In design, there are different techniques. We often see that digital design predominates with technology; however, those designers who persist in hand-drawn design still remain active and relevant.
There is a significant difference between these two design approaches. In his article “The Preciousness of Drawing,” Lehman states that the designer thinks strategically in digital design due to the interaction with the screen, allowing more direct control over the outcome. In contrast, with a hand-drawn design, the strategy and creative process occur in mind, as each movement must be carefully considered since it cannot be easily erased.
In this article, we will discuss what it is and how it is reflected in the creative process and the creation of a T-shirt design.
What is a Hand-Drawn Design?
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According to the University of Portland, hand-drawn design begins with animation, as it was the easiest way to design the different scenes that needed to appear. It starts with sketches or drafts for stop-motion animations that would create movement in these drawings.
Before the existence of digital illustration tools, hand-drawn design extended into other areas of drawing, such as graphic design, using techniques like watercolors, vinyl, and stained glass, among others.
Douglas R. Seider explains the concept as follows: “Hand-drawing describes the process of intuitively sketching diagrams, loose orthogonal drawings, and perspectives. Hand drawings are created with a pen, pencil, or marker on paper media. Hand-drawings evolve during the act of drawing.”
Nowadays, in T-shirt designs, this type of style, both in illustration and in the typography used in these designs, contributes to adding originality.
Hand-drawn Illustration Techniques in T-shirt Designs
Freehand illustration techniques can add a unique and personal touch to T-shirt designs, making them stand out in a crowded market. Here are some popular techniques and tips for creating freehand T-shirt illustrations:
The Sketch with Which One Begins
Sketches are the foundation of hand-drawn design, using tools such as pencils, pens, markers, and paper. Here, ideas are generated, and light strokes are made to create initial outlines, refining them as one progresses.
It is crucial in this technique to focus on composition and balance, considering proportions, especially when drawing characters or intricate designs.
One way to transfer these sketches to print is through scanning using tools like Illustrator, where they are digitized without altering the original technique, maintaining the handmade and from-scratch approach.
An example of this can be seen in the design “Child Watching an Explosion,” an artwork of the aesthetic category that combines the black-and-white sketch with digitally added colorization to these designs.
Inking to Add Subtlety
Ink is one of the oldest and most recognized tools for drawing. In this case, the use of fine-tip markers, brushes, and ink pens is key. After sketching the drawing with a pencil, the lines are traced over with ink, a step that defines the design and prepares it for coloring.
Different line thicknesses are used here to create depth and interest. Practicing firm hand movements is essential to achieve clean lines.
For this, experts like Anton, a designer specializing in working with ink, believe that when drawing with this technique, one should not simply trace over the pencil sketch, but rather elevate the existing lines to a higher level.
An example of this technique can be seen in designs related to tattoos, where ink is often used to give them a raw and rugged appearance. “Streetwear phrase in loop in square design” showcases how minimalistic designs with geometric shapes and lines can effectively express the use of this technique.
Cross-hatching to Add an Atmosphere
Cross-hatching is defined as the overlay of multiple lines to achieve tone. Designers draw in the direction of the shape they are rendering to achieve a realistic and vivid appearance. The more layers used, the darker the achieved tone (Grafham Grange School).
The tools used in this technique are pens and pencils, employed to create sets of parallel lines that intersect to form shadows and textures. It is advised to experiment with different angles and distances between the lines to create various effects.
An example of this technique can be seen in this illustration of the design, where to depict the details of the skateboard’s movement, these lines are used to create motion.“He skates using his skateboard”
The design features a black-and-white illustrated artwork of a teenager skateboarding. The main focus is on the boy skating on his skateboard, with a distressed appearance in the design. The style is bold and daring, perfect for a skater or teenager.
Watercolor Effects that Provide Naturalness
Watercolor is one of the techniques that has persisted over time, appreciated for the delicacy of its strokes and the naturalness it lends to designs, making it highly valued by the public.
This technique involves using watercolor paints, brushes, and paper. The approach to design focuses on creating everything by hand and then scanning it for digital manipulation. It is advised to experiment with color mixing and creating gradients for higher quality and to avoid distortions.
An example of this technique in T-shirt design can be seen in the design “Traditional Japanese tree.” The design features a main object of a traditional Japanese tree with cherry blossoms, depicted in various styles including anime, girl, Japanese graphic, illustrated, Japanese, children’s, and manga. The color palette of the design includes shades of pink, burgundy, and beige. The anime and manga styles bring a playful and youthful feel to the design, while the Japanese and illustrated styles add a more traditional and cultural element.
Freehand Digital Drawing
In current terms, this is the technique most used by designers to create hand-drawn designs digitally. It is considered that in 2023, there was a resurgence in the popularity of hand-drawn images and illustrations, marking a significant shift in trends (Calm Digital).
