrome” when I had just graduated from St Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design, after studying Interior Architecture for 6 years, and #2, #6, and #7 used to be really strong in me back then.

If you can relate to two or more of those “signs” above, then probably it’s your thing. It does NOT mean that you are sick or anything like that, no! I see it more as a “social sensitivity”. We were conditioned to feel like that, and society incepted that thing in our minds (I hope my terminology makes sense to you). The good news is that you can work with it and change it if you are aware of it.

Surprisingly, statistics say that two out of five successful people feel like “imposters.” Can you believe it?! And stats show nearly 70% (I think it should be 99%) felt like an imposter at some point in their lives. So actually, it is quite normal :-) The thing is, it is not normal if you feel like it affects your life here and now.

A lot of people who go through my online courses or live workshops tell me something along these lines:

“I would love to take sketch commissions, though I am not entirely sure how to do that other than to plunge straight in! I have completed a course last year in Interior Design but I have no practical / “on-the-job” experience so am nervous that my knowledge of materials, lighting, fabrics, furnishings, wall, and window coverings, etc - the intricacies of interior architecture - are lacking even for sketch commissions. So a lot of exciting reading, exploring, viewing of interior sketches lies ahead.”

View fullsize

Well, I can tell you that some of my students became sketch artists without ANY interior design education or even any creative background at all. And the fact a person had completed an id course already puts her/him in the leading position. That is a great advantage for a sketch artist to be.

So you see, for some people, it is more of a mindset work. For some, it is more of a work with their emotions, and their past. For instance, if your parents over-praised or over-criticised you (or both), you may be more likely to have feelings of being a fraud later in life. But please do not criticise your parents for it, they did the best they could. Society's pressures add to that for sure.

In case you might be interested, I have two extra spaces for the coming month for my personal 1-1 zoom consultations where I help my students to pursue their creative goals and dreams. Also, I can give detailed feedback on your drawings and answer your questions. Please email me here schoolofsketching.com/contact-me

P.S. If you liked and found this blog post useful, please share it with your friends on Instagram or Facebook. Thanks a lot!

© Olga Sorokina, 2023

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Want to become a professional sketch artist?

Check out my “BASE+PRO“ Bundle

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Read other articles on my blog:

How to create a great interior design portfolio: 4 cases, top tips, and inspiration

Watch my interior drawing tutorials and tips on id portfolios on YouTube:

Check my latest interior sketches and behind the scenes on Instagram Stories:

Whether you are a beginner in the design world or a mature interior designer, this article can help you with some basic steps in creating your first portfolio; also, you may find here some fresh and exciting ideas for an existing one. Some paragraphs here I took from my best-selling book “The SKETCH“. Enjoy!

P.S. Special “perspective sketh“ gift is waiting for you at the end of the article.

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In this article, I will cover:

• Interior design student’s portfolio

• Interior designer’s portfolio

• Interior decorator’s portfolio

• Portfolio for you to apply for interior design school/college/university

• Portfolio formats

• Importance of hand rendering for interior designers

• Resources (books, examples)

You need a portfolio to show people so that they can see what your design skills are and what your expertise is. It should be professional looking and attractive from a design perspective, yes, but the content is king, never forget about this. That’s why I’m going to be covering here necessary things to include in your interior design portfolio.

To begin with, let’s define your «target audience» as that will affect the content. Who will see your portfolio? Is it an employer, a potential client, or maybe people from interior design college you want to apply? Think about it, and then you can create a killer portfolio that will blow their minds! Remember, your interior design portfolio can actually prove you are a professional without you saying a word! Your portfolio can also set you apart from other designers and present your work in the best possible light. Visuals speak loud, design speaks even louder.

“Visuals speak loud, design speaks even louder.”

1 case: Interior design student’s portfolio

Are you a beginner in the design world? Do you lack experiences? Then in your portfolio, you can show off your school/university assignments that you like, select your best projects that you are most proud of, show your best work. Five to seven projects are usually enough.

Now decide who is your «target audience»? Design School, potential employer, or are you preparing your work for online resources like Behance? Let’s assume that your «target audience» is an employer, here is how the layout and the flow of your portfolio may look like:

• On the first page of your portfolio, it’s a good idea to include your photo with a resume, and this is a great way to start your portfolio as it gives a great overview of your skills. Make sure to keep your resume to the point and relatively short. Plus, your resume should be visually attractive, take your time and check some design resume templates online (like this one) or create one yourself.

• Next, continue with your projects (commercial design, hospitality industry, residential projects), then you can include paid projects you did on the side if you have ones. Make sure you have the correct categories displayed. The important thing is to keep everything clean and crisp as it will make your portfolio look professional. You should prove with your beautiful presentation that you are a skillful interior designer.

• Include pictures of some design boards you have had created because it’s a lot easier to carry around pictures as it shows the work well enough, plus it gives your future employer an excellent overview of your skills.

• Be sure to demonstrate your technical skills, include your CAD drawings, show that you can draw out and design a plan, add a couple of electrical drawings, and any other special drawings or special skills you may have.

• Another great idea is to demonstrate the progression of a project from the initial concept to the final design. Here you can show your very first sketches, mood boards, AutoCAD floor plans, and any other mechanical plans, elevations, and 3D renderings. At the very end of the portfolio, you can have your references.

• If you can sketch and make perspective drawings and hand renderings, include them as well. Clients love hand drafts as this ability to draw makes them think that you’re an Artist. Show your wide range of talents.

“Remember, 5 to 7 projects are usually enough for your portfolio, focus on the quantity over quality.”

TIP 1: If you struggle with hand rendering and want to master interior sketching and perspective drawing, check out my online courses for beginners and for pros.

TIP 2: You might also want to download the list of my favourite marker sets for interior drawing at my Resources page here.

Check my 5-min tutorial to enrich your portfolio with hand rendered furniture plans:

You can get each step of this sketch plan in PDF directly to your email now, simply complete the form below:

“Interior sketches dramatically enrich your portfolio. Hand drawings are what attract instant attention and sell to your client. Why? Because they appeal to the emotional intellect of your customer.”

— Olga Sorokina

Drawing in 1-point perspective from my online course

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

(For Interior Designers & Architects)

2 case: Interior designer’s portfolio

Please remember that interior design is not the same as interior decorating, that is the one big mistake people make all the time. Some customers really think that we just select pillow cushions, and blankets, and picking wall colours all day long. To be true, that is about 10% of what we actually do. Interior design is essentially like architecture, in some countries, it’s even called «interior architecture». You can get your diploma in interior decorating in 2-3 years, whereas interior design typically is a four to six-year degree program.

In interior design, you learn about constructions, floor plans, history of interior design, styles, functionality, ergonomics, lighting, colour theory, client communication, building codes, mechanical systems. It’s a lot more than just designing a room. In this article, I will cover the decorator’s portfolio as well, so keep reading.

Well, here, in an interior designer’s portfolio, your «target audience» can be both a potential employer or a client.

First, let’s talk if it is an employer:

Looking for a position in interior design or architecture firm? Your resume, in that case, should cover your educational background, experience, and qualifications. My recommendation is to focus on your professional skills in this type of portfolio.

For example, you can list your skills, such as:

• AutoCAD/ArchiCAD/Revit/Google SketchUp drafting and rendering

• 3DS MAX rendering + Vray

• Sketching and hand rendering

• Construction management, etc

It’s also a good idea to demonstrate a progression of a project from the concept to the final design, show your sketches, sample design boards, floor plans, and any other mechanical plans, elevations, and final 3D renderings.

Now, let’s talk if it is a client and if you already have some experience:

Your resume here can cover not only your experience, educational background, and qualifications but also your design philosophy. Remember to add contacts or your business card.

