As designers, we all know that the journey from a spark of inspiration to a polished final product is anything but linear. It’s a process fueled by creativity, experimentation, and most importantly a commitment to exploration through sketching and visualization.

In my design process, whether I’m brainstorming on paper or tapping away on my iPad, every project begins with a sketch.

It’s not just about putting pencil to paper. It’s about breaking free from digital constraints, embracing spontaneity, and allowing ideas to flow without judgment. In this blog post, I want to share how sketching became an indispensable tool for me, how my early design school experiences shaped that belief, and why I continue to rely on this method every day to bring my clients’ visions to life.

A Lesson in Iteration: My Design School Days at CCAD

In design school, sketching wasn’t just encouraged it was required. One recurring assignment in our design classes was to produce a minimum of 50 sketches for a single brand’s logo. At the time, this exercise felt overwhelming and even a little exasperating. I remember feeling frustrated with the amount of variations I had to create, but what seemed like a tedious task turned out to be a fundamental lesson in design thinking that I still practice to this day.

The idea behind the “50 sketches challenge” was to force us out of our comfort zones. It was an exercise in understanding that the best idea, while it might appear at first glance, often needs to go through multiple revisions and iterations before it could be deemed truly exceptional. What I eventually came to understand was that those endless scribbles weren’t just rough drafts. They were the foundation for intentional, refined, and truly beautiful designs.

Each sketch was a step in a journey of exploration. Even when a drawing didn’t hit the mark, it helped me understand what worked and what didn’t. I learned that refinement isn’t about starting over, it’s about building upon the strengths of an initial idea and enhancing them.

Embracing the Iterative Process: Why Revisions Matter

It can be easy to fall into the trap of thinking that the first digital draft should be near perfect. However, my experience in design school taught me that the creative process thrives on revision and my artboards in Illustrator would certainly prove that.

Every sketch is an experiment and a safe space to test out ideas without the pressure of perfection. When I sketch, I’m not worried about making mistakes. Instead, I’m embracing the possibility of discovering something unexpected. This willingness to experiment often leads to ideas that might never have emerged if I had been too cautious or overly focused on immediate perfection.

The Benefits of Sketching Out Ideas

Sketching Can Be Therapeutic

Sketching allows me to quickly put ideas on paper or onto a screen without the restrictions imposed by digital tools. The freedom of hand-drawn sketches means I can explore various ideas in a matter of minutes. This rapid exploration is essential during the brainstorming phase, as it helps me capture the raw essence of an idea before it is burdened by the need for precision. And as my skills have refined, I’ve gotten quicker with it and quicker at noticing the areas for improvement.

Conceptual Clarity and Intentionality

Before any design becomes digital, it needs a strong conceptual framework. Sketching forces me to break down complex ideas into simple, visual elements. This deconstruction process not only clarifies my thoughts but also serves as a roadmap, ensuring that every element in the final design is purposeful and intentional.

Flexibility to Modify and Grow Ideas

Design is rarely about the “perfect” first try. When sketching, it’s easy to capture a fleeting idea, then immediately modify or add to it. This flexibility is critical because the best designs evolve over time. Whether on a paper pad or an iPad, sketching allows for on-the-spot alterations, creating an environment where creativity isn’t stifled by the fear of making irreversible changes.

Integrating the One Concept Method: A Unified Design Philosophy

If you’ve read my post on the One Concept Method, you already know that my approach to design is centered on the evolution of a single, powerful idea. Sketching and visualization is just the beginning piece that serves this methodology throughout my process.

The One Concept Method is all about identifying that central, compelling idea and then nurturing it through intentional revisions. When I sketch, I’m not merely generating random doodles. I’m exploring the depths of that one core concept. Every line, curve, and shape is a step in the journey towards an idea that’s not only visually compelling but also resonant with the brand’s identity.

Both the One Concept Method and my sketching process highlight the importance of designing with purpose. Whether it’s an initial rough sketch or a final vectorized logo, every stage of the process demands an intentional choice. It’s a testament to the idea that even the simplest sketches can contain the blueprint for greatness when approached with care and creativity.