This revitalization of traditional artistic techniques has sparked a wave of creativity and a departure from the often sterile and uniform look of digital design.
In this technique, the focus shifts away from those mentioned earlier, concentrating on creating strokes directly on a tablet or through design software like Procreate or Illustrator. With these tools, illustrations are created from scratch, applying hand-drawing techniques digitally.
This is where we should take advantage of technology’s benefits, such as being able to erase as many times as needed, experimenting with different color schemes and styles, and adding or removing layers using various brushes and textures available.
This is the most used technique in our designs. An example of this is this design “Zombie drowning in a lava pool.”
Mixed Techniques in The Design
On the other hand, there are mixed techniques that combine both hand-drawn and purely digital techniques. In other words, we can start a design by hand but refine and add elements to it using digital tools. For example, adding textures to the background of an illustration or incorporating graphic elements around it that cannot be drawn by hand but require digital tools.
This creates a unique and authentic aspect in designs because, in addition to the hand-drawn elements, it introduces a new layer of detail using digital enhancements. Here, one can experiment with textures and materials, such as using watercolor backgrounds with inked outlines or digital enhancements.
Now, let’s discuss not only the techniques that should be on paper or in some graphic design program but also the elements to consider for creating not just the illustration but the entire design.
Graphic Elements in Hand-Drawn T-Shirt Designs
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When creating a design that will have a hand-drawn style, various elements are considered, especially those that represent naturalness, unlike purely digital designs.
- Linear Drawing: Simple and clean lines create a minimalist look, often used for outlines and detailed illustrations.
- Typography: Hand-drawn letters and fonts add a personal touch, often incorporating calligraphy or unique styles.
- Doodles: Small, whimsical drawings that add charm and a casual feel to the design.
- Patterns: Repeated motifs or shapes, such as geometric patterns, floral designs, or abstract forms.
- Characters and Figures: Illustrations of people, animals, or mythical creatures, often stylized according to the artist’s unique vision.
- Elements of Nature: Trees, leaves, flowers, mountains, and other natural forms are popular for their organic and soothing aesthetic.
- Abstract Art: Non-representational shapes and figures that convey emotions or concepts through color and composition.
- References to Pop Culture: Elements inspired by movies, music, games, and other aspects of popular culture, often with a humorous or satirical twist.
- Symbols and Icons: Common symbols like hearts, stars, arrows, and other icons that add meaning or decoration to the design.
- Textures: Simulated textures such as wood grain, fabric weaves, or splatter effects to add depth and interest.
It is understood that the elements used in this type of design are based on what we can create manually—people, flowers, and nature are common subjects in these designs, along with typography that mimics handwriting on a regular sheet of paper.
Typography Used in Hand-Drawing T-Shirt Designs
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Personally, I have always preferred to go back to basics and use paper as the primary tool for creating a design, not only in the creative process but also in execution. There is a connection between what we want to convey and how that feeling is gradually captured on paper.
The digital realm allows ample time for brainstorming and planning, which in the long run can be an important strategy, but it may work better for designs that are more objective and less subjective. Handcrafted work allows more room for audiences who seek to feel something through designs or simply prefer a less sterile approach.
Regarding tips, it is recommended to practice regularly; the more you draw, the more your skills will improve. Studying other artists with different techniques and styles than yours also has an impact; having references from which you can draw inspiration is valuable.
Contrary to thinking that these designs must be created with intricate detail, it’s not necessarily required. Simplicity can create an aspect of less is more rather than something overloaded.
Test prints before mass production; create test prints to see how your designs look on fabric. Color choices: Consider the T-shirt color when designing. Use contrasting colors to make your design stand out.
Inspirational Hand-Drawn Designs For You
Cat Sunbathing on a Beach Chair Design
The design features a main object: a cat sunbathing on a beach chair. The overall style of the design combines elements of animals, beach, and vintage. The cat is illustrated in a comic-inspired style, making it appealing to both children and teenagers. The design is predominantly in black, with accents of yellow and blue to represent the beachy, summery vibe. The text “Purrfectly pampered” is incorporated in a bold, sans-serif font, adding a touch of fun to the design. This design is perfect for those who love cats, the beach, and a vintage aesthetic.
Mountainous Landscape with a Natural Forest
The design features a mountainous landscape with a natural forest, drawn in a simple and illustrated style. The main object is set against a black background, with the mountains and trees colored in shades of orange. In the foreground, the phrase “Escape the ordinary” is displayed in bold font, adding a touch of inspiration to the design. This design is perfect for children, teenagers, and anyone looking to be reminded to break free from the routine and seek the extraordinary.