Include client recommendations if you have any, remember, that testimonials work better than anything.

Show what your customer wants, if he came to you for a residential project, show him your completed projects of apartments, studios, duplexes, houses, etc. I mean, at least 80% of your portfolio should be residential, the other 20% you can make commercial if you wish.

Try to include real photos, not only 3D renderings, layouts, mood boards, and drawings, as photos of completed projects will dramatically enrich your portfolio and gain the trust of the customer. Every time you finish a project, hire a photographer or a friend of yours who can take professional photos of your accomplished interior.

Focus on visuals: photos, 3D views, hand renderings, and sketches; clients love it. Try not to overwhelm your customer with technical drawings and AutoCAD layouts; the majority of them won’t understand all that stuff.

Include project location with its start and completion dates, describe the client’s directive. Keep it short and sweet. You can use here «before» and «after» photos.

If you have any publications in interior design magazines, design awards — wonderful, include them as well. Add certificates and any other documents that show your accomplishments.

“Focus on visuals: photos, 3D views, hand renderings, and sketches; clients love it.”

Here I used Chartpak and Copic markers. Learn about my online course

“TEXTURES“: a Beginner Course on Essentials of Sketching with Markers

(For Interior Design Students and Those New to Sketching)

You want to sell with your portfolio your creative services and your expertise. Remember that the best interior designer with the worst sales skills will never have as much business as the worst interior designer with the best sales skills. Think about what your client really wants and needs and how you are going to be able to deliver on those wants and needs. How will he benefit from you rather than the other interior designer? What value do you bring to the table?

Another important thing is to keep your portfolio up-to-date, so check it once a year or every other year and delete some outdated projects and include your new designs. If you don’t want to offer it, don’t show it, let it be your mantra for the portfolio creation process. I mean, if your goal is to work on restaurants and hotels in a contemporary style, don’t show your clients examples of residentials in classic.

“The best interior designer with the worst sales skills will never have as much business as the worst interior designer with the best sales skills.”

3 case: Interior decorator’s portfolio

So you are a brand new interior decorator, and you don’t have a portfolio built up yet. Let’s assume that your «target audience» is a potential customer. If you have not yet been able to do your first real design project, my advice is to create an imaginary one, but following all the steps of a real project.

You can include some educational projects you’ve done, such as private, commercial, hospitality interiors. The simplest and fastest way to fill in your portfolio with projects is to create mood boards. It’s not the most sustainable option, but if you are on a deadline, it can be the most effective solution for you. Visuals speak loudly, they really do, people love to see visuals! Why do you think Instagram and Pinterest are so popular these days?

“If you don’t want to offer it, don’t show it.”

Spend a couple of days and create mood boards for imaginary clients; for example, dream up a studio apartment for a young couple, a living room for an architect, an apartment for fashion designer, and so on. Create all sorts of rooms and spaces for whoever you can dream up. Take it seriously, think about these people and what their lives are. What you envision their space to be? Create a bunch of mood boards and put those on your portfolio.

A great idea would be to accompany those mood boards with floor plans to show your technical skills and knowledge of ergonomics. A huge benefit to doing that is that you can nail down your process so you can know how much time it takes you, so in a situation with a real and not fake client, you know how to charge properly for your expertise.

Dream to draw interior sketches like a pro?

Watch sample tutorial from my online course “BASE“:

4 case: Portfolio for you to apply for interior design school/college/university

You need a good portfolio to get accepted into interior design school or university. Usually, you have to have good grades as well because it’s a competitive program.

In this case, your «target audience» is, as you can probably guess, the selection committee. First, I would recommend checking their website; most programs will have a list of requirements that they would like to see.

They want it clean and simple, just show your artistic abilities so that these people know that you do have some sort of design background. The main thing here is to practice your perspective drawing (especially one and two-point perspective), floor plan drafting. Check my free online challenge where I cover the basics of a one and two-point perspective.

My marker drawing on A4 format

Usually, you had to go for an interview and show them pieces of artwork, life drawings, classic still-life drawings, maybe Photoshop collages, you have to show your artistic abilities and that you could drop. Just collect your art pieces, take photos of them. You can simply create a digital portfolio in Word or PowerPoint by labelling your art pieces, add sizing and description, for example, 50x60 cm, oil on canvas, name, etc. When entering an interior design school, it is a great advantage that you have those drawing skills.

Remember that each design school’s committee wants the best possible students to study in that school because their successful graduates and their testimonials are their best ads and marketing tools.

Good luck to you if you are currently applying for colleges or universities!

Portfolio format

There are all sorts of portfolio formats:

• Wire-bound presentations

• Foam core/foamboard mounted prints

• Video presentations

• Digital version (link to iCloud or Google Drive doc, PDF version)

• Online portfolio on your website (check these examples)

If you choose a printed version, I would recommend horizontal A3 format (it is portfolio classic) as in square, A4, or vertically oriented format you will find that it’s harder to make a good composition and show your projects properly. Make sure you use high-quality images for your portfolio, so they look nice when printed. Use high-quality paper, the feeling even the texture, the feeling in the hands of your portfolio, fonts, and colour brightness matters.

Online or PDF format is so accessible now, it’s eco-friendly, and it’s most significant advantage is that colours look so much deeper and brighter in comparison with the printed version.

You can create your portfolio in Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, InDesign, Apple Pages, Keynote, PowerPoint. Select the program you love and feel familiar with it.

Check also Instagram @letsshowitbetter, where Steven shares his tips on presentation boards. Steven and I both were speakers at ArchiMentors Summit, which took place October-November, 2020.

Extra Resources & Inspiration

You might find these links helpful to create the best possible portfolio:

• Book «Design Portfolios»: link

• Portfolio examples on Pinterest: link

• Inspirational examples on issue.com: link

• Some examples from Behance: link

I believe we, as creatives, can find inspiration pretty much from any sources; it might be a well-design magazine, nice typography, a good book on graphic design, even old-school posters — just look around!

P.S. Well, my creative friend, I hope you enjoyed this article. May I ask you to share it on your social media, please. Thanks in advance and good luck with your portfolio! I’m sure it will look amazing!

© Olga Sorokina

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Become a profitable sketch artist: my effective Instagram strategy for client search

Are you are an artist who loves making interior design sketches and wants to make a profit from it, or want to become one? In this article on my blog, I`m going to suggest you my Instagram strategy for client search.

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Instagram

The number one thing is the great and mighty Instagram. Interior sketching is a visual content, it`s something that people see with their eyes. What platform is usually used for posting beautiful photos? Instagram and Pinterest, of course. This post refers to the first one.

Well, I`ve prepared for you a good strategy and a firm plan of actions:

A new profile

You make a new Instagram account especially for interior sketches and you never post anything else there: no lovely kittens, no food, landscape pictures, or photos of you lying on the beach. There should be only your sketches. Sometimes you can post your photos, but they must be on-topic photos. I mean in those photos you should be drawing your sketches, or for example, attending an interior presentation. All photos in this account must show that you are a professional sketcher but not a hot and beautiful girl or a young mother or an animal lover. You should focus on only one subject: interior sketching and you designing your interior sketches.

Profile description

Here is an example I made for you. Write something like this in your profile:

Profile name: sketchnazakaz ( I don`t know if there is any profile like this on Instagram)

Profile description: I draw make-to-order interior design sketches with markers. Price for a sketch: starting from USD 100. Lead time: 2 workdays. You can write your questions in the direct messages or via Whats up. Contact me today: +7921 1234567

Posts frequency

Post frequency in this account: 1 photo a day. Your stories and live streaming must be about one and the only subject: interior sketching. Tell about your make-to-order designs, your recent works, and what designs you made before, tell what project you are working on now. Tell your followers about your orders and clients and your favorite sketching styles, show your works, etc. I think you got the idea.

