Digital Illustration Techniques for Design and Presentation.
Introduction
Over the past decade the computer has become an essential tool in the area of architectural visualization.  While some architects lament the loss of traditional drawing skills, the computer and 3D programs like Google SketchUp are becoming a very popular design tool among younger designers.   Rather than operating from the assumption that these changes mean the death of “traditional” drawing skills, I would argue that drawing and painting are not going away but are taken to the next level by the computer.  The evidence of that is in the film industry where the computer is being widely used as a drawing and painting tool by concept designers and artists who choose an electronic pen instead of the traditional pen, marker or a brush. 

When it comes to using computers as a design tool, most architects think about 3D software programs.  However, unlike the 3D software, the image editing and painting programs such as Adobe Photoshop bridge the “touch and tech” methods.  They are very flexible and very effective tools that allow you to draw, paint, to generate patterns and to manipulate forms.    

Tablet PCs with pressure sensitive screens and the Wacom screen tablets are also transforming the art of drawing.   The tablet PC is a fully functioning computer that is like a mobile canvas that you can write, sketch and paint on.  When it comes to working with a pen and tablet or using a pen to work directly on the screen, I would argue that the digital pen is not a replacement for the mouse.  I use the pen only for sketching and painting. For general navigation I prefer to use the mouse. 

Working digitally with software like Adobe Photoshop, allows the designer to perform a variety of tasks quickly and easily in ways that “traditional” methods do not allow.  For example you can modify your sketch by stretching, scaling and duplicating parts of your drawing.  You can sketch right over a photographic background based on which you can build a perspective grid.  You have all drawing and painting tools at your fingertips like brushes, masking tools, watercolor, acrylic or pastel mediums.  Your productivity can be increased because any repetitive task can be automated.  In addition Adobe has started integrating 3D tools into Photoshop (this is still work in progress).  Imagine being able to sketch out your design first and then use your sketch to start sculpting a model to test your ideas in 3D.

There are still challenges to the widespread acceptance and use of these newer methods of design and visualization.  Cost continues to be a significant issue.  In addition, there are a number of improvements in hardware technology and software that still have to be made. The screen technology has to be improved to provide more tactile feel.  Adobe has built in some 3D capabilities into Photoshop but unfortunately that integration is still in its infancy.  I am sure that these changes and improvements will come with time.  In the meantime, while I encourage the exploration of newer technologies, I also recommend that designers, architects and illustrators continue to hone their traditional drawing skills.  The tools may change but drawing is here to stay.
 
  AIA Minnesota 75th Annual Convention
Event 44 Digital Illustration Techniques for Design and Presentation  - November 13, 2009
This program will explore the use of 2D software as a drawing and painting tool and its potential as a design tool.
The integration of photography and 3D software will be discussed. The artistic aspects of architectural visualization and creative uses of digital media will be highlighted through step-by-step workflow case studies. Key digital illustration techniques will be demonstrated.  To register  for this program click here.
 

Speaker:
Les Chylinski is a freelance illustrator and owner of Creative Media Illustration Inc.  He specializes in using digital and traditional tools to produce a variety of products - from renderings that simulate watercolor paintings to photo-realistic images.  In addition, Les is actively exploring the use of digital tools for design and concept art.  Les Chylinski worked as a registered architect for five years before making the transition to a full-time architectural illustrator.  He has served as an architect, designer and senior visualization specialist at Ellerbe Becket and as an illustrator/designer at KKE architects.