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From concept to conquest: 9 key tools for the modern illustrator
Feb 26, 2020
1. The right pencil
Even if you are a digital illustrator, few things can replace the feeling of a real-life pencil in your hand. Nothing electronic comes between you and your art when using a pencil. You need the right pencil for your style and what you’d like to accomplish, but when you have a rush of inspiration, anything will do. Some great pencils to keep on you at all times are the Uni Ball Kuru Toga and the Staedtler Mars Leadholder.
2. The right pen
Once your sketch is complete and you’re looking for polished lines, you’ll need a high quality pen. The best inkers use a pen with a brush that allows you to vary the weight of the line. Mark Chiarello, the Art Director for DC Comics, uses a plain old Sharpie Fine Point Marker almost exclusively for his art.
3. The right surface
Depending on how you work and with what tools, you’ll need to think hard about what kind of surface you’ll need. It’s best to draw on a slanted desk because on a flat surface, “top of the paper is further away from your eyes than the bottom, but you don’t draw to compensate to that, you just draw what looks right to your eyes, and so when you hold the paper level, everything is out of sync.”1
If you use a computer and drawing tablet combination, you may want a desk that has a stand for your computer above your tablet to streamline your process. If you sketch and draw on the go, make sure to invest in a portable drawing board for comfort.
4. Moleskine
Moleskine notebooks have been used for hundreds of years to help artists capture and contain their most spontaneous creations in a neat and slim package. There are varying colour and page design options, from blank to graphed to dotted.
5. Computer Arts Subscription
This is the ultimate magazine for graphic designers since 1995. You can rely on it for consistent inspiration, advice and resources that will help you become a better designer issue after issue. If you want to do the environment a favour, go for the iPad edition you can easily take with you anywhere.
6. Scriba Pen
If you draw almost exclusively on a tablet, you may be hard pressed to find the perfect stylus for you. So much gets in the way of good design when you’re worried about using menus and buttons to dictate the styles of your strokes. The Scriba is ergonomically designed to make it more responsive to your touch. It has “Squeeze-Motion” technology and due to its innovative shape, you have more control and can more heavily immerse yourself in the creative experience without technology getting in the way.
7. iMac/Macbook
Apple’s history in graphic design is unparalleled, in addition to their amazing OS and fantastic screen displays. iMacs provide more power, yet Macbook Pros or Airs deliver versatility and transport. These machines are fast, yet reasonably priced and most of the best software is optimized for Apple machines
8. Adobe Creative Cloud
Graphic designers have always relied on Photoshop, Illustrator and InDesign to get them to where they want to be. These applications allow you to transform a simple idea into an indepth and detailed project due to an enormous array of built in and customizable tools. A membership with Adobe is fairly priced allows you access to the entire Adobe suite.
9. Surface Pro 4
The Surface Pro 4 is a fantastic sketching tool that also runs Windows. It is fast, easy to carry, with a slightly higher screen resolution than the iPad Pro, meaning your designs look stunning from the first stroke. The Surface Pen and keyboard make your process intuitive and streamlined.
Articles
Strategies for Sustainable Home Design
Making more of less
Depending on your point of view, bungalows are either a cherished affordable house type that allowed homeowners of the 1970s the chance to realise the dream of owning their own home or the result of poor planning and insensitive sprawl, as epitomised by the cookie cutter designs of “Bungalow Bliss” which sold over a quarter-of-a-million copies; roughly one for every second household in the countryside. Times are changing, and as families grow, we increase our understanding of the environmental and financial costs of heating a home, and as lifestyles evolve, the need for additional space and adapting these dwellings becomes inevitable. Adapting these structures and embracing modernity doesn’t mean knocking them down and starting again. The concept of extending bungalows into contemporary dormer houses is gaining popularity. Here we explore the exciting opportunities of extending bungalows on tricky sites, offering a fresh perspective on creating modern dormer houses in Ireland. Utilising Challenging Terrain Ireland's diverse topography often presents architects with tricky sites. From sloping terrain to irregularly shaped plots, these challenges can be turned into design assets. Dormer houses perfectly adapt to such sites, as their design accommodates varying elevations and allows for creative use of space. By integrating well-planned dormers into the extension, architects can exploit the unique terrain to create stunning living spaces that embrace the beauty of the surroundings. Capturing Natural Light One of the standout features of dormer houses is their ability to maximise natural light. In Ireland, where weather patterns can be unpredictable, capturing ample sunlight is invaluable. Through careful positioning of dormer windows, skylights, and glazed walls, we can find ways to bathe the extended bungalow in natural light throughout the day. This not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also promotes a sense of openness and connection with nature. Expanding Living Space The primary motivation behind extending a bungalow is to increase living space. Modern dormer houses take full advantage of this opportunity by offering versatile and spacious interiors. Homeowners can embrace open-plan layouts that seamlessly blend the old and new sections of the house. The addition of dormer windows and vaulted ceilings creates the illusion of more space and fosters an inviting atmosphere. Adapting to Growing Families As families grow, their needs evolve. Dormer houses provide a solution for growing families by offering additional bedrooms and living areas. This adaptability ensures that the extended bungalow remains a practical and cherished home for generations to come. We can strategically plan the layout to provide privacy and comfort, balancing communal and private spaces. Sustainable Design Choices In creating a modern-dormer house, there is the opportunity to incorporate sustainable design practises. By using energy-efficient materials and technologies, we can create eco-friendly extensions that blend seamlessly with the existing bungalow. Renewable energy sources, such as solar panels and air-source heat pumps, can be integrated into the roof design, contributing to reduced energy consumption and a smaller carbon footprint. Embracing Contemporary Aesthetics While preserving the charm of the original bungalow, the extension can embrace contemporary aesthetics. Modern dormer houses can feature clean lines, minimalist facades, and a mix of materials like wood, stone, and metal. The incorporation of natural elements ensures that the extension blends harmoniously with the Irish landscape, creating a visually stunning architectural masterpiece. Conclusion Extending bungalows on tricky sites to create modern dormer houses opens up a world of possibilities for homeowners. By thoughtfully integrating dormer windows, maximising natural light, and embracing sustainable design practises, these extensions can become unique and practical living spaces that cater to evolving family needs. As the demand for more space and modern living solutions continues to grow, the transformation of traditional bungalows into contemporary dormer houses will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on the architectural landscape of Ireland.