Posting Schedule

In a perfect world, schedule your posts at least for the next three days. However, it`s better to make a plan for the whole week. I know, it isn`t easy to make yourself do it, but it`s very important. It doesn`t matter how many followers you have. Even if there are only 16 people and 10 of them are your relatives, you shouldn`t give up. By the way, your posts should appear at weekends as well. Remember, there are no weekends on Instagram. Seven days = seven photos of your sketches. 

Posts with sketches and prices

As soon as you finish one or more make-to-order sketches, post photos or scanned copies of them in your Instagram profile, and don`t forget to mention the price in the description. I think it`s clear that it isn`t a good idea to draw make-to-order sketches for free. And still, if you are a kind and generous one, let me remind you once again: please don`t go altruistic, your time, work, talents, and knowledge must be paid and show a profit. Drawing interior design sketches for free is a discredit to all visual artists.

Light in the photo

One more helpful piece of advice: the photos of your works should be taken in daylight at the window or outside or you can scan them for better results. Use Instagram filters to add some brightness and contrast, but don`t overdo with them. 

Hashtags                                                 

If you want to get more eyes on your Instagram posts, I strongly suggest you to use sketching hashtags. Analyze the most popular ones and use from 10 to 20 hashtags with every post. The best 

Hashtags for you could be #sketches #interiorsketches #markerdrawing #maketoordersketching  #interiordesign

“Your new profile should be focused on only one thing: sketching and you working on your sketches.”

— Olga Sorokina from @schoolofsketching

And yes, obviously your Instagram profile must be set to public. Honestly, I was surprised to see too many private accounts where it was written “make-to-order designs” in their bio.  

What then? Who is going to work with those people if nobody can see their drawings?

Is everything clear about Instagram? Did you get inspired? Then go for it, and do it today, right now, don`t lose your longing or you will never get anywhere. As A.S. Pushkin said “the noble promptings of the spirit”. 

In the end, I want to wish you further creative success, new interesting projects, and a long queue of clients! Good luck!

Please let me know if this blog post was useful for you, share your thoughts and ideas in the comments. 

P. S. And what's the main, if this blog post was useful for you and you liked it, please share it with your friends on your social media. Many thanks in advance!

Olga Sorokina

In my online course on interior sketching for beginners (“BASE“, Bonus section) I go over two other magnificent and never-ending sources of eventual clients:

Check the course, click the button:

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Learn more about my online courses on interior drawing with markers and on iPad:

Top 10 mistakes in interior sketching that can make your drawing look unprofessional

After more than 6 years of teaching interior sketching, I can tell you that I notice the top 10 common mistakes that beginners make that can ruin their sketches, and I’d like to teach you how to avoid every single one of them.

Please take a look at the image below. This is a drawing that I created specifically for this article to illustrate all of the ideas I’m about to share. Sketch to the right is OK; sketch to the left contains all of those 10 mistakes. Surprised? Keep reading and learn more.

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I’ve been teaching interior sketching and perspective drawing since 2014, and I can tell you that I can see certain mistakes that not only beginners in sketching but also experienced interior designers make in theirs drawings. These mistakes compromise their professionalism, and I’d love to teach you how to avoid them in this article.

These are basic and very common mistakes that not only beginners in sketching but also interior designers make. Unfortunately, these mistakes can make your sketch look flat and unprofessional or even jeopardize your reputation as a designer.

As a bonus, at the end of this article, I will share my Top 5 free tips for detecting and fixing your mistakes and the biggest secret of interior sketching.

Olga Sorokina

Top 10 mistakes in interior sketching:

Mistake #1: "I like everything equally"

That is when you draw all the elements in your sketch equally detailed and with due diligence. You can thoroughly draw the things that are farther away just as carefully as the foreground objects. And this is a big mistake in interior sketching, as this approach neglects the aerial perspective, and, consequently, the sense of space and air in the sketch is missing. Such drawings can often look plain, "tortured", and overloaded.

Mistake #2: "Focusing on details"

It is especially typical for girls. We can depict, for instance, the texture of velvet with markers so perfectly that it seems realistic. Meanwhile, all the proportions in the drawing go wrong, the composition is far from perfect, and the perspective is completely distorted. But we stubbornly refuse to see the overall picture and continue to draw beautiful copper rivets on the back of our velvet chair.

Mistake #3: "I don't get along with Her Majesty Perspective"

I have already mentioned the critical importance of proper perspective in sketching in my "10 Rules of Sketching", where it even takes the first place.

Distorted perspective works well only for cubists, while in interior sketching, you must know its basics (at least frontal and angular ones) "like the back of your hand". Look here, the lines of the bed, closet, and walls in the "wrong" sketch now converge at some completely different vanishing points, while all the lines in the "right" sketch converge at the vanishing point either on the left (A1) or on the right (A2), or they are just vertical to the heights of the objects. 

In interior sketching, everything depends on the fidelity of construction, so if you were good at perspective and shadow projections at school, it is a great virtue. But if you did not like or study it, I invite you to my free challenge on the basics of perspective for interior designers available here: click.

Please, analyze how the ovals open towards the horizon line in the scene. You can compare the lampshade ovals in both sketches.

In addition, keep an eye out for perspective reduction, as shown in the sketch by the cushions and the middle of the cabinet: the farther the object is, the smaller or narrower it should be.

“Wrong“ sketch with all 10 mistakes in it

Mistake #4: "Drawing on the wrong side of the marker paper without realizing it"

It is a purely technical mistake that is very easy to avoid. Before you start drawing another sketch, try to draw a line with a light gray or any soft beige marker somewhere on the side of the sheet and immediately run your finger over it. If the paint gets smeared, this is the wrong side of the marker paper; if the color is absorbed instantly without being smeared, this is the right side. Why is it so? Manufacturers of marker paper put a special coating on one of the sides, which keeps the marker from seeping through that paper and, thus, saves the consumption of the markers themselves.

Mistake #5: "I'm so terrible at this, please, go easy on me, it's my first time”

This mistake lies in the person's approach to learning new things. And who managed to create something brilliant for the first time? Perhaps it could be Pushkin or Mozart. Oh, how often have I heard that phrase, particularly, by the way, when I held a marathon on the basics of perspective for designers (Instagram hashtag #marafon_olgaart888). Guys, but where is this coming from?! It is so great that you decided to learn something new and were not afraid to "take your first lumps". In such cases, you have to encourage yourself and realize that you'll certainly succeed in it, but not immediately. Far from “immediately”. Be persistent and keep learning.

Mistake #6: "Drawing with ragged lines"

It's a very common mistake. Because of insecurity, the hand trembles, the pencil barely touches the paper making the outline of objects broken, with one long line made up of dozens of shorter ones if you take a closer look. Such sketches just scream: "I'm not a confident sketch! I was drawn by a beginner with a fear of drawing!" What should you do? Develop your skills. This 10-minute video on hand placement exercises can be useful to you: watch.

Have you ever noticed how kids are drawing? They press down very hard on the pencil and draw confident, albeit curved, lines. They're the ones you can learn from for being fearless in learning new things!

