Yes, you CAN draw!

Deborah DeLue • July 1, 2022

The Art of Applied Visual Thinking


The official newsletter of Applied Visual Thinking SUPERHEROES.  Vol. 3 No. 13  July 1, 2022

Applied Visual Thinking logo with purple road and orange burst

Yes, you CAN Draw!

How many of you have told yourself I can't draw? Unfortunately, it's a common misconception that drawing

is reserved for those people who have "TALENT." 

The truth is drawing

is a SKILL! 

simple drawing of the Statue of Liberty

Drawing can be cultivated like any other skill, such as cooking, gardening, or playing an instrument. If you can write, you can draw. Heck, you can draw even if you can't write. Most little kids draw long before they learn the alphabet and how to write. 

 

The best part is you can start right away. No need to purchase anything new. No need to learn any new technology or software. No need to set aside a big block of time. All you need is something to draw with, something to draw on, 5 minutes, and a few simple shapes. 

This week we have six quick tips to help get

you started.

Scroll to the bottom to download a free copy of the handout.


Tip #1: Practice drawing the seven simple shapes of Dan Roam's Visual Alphabet for a minute or two every day.

Tip #2: When drawing geometric shapes or anything with straight lines. Place your pen on the paper, look where you want the line to end, and shoot your pen across quickly.

Tip #3: When drawing circles. Hold your pen just above your paper and draw a few circles in the air, then touch your pen down to the paper and draw your circle. 

Tip #4: Spend 5 minutes a day building your visual vocabulary based on simple shapes.

Tip #5: Shortcut for drawing in 3D.

  1. Draw a simple shape.
  2. Draw a part of the shape slightly above or below and to one side.
  3. Connect the corners. 

Tip #6: Drawing something complex? Start with the largest shape and build your drawing one shape at a time.

 

Practicing just 5 minutes a day will go a long way to building your drawing skills. Don't have 5 minutes? Draw one thing while your coffee or tea is brewing or waiting for your next call, meeting, or appointment to start. The more you draw, the faster you'll build your drawing skills, and the sooner you'll be tackling more complex drawings.

 

Ready for more? Sign up for our Applied Visual Thinking FOUNDATIONS course, where you'll

  • Learn the building blocks of a visual alphabet and visual vocabulary so you can draw anything
  • Master applying color, hierarchy, lettering styles, and basic diagrams to organize information
  • Gain hands-on experience using the foundational tools
  • Apply the visual power tools to visualize data quickly and clearly
  • Learn to Apply Visual Thinking as your next SUPERPOWER

Yes, you CAN draw! Practice these quick tips for 5 minutes a day and you'll be on your way to drawing with ease. 

6 simple tips for better drawing

Share with a friend

visual thinking icon cloud
November 8, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 23, 2024 - Why visual thinking is mission critical and what to tell your boss.
photo collage with images of sticky notes on a laptop, microwave and inside cover of tablet
October 25, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 22, October 25, 2024 - Surprise yourself with visuals for a boost of focus, productivity and creativity.
drawing of a green dragon bursting through the October page of a calendar
By Sheri Kennedy October 11, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 21, October 11, 2024 - Tame your distraction dragons with VISUALS!
drawing of a ninja holding a big pencil, peering over an October calendar page with color blocks
By Sheri Kennedy September 27, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 20, September 27, 2024 - Be a Visual Calendar Ninja!
By Deborah DeLue September 13, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 19, September 13, 2024 - Read along for a nourishing harvest of visual takeaways and some time-saving pro tips.
Drawing of a person giving verbal instructions to someone who is confused
By Sheri Kennedy August 30, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 18, August 30, 2024 - Simplify your instructions with visuals.
Digital drawing of notebook, black pen, blue and purple markers, latte in mug and cinnamon roll
By Sheri Kennedy August 2, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 16, Aug 02, 2024 - Boost your visual thinking practice ON THE GO.
A scared figure with an animal lurking in the bushes
By Deborah DeLue July 18, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 15 July 19, 2024 - Want to weed out negative bias and differentiate between perception and reality? Grab some paper, pens, and markers, and let's create a Reframing Doodle!
Drawn Map of Eastern Massachusetts with route to 3 ice cream shops, rated flavors and shop ratings
By Sheri Kennedy July 5, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 14 July 5, 2024 - The choice is easy when you use visuals. Ice cream!
By Deborah DeLue June 22, 2024
The Art of Applied Visual Thinking Vol. 5 No. 13 June 22, 2024 - Are you ready for a change? Visual Thinking Can Help!
Show More
Share by: