If your line quality a bit loose and sketchy, try the following tips to work on improving them!

Sloooooow Dooown

• The best way to start doing this is to simply slow down. Sketchy, loose lines are often a result trying to go fast to block in an idea before you really have it in your head. I'd like you to try to formulate the idea in your head first! Know the line you want to draw first so you can avoid having to find it on the page.

Deliberate lines > Fast lines

• Draw deliberate lines to convey as much 3D information as possible, thinking of them as your tool to bring something to life by defining its form. Every single line is important and remembering to think of it that way will give your lines strong intention.

Previsualize, Previsualize, Previsualize

• One way to force yourself to slow down and draw with intention is to previsualize each line before you draw it, projecting the line you’re about to draw onto the page. You can also try "ghost-sketching" or "hover-sketching" without drawing any lines by using your finger to trace the path your line is about to take - that's what you'll see me do all the time!

Cylinder #1 - Avoid this when drawing smooth shapes and 3D breakdowns. Sketchy, furry lines usually happen because of drawing from the wrist rather than from the shoulder or elbow. Try drawing with more broad movements and use the wrist less because the wrist will limit you to making small movements in line.

Cylinder #2 - Usually students who move from a background in sketching in pencil often have these kind of sketchy lines, which as meant to carve out construction lines before the committed contour— these are great lines that are drawn very quickly and with the entire forearm, however, since we’re trying to be more thoughtful with ink, avoid making a mark until you’ve thought out the committed shape/contour

Cylinder #3 - Use confident, straight lines like these!

Related page:

Measure Twice, Cut Once

• Doesn't just apply for cutting wood! Also applies with ink, because it's permanent!
• Make sure you think and confirm your line before you put a mark down— but it's okay if it's wrong!
• What we're doing here is working out our brain! Then it'll become easier the more we use our 3D analysis/visualization skills!