Mistake #7: "Applying marker inappropriately"

For the interior sketch to look more realistic, the marker (or any other material, such as a pencil or crayon) should be applied "in shape". For example, in the "right" sketch, the green marker is applied to the walls as if each line tends to a vanishing point (A1 or A2). In the "wrong" sketch, the marker is "hit or miss" which immediately makes the sketch look cut-out, collage, and unnatural. This mistake of hatching "at sixes and sevens" or "in a straw-witted manner" is one of the most common ones made by beginners, many of whom have not yet learned the advantages of a wide marker tip and fail to use its strengths hatching large areas of the drawing with a thin tip.

“Right“ sketch without those mistakes

Mistake #8: "Oops, some problems with textures"

A common problem for beginners in sketching is having difficulty rendering textures (especially wood, glass, and stone): they either work too intensely in this case, ignoring the source and relying on their imagination or depict the texture pattern out of scale, usually by making it very large (see my "wrong" drawing for the parquet as an example: I have depicted a too large wood pattern for this room, in comparison to the "right" drawing). In addition, beginners often draw textures that look unrealistic. For example, a person wants to depict a tree, but it looks more like marble veins or even "ragged worms". In such cases, it's necessary to develop observation skills, do some research on the Internet, and get inspiration. It's essential to have a visual experience. So instead of taking textures from your head and drawing using your imagination at the beginning, use pictures (Pinterest is a good choice) as they can be really helpful. You can find the most popular textures in interior sketching here.

Mistake #9: "The view outside the window in the drawing seems more important than the drawing itself"

If there is a window in the sketch, newbies often start to draw actively the crown of trees using a bright grass color marker so that when someone looks at the drawing, they see nothing but "garish" trees. In such cases, we should remember that what's outside the window is in the far-far background, and in our sketch, we must focus on the foreground subjects. In addition, the thickness of the air outside the window softens all colors and makes them translucent, pale, with a cold grey shade.

Mistake #10: "Your tonality fades: everything is equally grey"

Here it is required to highlight the lightest, darkest, and most middle objects according to the tone in the sketch. It is called "tonal parsing" of the sketch. In this case, it is advisable to train on the monochrome sketches, for example, the ones which are drawn exclusively with grey markers (you can just use three of them: light gray, medium gray, and dark gray). Thus, you will get used to distinguishing the tonality of the scene, for example, a color drawing can turn out bright, all markers will have different colors but the same tone, and as a result, there will be no contrast in the drawing, as if everything is blended into a single spot.

What should you do? 

Here are my Top 5 free tips for detecting and fixing your mistakes:

1) A good idea is to print out your sketch in shades of grey using only a black cartridge and see if you have this problem. If yes, everything will be equally gray on the printout.

2) You can also take a photo of your sketch and judge the result, as this mistake is pretty visible in the pictures in a small format. 

3) You can stand in front of the mirror with your sketch, and the reflection always reveals mistakes better. 

4) Alternatively, you can turn the sketch upside down. The thing is to change the point or angle of view at the sketch since while you are drawing, your eyes "get blurry", and you become blind to your mistakes, repeating them from one sketch to another. 

5) You can squint and look at your sketch, and if everything looks like one single spot, equal in tone, then it's high time you fixed the situation.

By the way, these five tips will work for almost all mistakes since it's just easier to notice them using these techniques.

The biggest secret

Top secret of interior sketching revealed…

The moment you know about all those mistakes, guess what? You can break them!

Take a look at my sketch above. It took me about 5 min to make it; I was drawing almost unconsciously while knowing that I was breaking the rules of perspective. If you take a closer look, you might notice that the convergence lines do not meet in one vanishing point, which would be correct. This is more of a freestyle sketch to quickly express an idea.

“Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist.”

— Pablo Picasso

Finally, one more piece of advice: 

Try to gradually move away from the ruler and eraser and focus on drawing by hand. You should train your hand, while the ruler and eraser are like "crutches" you get used to very quickly and develop a habit of constantly drawing with the ruler. Hand sketches look incomparably more attractive, professional, and lively.

What was your biggest take-away from this blog?

Did you notice any of these mistakes in your sketches?

Let me know in the comments below.

P.S. If you enjoyed this article, please share it, that would mean the world to me.

© Olga Sorokina

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Check this video, where I go over 7 of those mistakes which I mentioned here:

Free resources I mention in the video:

• MY FREE PERSPECTIVE CHALLENGE: here

• 10 EXERCISES TO TRAIN YOUR HAND: here

• MY 10 RULES OF SKETCHING: here

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If you wish to deepen your interior drawing practice, you might be interested in this online course:

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Top 5 interior design schools in Europe

Where to study interior design in Europe?

In this article, I will cover top 5 design schools to become a professional interior designer.

• Do you want to become an interior designer but have no idea which school to choose?

• Wondering what are the best interior design schools in Europe?

• Do you want to avoid making the wrong choice of school?

• Maybe you are over 25 and have decided to change your life direction?

• Do you dream to make your own conscious choice and follow the path you have always longed for but did not dare (by the way, very often just because of the inability to draw)?

• Are you worried about making the wrong choice of school?

• Wondering what are the most prestigious art schools for interior design?

Keep reading to find all the answers.

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Interior drawing form one of my online courses, learn more here

I will gladly share my findings on this issue here. I’ve decided to discuss this hot-button topic because a few years ago it also was relevant for me. As many of you know, I moved to Denmark in 2014 and lived there for almost 3 years. One day I got the idea to study for a Ph.D. (this is an analog of our postgraduate studies in Russia) at one of the universities in Copenhagen. In addition, I considered various options of studying in other European cities since in Old Europe everything is relatively close.

In Copenhagen, there is the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts, and I was lucky to have there an excursion. I had such an opportunity thanks to my friend’s friend Kai who got there a bachelor's degree in Furniture Design and after 4 years of studying founded his own company where he is successfully engaged in furniture design. I have 6 years of interior design training at Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design. So I asked Kai for an excursion around his alma mater. We walked around the Royal Academy of Fine Arts and looked at the classes. At that time I didn’t know for sure whether I wanted to do a postgraduate course in architecture or art history, therefore, so to say, I was testing the waters. The first thing that caught my eye in the Academy was the gigantic white, neutral and huge spaces of the workshops that differed from ours so much (for example, in Saint Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design there are luxurious interiors in the eclectic style). On analyzing it, I came to the conclusion that that option wasn’t my cup of tea (but despite it I’d also like to note the excellent equipment from projectors and MacBooks to 3D printers – in general, it applies to all universities in Europe). After the excursion, I began to look for options in England and the Netherlands.

By the way, as a rule, everywhere in Europe you will see exactly such academies of art with similar light and minimalist interiors having lots of air and zero decor (perhaps, Italy and France are the only exceptions). There is an expression “walls can teach” which exactly reflects our Russian universities and above all my Stieglitz Academy since we studied being surrounded by incredible interiors, so all this beauty and harmonious proportions were perceived and stored on a subconscious level. Our academy is just our Russian Hogwarts.

Here is a selection of schools I have kept since 2014:

1. England. Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design in London / CSM (website)

In England, there is a well-known Central Saint Martins College of Arts and Design. Don’t be afraid of the word “college”, it’s a traditional historical name but, in fact, it’s a university. The College is known mainly in the field of fashion design but interior design is studied there as well. An interesting fact is that even those who study interiors are taught topics related to fashion, for example, the creation of a podium and space for holding fashion houses’ fashion shows, salons, and boutiques, i.e., everything that is about the fashion industry, indeed. It is typical for interior designers who graduate from College to stay in the fashion industry. You may also have noticed that interior designers are often interested in clothing design. Sometimes these professions overlap: fashion designers become engaged in the interior and vice versa. I observe such cases all the time. By the way, lots of Russian furniture and interior designers, whose names are often heard, studied at this London College.

2. France. National School of Fine Arts in Paris / Les Beaux-Arts de Paris (website)

Oh, Paris and its École des Beaux-Arts! It’s a famous and one of the oldest Parisian schools of art. It’s perfect, but the only thing that may cause problems is that students are taught exclusively in French. That’s why I had to reject it at once. Although I do love languages and learn them with pleasure, I speak English, some Danish (I studied Danish for a couple of years when I lived in Copenhagen), a little Spanish and French, but I wasn’t ready to learn the language for another few years to do a Ph.D. course. Sure, it would be great to know the language of the French enlighteners perfectly, but it takes a great deal of time and effort and needs great motivation. For those lucky ones who speak French, this option is undoubtedly perfect.

3. Italy. Marangoni Institute in Milan / Istituto Marangoni (website)

This institution is the largest private Italian school of fashion and design. It’s based in Milan and is known all over the world. Admission to the Marangoni Institute is a unique opportunity for students from all over the world to get a design education within the walls of a world-renowned educational institution, from where such celebrities as Franco Moschino and Domenico Dolce graduated. By the way, in general, in all Italian universities, senior students are taught in English. Marangoni Institute is an exception: the same education program is provided in both Italian and English. It's amazing, isn’t it?

4. Bergen Academy of Art and Design (website)

Talking about the Nordic countries, Bergen Academy of Art and Design is worth mentioning. It’s much larger and more famous than the one in Copenhagen which I was going to enter. The Academy has high standards of education and is quoted all over the world. So if you prefer Northern Europe, you should consider this option.

5. Design Academy Eindhoven (website)

This is a famous Dutch Academy of Design. In comparison with a lot of major cities in Europe, Eindhoven is a tiny town but it has a huge number of world-class universities. In general, the town is quite popular for any field of study. It is astonishing how such a small country has had such an enormous impact on the world of art – it has created pleiads of artists and left a great mark on the history of art. A huge advantage of this Academy is that the education programs are run by renowned modern designers who directly share their experience and professionalism. 

Interior sketch form one of my online courses, learn more here

SOME ASPECTS REGARDING TUITION FEES IN EUROPE

Concerning payment, there are some interesting nuances. In some universities, foreigners may study for free. It is possible, for example, in German universities, even despite the large entry. But all the options I’ve listed here offer paid education and the price varies from 4,000 to 17,000 euros (for the year 2014 when I did this study, now prices may vary).

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Thank you so much for reading the article!

Do you have something to add to my list? Please let me know in the comments below.

If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friend.

© Olga Sorokina

HAVE YOU READ THESE ARTICLES ON MY BLOG?

My story: how and why I came to interior sketching?

In this article, I would like to share with you my story on how I came to interior design drawing and what is the main aim of this blog.

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How I came to sketching?

In fact, I have never parted ways with it. Drawings, plain-airs, designs, sketches, outlines, drafts – all these have been my close companions all my life. Throughout my education first at the Arts School for Children “Alexandrino” (St Petersburg, Russia), followed by four years at the Arts and Aesthetics School on the Fontanka River and finally six years at the St Petersburg Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design (Interior Architecture), I was always drawing, perfecting my technique, honing on my skills and hand confidence. I have been studying sketching all my life, and even now, I am continuing to refine my skills almost every day.

Russian Art Academies provide solid foundations, and exceptional old school education, particularly in academic drawing. In Russia, we are very proud of our cultural traditions and systematic in-depth, comprehensive approach to arts education.

“Russian Art Academies provide solid foundations, and exceptional old school education, particularly in academic drawing.”

Contemporary methods, marketing, and brand-building are what I call “complementary options”, something that a designer can learn on his own using the information on the Internet, books, or short courses.

Technology is developing at a very fast pace, new teaching methodologies continue surfacing, but always remember that no skyscraper can be built without proper foundations so the core skills must be solid and comprehensive.

What are the core skills? These are the necessary skills, the understanding of the essence of the subject, acquisition of the faculty of fast learning. For interior design, for instance, it is important to know the history of arts, design principles, ergonomics, materials science, colour theory, understanding of materials, perfect command of perspective and shadow projections, and drawing techniques. If it is fashion design, we need to know surface anatomy, materials, stylization techniques, sewing basics and pattern cutting, etc.

“For interior designers, it is important to know history of arts, design principles, ergonomics, materials science, colour theory, understanding of materials, perfect command of perspective and shadow projections, and drawing techniques.”

Interior sketching is one of the critical components of successful and productive design practice. Masterful command of perspective, rendering, and stylization are the three main skills that you will need to develop to be successful at it. The sketching practice boils down to a certain sum of knowledge and skills, which are essential to professionalism and expertise. Do not be put off if you have never held a pencil in your life. Sketching is a skill that is entirely possible to learn and improve upon. Always rememberer if there is a will — there is a way. 

During my six years at the Stieglitz State Academy of Art and Design, majority of our time was spent on disciplines such as architectural drawing, perspective, academic drawing, designing, modeling (creating paper models of our design projects, “maquettes“), composition and colour series. As you can see, the program was very intensive. That is why the course takes six years to complete, the sixth year being allocated to work on a student's work diploma.

“Interior sketching is one of the key components of successful and productive design practice. Do not be put off if you have never held a pencil in your life. Sketching is a skill that is 100% learnable and teachable!”

In my online courses, I give you the absolute essence of the knowledge required to become a successful practitioner of interior sketching. I adore the aesthetics of freehand rendering. In my opinion, it is a much more natural, fluid, and more vivid way of visual expression of an idea compared to a static dead-looking 3D model that took a vast amount of your time and your nerves to produce.

All painters and designers are, in essence, visual artists, as we constantly work with images. That is why it is so essential for designers to have the ability to create the desired image on paper by hand in a fast and efficient way to demonstrate an idea simply and effectively. Nothing captures your client’s imagination than when you start drawing right before their eyes. 

“Sketching is a natural, fluid, and more vivid way of visual expression of an idea compared to a static dead-looking 3D model.”

My story

I was in my third year at the Art Academy when computer programs invaded our academic life. As young creatives, we were all completely fascinated by 3D Max, Photoshop, AutoCAD, and it seemed impossible to ignore them when we were preparing our projects. We were given some basic instructions to use these software packages at the Academy, and then some of us kept studying these programs with the help of books and specialized courses. On the whole, a lot of time, effort, and money were spent to master this software.

Incidentally, many students were left dissatisfied when after having spent their money, they felt they did not acquire professional command of the software. It is hardly surprising. This software suits a particular mindset that is characteristic not so much of an artist, but of a technical professional, programmer. Have you noticed that most 3D Max professionals, visualizers, and CAD operators are chiefly men? Perhaps, it is because men are more technically minded.

“Have you noticed that most 3D Max professionals, visualizers, and CAD operators are chiefly men? Perhaps, it is because men are more technically minded.”

Over time, these programs started to supersede hand rendering. During my last year at the Academy, I was working on my diploma, and in parallel, I was freelancing as a designer for a prominent firm. I regret to admit that I found myself drawing less and less, increasingly becoming a manager of my project rather than a designer. I felt let down, and I was questioning if my chosen profession was no longer the right thing for me. Luckily I was well-trained, and I quickly rediscovered the link between my heart, my mind, and my hand; since then, I went on to uninstall all computer-assisted design software. Incidentally, most of my students come to me with this exact problem. Interestingly enough, 80% of my students are women. The fact that you are reading this blog probably indicates that you are at the same crossroads. I am delighted to say that there is a way out, so let’s get on and look at the profession of an interior designer.

