Before clothes are made and sold, they start off as drawings.
The idea behind fashion sketches is to transfer an idea that is in your mind onto paper before actually making a garment. The sketch should reflect the end result you wish to achieve with your look. Start with a figure drawing that is proportionally correct, so you get an accurate overall image. You want the proportions to be correct, so when you actually start making patterns you can figure out how the clothes will translate on a real person.
Instructions
1. Find a picture in a book or a magazine of a model or figure. You want it to be big enough to fit on the page of your sketchbook, but not so big that you can't take notes or add other sketches around the page.
2. Trace the figure with tracing paper. Make sure you can see the arms, legs and torso. An underwear ad would be good to use, because the figure will not be dressed, and this way the clothing will not distract from the original design. Just trace the basic outline, and do not worry too much about specific features, like hair or eyes. The most important parts are the head and the body.
3. Place the traced sketch under a fresh page in your sketchbook. You should be able to see the figure under your piece of paper. If not, outline your figure in pen or marker and slip it under your page again; you should be able to see it a little better. Transfer the image by drawing over the lines from your traced sketch. Once you are finished drawing your figure, you can start designing.
4. Make notes on your paper to describe the type of fabric you want to use. Lightly sketch your garment, starting at the top and then working your pencil down the figure. Keep the silhouette in mind as you sketch. Make sure you capture the shapes; this is the most important part of the fashion design process. Determine the sleeve length and how the sleeve design relates to the collar, if there is one.
5. Address the midsection of the body and the dress design. Are you adding a belt? Is your design one piece, like a dress, or is it an outfit that has separate pieces worn together to make one cohesive look? Next, determine the length of the pant or skirt. Where do you want it to stop? Will the knees be visible or will the garment stop at the foot? Outline the overall shape of the clothes.
6. Use your colored pencils to show the weight of the fabric and where pleats will go. Use heavy, dark marks for thicker fabric. Use light marks for floaty and light fabrics. Use pen to mark small details you may not be able to see with pencil, such as buttons and cuff details. Play with color in your design to get a feel of what color pallet will look best with your design.
