DRAWING FOR 3D MOTION DESIGNERS: IMPORTANT OR NOT?

Today, I want to talk about the role of drawing skills in 3D Motion Design, share some insights from the EcoFlex Yoga Mat storyboard, and explain how I solve creative problems.

So, why do I believe having at least basic drawing skills is important? While you can definitely get by without them, drawing can be a powerful tool in your skillset. Here’s why:

➡️ Time: Sketching allows you to quickly think through a shot on paper, rather than diving straight into 3D modeling and assembling a scene.

➡️ Variability: It’s much faster to experiment with different compositions on paper than in a 3D environment.

➡️Communication: Sometimes, it’s easier to communicate your vision through a quick sketch than to explain it verbally.

➡️Reviews: It’s easier to revise a sketch and show new versions than to rework everything from scratch in 3D.

➡️Overcoming creative block: Sketching can help you break through a creative block or tackle the fear of a blank canvas.

Let’s dive into that last point. That's exactly what's happening in the video. For a few shots of the project, I struggled to find the right composition and ideas to improve the image. I usually start by doodling whatever comes to mind—elements I might include in the scene, collecting ideas, and writing them down. It’s important not to be judgmental at this stage—they’re just sketches. Trust the process, and you’ll get somewhere. You can also add references to an artboard or gather inspiration from other sources. If the idea still isn’t there, take a break (preferably not a coffee break, or you’ll end up like me with six cappuccinos and tachycardia😅)

Once you’ve sketched a few variations, it’s time to get a bit more critical. Think about whether the idea truly fits the video, if it's technically achievable, the transitions, and how much time it will take to execute.

✨Choose the best one, and you've overcome the block!✨

However, if you're still not happy with the result, sometimes it's better to choose something that's "good enough" and move on. You can always make it better next time. Done is better than perfect.

And yes, I redrew the EcoFlex Yoga Mat storyboard for the project case so it would look cleaner and more presentable🤭 Even though I usually create detailed storyboards for clients, the first version was just for me.

If you haven't seen the full EcoFlex Yoga Mat case study, you can check it out here:

👉🏽 www.alinazykina.com/ecoflexyogamat

What do you think? Is drawing a must-have skill, or do you prefer other ways to tackle creative challenges? Let me know!