At one point, I noticed that I had given up on drawing. One not so fine days, I realized that I was almost perpetually seated in front of my computer, embroiled in a battle with 3D and AutoCAD, that all the time I was googling some sanitaryware, analyzing business proposals and quotations and had completely given up on the creative side of things. It just hit me: “Did I spent six years at the best Russian Art Academy for nothing?! What was the point of it all? Was it even worth it? And what about my talent, my artistic flair?” I had a feeling I was betraying something fundamental within myself. And at that moment, I clearly saw that this was a problem that I had to address immediately.

“ It just hit me: “Did I spent six years at the best Russian Art Academy for nothing?! What was the point of it all? Was it even worth it? And what about my talent, my artistic flair?””

About the same time, I received a call from a friend of mine who asked me if I could give her a few interior drawing classes (Tanya, thank you!). That’s when it dawned on me that lots of designers felt the same way: a desperate lack of free-hand drawing skills which was a key creative component of their work that was missing. I realized that I was not the only one tormented by the problem of being constantly seated in front of a computer.

That was how my first interior sketching course “BASE“ came to life. Soon after, I started to give classes to individual designers from different cities and countries, offering them training on sketching and rendering. After that, I began to give drawing workshops to groups of students, and my online courses were accompanied by live seminars in Moscow and my home town St Petersburg. At the present moment, as I am writing my books, I want to systematize a plethora of information on interior sketching that I am going to distill down to the essential knowledge, to the gist of it all, and represent the material in a clear, understandable and exciting way.

“Lots of designers feel the same way: a desperate lack of free-hand drawing skills which is a key creative component of their work which is missing.”

Little summary

The main message of this article is this: “You Can Do Professional Drawing”! Sketching is a new skill that can be learned and mastered with frequent practice. It is no different from learning a new language or a dance.

You can excel at sketching even if you have never held a pencil in your hands!

This is because interior sketching is 50% mathematics and 50% learnable techniques. In my other article, we will look at various techniques used by some of the best sketching artists, discover what they are and why they are so effective.

My dear Creative, I hope my story inspires you, please tell me yours in the comments below (but first please save your text before posting).

P.S. Please share this article on your social media so more people can learn about sketching. Thanks in advance and good luck with your drawings!

© 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 listen to this blog article in audio format as a podcast

(6 min)

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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 is one of my favourite Copic sets on Amazon, this is an affiliate link, if you use it, I make a small commission at no extra cost to you, so thanks in advance if you use it or share with someone. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

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

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.

P.S. Please share this blog-post with your friends. They would be glad you did. Thanks in advance, you're awesome!

© Olga Sorokina

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I SPENT 10+ HOURS SELECTING & COMPARING THE BEST MATERIALS FOR MYSELF.

YOU CAN ENJOY IT NOW,

JUST ENTER YOUR NAME AND EMAIL HERE:

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You can learn sketching from me with my top-rated online course on technical drawing and interior sketching.

"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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What is sketching and the 4 most popular types of it

Your # 1 Online Course Which Teaches

All the Basic Techniques You Need to Implement Sketching in Your Interior Design Practice

In this blog post, I will explain what sketching is and what are its five most popular types.

P.S. I took this text from my book “The SKETCH“.

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You can listen to this article in audio format

(12 min)

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What is sketching?

Basically, it is about making a quick drawing, a study, which helps you to represent a design idea. And it has a plethora of applications:

Travel sketching (or sometimes city or urban sketching): expressive, energetic, and usually speedy drawings of architectural details, city views, restaurants, etc.

It can be made both in the open air (“pleinair” in French) and working from your memory – recollections of your trip when you are back at home, or using photos and creating compositions out of them. It includes “cafe sketching” as well.

Fashion sketching: people, fashion-looks, and accessories. It is used mainly for illustrations or magazines, e.g., for brand promotion. It helps designers during the first stages of the creation of their collections and helps to introduce changes.

Industrial Design sketching: probably the most known and popular branch of sketching. Obviously, it was created by industrial designers; a good example is car sketching. In this case, all sketches are made with great speed and confidence.

The type of sketching I teach my students via online courses, Instagram Lives, and YouTube tutorials is a little different, it’s an interior design sketching, and we usually start by creating a precise measured perspective with the help of scale rulers. This is followed by freehand rendering, which may take 1-2 hours, and for this stage, we will be using markers. Once you have mastered the construction technique, you will develop the ability to produce quick freehand sketches of interiors.

“Sketching is a fantastic skill that lets you transfer your design idea onto paper in the most fun, fast and effective way.”

Sketching is a fantastic skill that lets you transfer your design idea onto paper in the most fun, fast and effective way. In other words, sketching is a unique instrument for visualizing your concepts. Nowadays, it is associated mostly with such media as specialized professional markers, for example, Copic, Stylefile, Chartpak, Promarkers, ZIG, etc. Sketching “palette” is vast and versatile: you can start from scratch by using a pencil, charcoal, or black liner and end up by using different types of colouring techniques, for instance, watercolour, coloured ink and pastel or watercolour pencils. It is possible to mix various media, for example, markers + pastel or watercolour + coloured pencils. There are so many creative opportunities for you to test and explore! It is a good idea to try several and pick a couple of “favourites”.

Illustration from my book “The SKETCH. Interior Design Drawing“

A range of this kind of media in the art-shops can impress and confuse at the same time. But don’t worry, my friends, in this article on my blog I recommend you a nice and compact set of marker colours, which I use most of the time. But why do I recommend markers? In my opinion, markers are the most easy-to-learn-how-to-use and easy to implement technique for beginners (especially in comparison to watercolour) and, at the same time, sketches which are done with markers usually look more vibrant. As a matter of fact, in my interior design practice, I used to use watercolour and coloured pencils for my drawings, whereas now I opted for markers only because I simply see how much better they perform on paper for interior design purposes.

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The reason why sketching became so popular today among designers of all kinds not only in Russia, Europe, the USA, Asia, and the rest of the world is that artists nowadays tend to be overwhelmed by computer programs such as CAD, Revit, Sketchup, 3D Max, and Maya. In the old days, artists were earning their bread by, literally, their hands, and now they are desperately wishing to go back in time when ideas were transferred through hand drawing, which is far more natural and organic way of doing it.

Take a look at what is happening right now in our creative lives: we rarely, if ever, write with a pen, and mostly type on a computer, iPad or iPhone. We do not send handwritten letters and cards anymore – the epistolary genre is almost gone for good – and even our thoughts and ideas we capture in “Notes” on our iPhones. It seems that we have forgotten the meaning of “handmade”, handcrafted, which is precious because in creating it, you include a piece of your heart, love, and memories. Do you remember what we were told as children: “The best present is the one that is made by hands”. There is a profound meaning in that.

Just observe that we no longer “create” on paper but “work” on a computer, in Photoshop, Word, or AutoCAD. The words we use, especially verbs, bear deep meaning. With that in mind, ask yourself, is it better to render or to hand-render; to work or to create? They say that 3D Max was invented by those who can not draw. Clearly, there is a number of advantages in using 3D and computer-generated imagery, I used it myself a lot back in the days, but let us not lose the command of our hands and the link between the brain and the heart that hand drawing fosters.

4 main types of sketching 

As I mentioned before, there are different types of sketching, and here I would like to talk about each one in a little bit more depths. Let’s take a quick look at the main features of the most popular of them by splitting them into key concepts and keywords.

1. Interior sketching

For this kind of sketching, it is highly important to understand the laws of perspective and train your eye to judge scale and proportion. It is always good to be able to execute your drawings within different time frames because sometimes you will need to draw your idea quickly in front of your customer. As an interior designer, you should have an eye for beauty, a feeling for harmonious colours, and a perfect palette. And, as in other types of sketching, you should be able to render a variety of materials such as fabric, wood, stone, and glass. Check my video courses on interior design drawing.