Melting Rubber Duck with Phrases of Games and Adventures
The design features a rubber duck melting, surrounded by phrases of games and adventures, appealing to a playful and adventurous theme. The style of the design is illustrated and distressed, making it perfect for children and urban fashion enthusiasts. The color palette includes vibrant shades of orange, yellow, and black, adding a bold and eye-catching element to the design. The fonts used are a combination of sans serif and display, adding a modern and playful touch. The text “Playground adventures await” ties the design together, inviting the viewer to embrace their adventurous spirit.
Great Monster Accompanied by a Phrase Design
The design features a large monster depicted in a cartoon style, drawn and illustrated with a distressed effect. It is designed for urban fashion and appeals to teenagers, with a color scheme of red, green, and blue. The main object is the monster, accompanied by the phrase “Beastly beauty” in a display font.
Jellyfish Looking at The Horizon Accompanied by Black and White
The design features a bold and illustrated image of a jellyfish gazing at the horizon, symbolizing a sense of defiance. The artwork is in black and white, giving it a distressed and urban fashion vibe that is perfect for men and teenagers. The colors used are primarily white, black, and grey, enhancing the monochromatic theme. The accompanying text, in bold sans serif fonts, reads “Defiance in her eyes,” adding a rebellious and bold feel to the design.
Man Wearing Glasses and Futuristic Clothing Design
The design features a man wearing glasses and sporting futuristic clothing as the main object. The overall style of the design is a combination of aesthetics, artistry, distressed, feminine, hip hop, masculine, modern, and teenage elements.
The color palette of the design includes vibrant shades of red, orange, and black, creating a visually striking and bold appearance.
In terms of typography, the design uses bold fonts with a choice between sans serif and slab serif typefaces. This adds a modern and avant-garde touch to the overall design.
Electric Guitar Expelling Power Accompanied by a Word Design
The design features an electric guitar exuding power, creating a visually striking focal point. The main object is complemented by a word design that amplifies its impact. The overall style of the design is characterized by an aesthetic and artistic approach, incorporating vibrant and colorful elements. The distressed texture adds a touch of boldness, perfect for guitar enthusiasts, musicians, and teenagers.
The design aims to evoke a sense of energy and passion for music. The inclusion of the quote “Rhythm runs in my veins” adds a poetic and introspective touch to the design. The color palette primarily consists of bold and eye-catching shades such as orange, green, and black, enhancing the overall visual impact. The fonts used are bold and sans serif, further emphasizing the boldness and modernity of the design.
Racing Motorcycle Kicking Up Dust Design
This design presents a dynamic and thrilling scene of a racing motorcycle kicking up a cloud of dust. The main focus of the design is the racing motorcycle, beautifully illustrated in a cartoon style. The design appeals to both boys and girls, as well as adults, with its versatile and captivating appeal.
The colors used in this design are orange, yellow, and black, creating a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. The fonts chosen for the text are bold and sans serif, adding boldness and modernity to the design. The text in the design includes the words “Race,” “Rider,” and “Conquer,” which perfectly capture the spirit of racing and the thrill of competition.
Colorful Flowers with Motivational Phrase
The design features colorful flowers accompanied by a motivational phrase, “Bloom with radiance.” The main focus of the design is vibrant and lively flowers, depicted in various styles such as floral, illustrated, and colorful. The design is suitable for both boys and girls, as well as adults. It evokes a sense of love and positivity, making it appealing to men as well.
The color palette includes bright and energetic shades like orange and yellow, complemented by the contrasting color black. The fonts used in the design are bold and sans serif, adding a modern and impactful touch to the overall design.
Fish Flying Over a Lake with Flowers Around It
The design features a vibrant artwork of a fish gracefully flying over a serene lake, adorned with a delightful assortment of colorful flowers. The style of the design is reminiscent of illustrations found in children’s books, exuding a playful and nostalgic retro vibe. The main object, the fish, captures the imagination of both boys and girls, making it a perfect design for them.
The colors used in the design include shades of green, black, and beige, creating a harmonious and natural aesthetic. This design truly embodies the essence of a carefree and idyllic summer day, while evoking a vintage charm.
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In conclusion, creating handcrafted designs, whether on paper or digitally, is a task that imbues the design with a unique sense of originality. It’s a way for designers working in this manner to contribute a special touch to their designs.
Furthermore, it’s important to consider that one of the most commonly used techniques is mixed media. Some designers, like Olga Davydova, who is part of Adobe’s Handmade Humanism gallery, use digital tools to refine their paper-based creations. For them, the tactile experience of using a pencil and feeling the process is essential to making it feel real and human.
Understanding these techniques becomes a way to enhance one’s skills in hand drawing. You can find thousands of designs using these techniques here at tshirtdesigns, and we hope you’ve enjoyed this brief summary of how hand-drawn designs contribute to creating T-shirt designs.