If you know how to draw but struggle to create what’s in your imagination, this is what you might need to reach that “unattainable drawing.”

The TRIAD Drawing Method

Tackle any drawing in Three Simple Phases

1
The Thumbnail Sketch

First, I explore the design or scene I want to draw with small sketches. I create as many thumbnails or exploratory sketches as needed until I find one that works—the one I like best. Since these are small, I can produce many in a relatively short time without too much effort.

2
The Working Sketch

Secondly, once I’ve selected my favorite thumbnail, I scale it up and trace it into a working sketch. In this stage, I correct any proportional errors and add initial details, although my line art or crosshatching isn’t fully polished yet. I also start to weave in concepts and themes. This stage may not involve just one working sketch; there could be several, though typically, in my experience, I iterate less on the working sketch.

3
The Final Artwork

Lastly, once I am satisfied with the working sketch, I scale it up again (only if necessary) and trace it onto the final piece. Believe it or not, this is sometimes the step I have to iterate the most. At this stage, all details, crosshatching, and line quality are expected to be final. If something isn’t working as it should in the polished final piece, then I need to redo it. The good news? I don’t have to start from scratch—all the shapes, designs, and compositions are already defined. This is where I can afford to be meticulous.