Interior drawing from my ecourse PRO. Check other sketches here.

2. Fashion sketching

For this type of sketching, it is crucial to have a good understanding of human proportions (face and body). You should know how to stylize figures in your drawings. More often than not, body proportions are elongated in fashion sketching. For example, the total height of the human body in fashion sketching is 10, 11, or even 12 times the height of a human head as opposed to real-life proportions of only 7.5 to 8 heights of a human head. The most important aspect of fashion sketching is to be able to capture a design idea in the best possible light. Hence a facial-portrayal of a human figure is usually not significant. In this case, it is critical to be able to deliver the idea of the designed collection to the best advantage. In fashion sketching, it is essential to bring the clothing design into focus, and a life-like portrayal of the figure is usually unimportant. You will also need to know how to convey through hand-render the look and feel of such materials and textures as skin, hair, different types of fabric, metal, etc.

3. Industrial sketching

You will need the ability to draw objects in 3D, clearly showing their structural design and volume. To be able to render a professionally looking arrangement of component part on a piece of paper, you will need a firm grasp of the principles of composition. You will also need to perfect your technique and speed in order to develop an assured line and confident hand. The most common materials that need rendering in industrial sketching are metal, plastic, and glass.

4. Travel sketching

In this type of sketching, the most crucial skill is to manage to convey the feel, the ambience of a place, to capture the flitting moment and, at the same time, to deliver the correct scale and proportions of the object. More often than not, you will also need to be able to perform at high speed, as you will be sketching while travelling, while on the road, when you do not have several hours at your disposal the way it would have been the case with "plein air" sketching. In this type of sketching, it is important to grasp the intrinsic traits of the place you are observing and afterwards graphically stylize it in your drawing.

Check the process of creation of this sketch on my YouTube here.

P.S. I hope you enjoyed this article, let me know what is your favourite type of sketching in the comments below. Please share this article with your friends on social media. Thanks in advance!

© Olga Sorokina, 2021

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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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Continue reading:

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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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CHECK PROGRAM AND DRAWINGS FROM MY ONLINE COURSE ON INTERIOR SKETCHING WITH MARKERS FOR BEGINNERS "BASE".

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

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Read other articles on the blog:

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What they do not teach you at Interior Design Schools or myths about an interior designer

Some of you may get upset when I dispel the myth that the interior design profession is only about beauty and romantic appeal, but you better know the truth if you want to avoid a “blind date” disappointment.

Part of this blog article I took from the text of my best-selling book,

“The SKETCH. Interior Design Drawing”.

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Who is an interior designer?  

Let's uncover the truth, interior design is not about pleasant meetings with customers in glamorous restaurants and elegant offices, reflecting on the subject of interior styles, choosing that ideal shade of taupe for the tiling in the bathroom, artistic inspiration, and perpetual joy of creation. Well, some of it is, but it sums up to no more than 5% of the overall project scope. The rest of it, 95% is hard work.

The rest of it is the arduous daily routine: designer supervision at a construction site, bare concrete walls, breathing all this cement dust hanging in the air, speaking to builders, managing orders, dealing with everyday challenges, chasing suppliers — all these generally putting out fires on a daily basis.

“Interior design is only 5% about pleasant meetings with customers in glamorous restaurants and elegant offices, reflecting on the subject of interior styles, artistic inspiration, and perpetual joy of creation. The rest of it, 95% is hard work.”

To give a complete image: an interior designer is an all-round craftsman, multi-armed, multi-legged, and multi-brained. He/she has to bear in mind plethora of diverse information: starting with yesterday’s conversation with the customer, requests from his wife, children and his dog, visits to a tile store, sanitary equipment showroom, lighting shop, negotiating with construction supervisors, and rows about missed deadlines. One other aspect that is rarely mentioned is the futile struggle to foster a good taste in some of their customers trying to persuade them that rhinestone and crimson velvet from a luxurious Italian palazzo look like unabashed kitsch in the context of a city apartment.

At the same time, you will need to find time and energy to visit a great many interior design exhibitions, many of which take place at least twice a year, in order to be well-versed in new technologies and materials. As you can see, it is a very vibrant and eventful life. The most exhausting part of it all is constant multitasking, and we now know that it is the least efficient way of getting things done and by far the most draining. Creativity was supposed to fit in all this somehow and be the essence of the designer’s occupation, given that he/she is an “Artist of an Interior” (as it is inscribed in my diploma).

The fact of life is: a designer is often a project manager, a director, an author, a supervisor, and a diplomat, all rolled into one. This definition also applies to self-employed designers, owners of a small design studio, freelancers, or any other professionals who work for themselves, rather than a company.

“An interior designer is often a project manager, a director, an author, a supervisor, and a diplomat, all rolled into one. ”

In the midst of the hustle and bustle, when you have this, that or the other place to rush to, dozens of appointments to keep, panicking clients to calm down and meetings with a builder, your energy dissipates very quickly and your stamina very soon wanes, days are slipping away imperceptibly, and almost nothing is done. Does that sound like the way things are sometimes in your case? Cheers! This means it is the right time for you to get away from it all, take it easy, recharge your batteries and discover a new way to spur your creativity and awaken your inspiration.

In fact, this is precisely where perspective drawing and my online interior sketching courses will help you. Concentrate on your creativity, and you will see the progress straight away along with rapid professional growths. Being a creative person, a designer wants to always feel that he or she is continually developing and growing professionally.

I think it is of paramount importance to a designer or an architect — the ability to express ideas on paper using just a pencil. Having graduated from the best Arts Academy in St. Petersburg, Russia, I was astonished to find out that some designers were utterly incapable of drawing, and many of them have never even tried to, commenting that the main thing was the ability to use appropriate computer programs, knowledge of building principles, regulations, and materials. It is beyond doubt that it is essential to be an expert in your craft, a professional in your field. And in real life, it is also vital to be good at maintaining relations with customers and construction workers and to have a leadership talent.

“There is nothing that proofs your professionalism and creativity further than if you draw a sketch right in front of the client during a meeting. ”

You gain respect in your clients’ eyes when he or she sees a complex interior being artfully created by you and there is nothing that proofs your professionalism and creativity further than if you draw a sketch right in front of the client during a meeting. It does the trick 100% of the time!

Ask yourself: what is it precisely that I want to do? What is missing from my creative process? What would be my ideal creative process? If you are a computer geek — there’s no problem. However, if you are perturbed by the feeling that something is missing, that you are disconnected from your work, that you no longer enjoy coming to the office and that everything became a routine, it means you need to discover a new way and acquire new knowledge and skills. You need to find a way to re-introduce elegance spontaneity and joy back into your profession.

So welcome to my online courses for beginners and advanced, I can’t wait to see you on the inside!

P.S. My dear Creative, may I ask you to share this article on your social media so more people can learn about interior sketching. Thanks in advance!

© Olga Sorokina, 2020

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Learn top drawing secrets from 4 masters of interior sketching which can instantly improve your sketch (plus, get why all Art Academies teach their students to copy works of old masters?)

In this article, I will tell you about four world gurus of sketching and will acquaint you with their techniques. You will also learn why Art Academies insist that their students do copies of the masters and of what use this may be to us. This text I took from my best-selling book “The SKETCH“.

P.S. Exceptional gift at the end of the article.

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Gurus of sketching 

When you are starting to learn something, it is of key importance that you learn from the best in the field – this way, you will set yourself a good benchmark from the outset to strive towards. In this book, I would like to tell you about four world-class masters. Each one of them has his unique style, expression and techniques, which can be identified, analysed, and deployed in your practice.

Always ask yourself: What is it that I like so much about this sketch/drawing/artist/project?

Be observant and attentive, be the constant questioner, look beyond the first impressions, pay attention to details, always try to get to the heart of the matter. Ask yourself: “ What is so special about this work?” Is it the well-chosen palette, or delightful light effects, or, maybe, unconventional drawing techniques? Always study, train your brain to analyse, and your eyes to observe. Having figured out the technique, use it in your drawing, play with it, find out how much it is to your liking, whether it is your thing or not. In this case, the goal is not to copy the style of an artist, and not to imitate the technique thoughtlessly and indiscriminately in your drawing; the goal is to experiment with a technique, try your hand at it, reveal your personality through it. This is how a new technique will eventually emerge, which will be inimitable and entirely your own. We are all different, and drawing reflects our personalities. Freehand drawing vividly reveals and brings out the unique character of a person. No other human being thinks, feels, analyses, and draws in absolutely the same way.

Why all Art Academies teach their students to copy works of old masters?

Talking about copying: why do you think all Art Academies teach their students to copy works of old masters (e.g., Rubens, Leonardo, and Michelangelo)? Moreover, copying is an essential part of their curriculum. This is the reason: the most amazing thing happens when a student copes a work of a great master – he comes into contact with the way of thinking of the genius. In imitating the strokes of the master, your hand sends signals to your brain, and you start to understand the thought process that went into creating a particular painting. You follow the movements of his pencil, and, therefore, of his thought. Automatically, your hand starts to memorize effective techniques and methods. You start getting a better grasp of proportions, a well-chosen angle view, and well-arranged compositions. By doing so, you are developing the so-called “body memory”. Your hand gives the brain a whole new picture of the world, and that’s how your unique n technique evolves, it starts developing times and times faster, it becomes very confident because it acquires a great capacity of old masters. 

We are going to try the same thing. Let’s examine a few works by sketch masters from various countries, who are undoubtedly the gurus of sketching and who have spent years developing their skills. Let us examine the works of these masters coming from different parts of the world.

1. Richard Chadwick

Here comes the first master that I want to introduce you to, Richard Chadwick. He comes from Manchester. I would like to quote here his words about the art of sketching:

As an antidote to the ubiquitous – and to my mind anodyne – computer-produced visuals, these are all drawn by hand, mainly pen and marker renderings, capturing the energy of the moment and generally looking far more dynamic than anything produced by a computer programme. A return to handcrafted values offers a way forward from an entirely technologically based society, and the tactile feel of pencil on paper has its own reward.

Chadwick has been in the profession for many years. He worked both as an architect and as an interior designer. Now Richard mostly focuses on freehand visuals. In his interviews, he says that he usually uses A3 sheets of paper for drawings and spends 2 to 3 hours on a drawing on average. You can see that this is extremely quick as compared to a rather lengthy process of 3D visualization. His sketches are so very full of life and energy! His portrayal of the feel, the ambience of a place is splendid.

What is special about Chadwick’s technique? Markers, partial colour filling, focusing on the central part of the composition, freehand lines, no rulers. No less important is the speed. His lines are very free, never perfectly straight, and sometimes, even they are slightly bent, give the overall composition the “fish eye lens effect”. 

Chadwick’s knowledge of perspective principles is so profound that he does not hesitate to break them to achieve his vision. Sometimes you will find several horizon lines in his drawings, and the diagonals often do not meet at the vanishing point; despite all that, his drawings always feel correctly constructed and full of emotionality, liveliness, and dynamism.

What can you try to do the way  Chadwick does? As a rule, it is the focal point of a drawing (its background) that he fills with colour, whereas the foreground could be executed in thin lines. Try to identify one sort of your overall composition and focus on colouring only the central part. By applying colour only to certain parts of a drawing, you will save both time and markers. An attractive trait of his drawing is that when Richard Chadwick makes textures and works over detail, he shows only fragments of them (for example, only fragments of tiling on the floor). This is the most effective application of the ‘understatement’ technique, and lots of areas in his drawings are only marked with thin lines. The master uses a minimal colour palette in one sketch, which is usually 5 to 7 markers. More about Chadwick here.

Here are Chadwick’s favourite subjects: bars, restaurants, cafes.

Homework: do a copy of 1-2 of Chadwick’s interior sketches as this will help you to acquire a quick and impressive drawing technique. Carefully observe and analyse everything that he does as go along.

2. Sergio Rodrigues 

Our second master is a furniture designer and architect Sergio Rodrigues. He is a legend in Brazil, and his work is recognised all over the world. More about Rodrigues here.

Technique, practical training: favourite materials of the master are liners, black Chinese ink, sometimes watercolour. His drawings are very expressive, and their energetic graphics fall into the category of interior illustrations. His technique very much resembles ‘the wirework’ method, where all objects are carefully inked over contour and detailed.

Contributions to your collection of techniques: notice how Rodrigue’s drawings have distinct foreground and background. The lines of the objects in the foreground are thick and rich in colour, whereas in the background lines are lighter. Notice how he applies flat colour to the floo (check the drawing below), and by doing so, he accentuates the contrast and graphic feel of his sketches.

Favourite subjects: restaurants, bars, residential, furniture.

Homework: analyze the master’s technique, do a copy of one of his works.

3. Albert Hadley 

One of the best-known American decorators of all time, Hadley worked for such celebrity clients as Jacqueline Kennedy, Oscar de la Renta, as well as vice-presidents and ambassadors. Hadley played an exceptional role and made a significant contribution to the XX-th century American interior design. More about Hadley here.

The technique, practical training: sketches made by the master are, for the most part, very graphic in style and are executed in pencil, Chinese ink, and stylus. Albert Hadley usually used toned drawing paper and was famous for his incredible speed of drawing. He had his sketches finished in a matter of seconds; this proves his great mastery – speed and accuracy of performance. Have a look at his drawings. How vigorous, energetic, fluent and lucid they are, and, at the same time, how exceptionally well he renders an idea and feel of a prospective interior, the ambiance of a space.

Contributions to your collection of techniques: Albert Hadley never used rulers or rubbers when drawing. This can teach us a good lesson – try and learn to render your idea on paper in the quickest, clear-cut, articulate, and expressive way, almost with one stroke of a pen.

Favourite subjects of sketches: interiors of Victorian houses, libraries.

Homework: do a copy of one of the drawings by the master using a liner or pen.

4. Michelle Morelan 

And to finish our list of gurus for this article, let me introduce to you a Canadian woman-designer Michelle Morelan. She grew up on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, and early on, she understood how the aesthetics of nature and architecture intertwine in harmony to a profoundly satisfying effect. This is the reason why peace and tranquility of natural way of living have found their way into all of her drawings with accentuated textures, natural materials, open spaces, and enjoyable colour palette, mostly consisting of sandy, earthy and woody shades. More about Morelan here.

Technique, practical training: the master uses a combination of techniques to create "hybrid" sketches. As a rule, she constructs a space in a 3D programme (such as “Sketch Up”), and then she hand-sketches and colours interesting angles of perspective with markers.

Contributions to your collection of techniques: like Chadwick, Michelle Morelan has a very restrained colour palette. I would call her technique “minimalistic sketching”: often, only one or two materials are accentuated (frequently these are wood and stone).

Favourite subjects of sketches: spacious interiors of countryside houses.

Homework: do a copy of one of Morelan’s sketches.

P.S. Well, my dear creative, I hope you enjoyed this article, please share it on your social media. Thanks in advance and good luck with your drawings!

© Olga Sorokina, 2019

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