In this lesson, instructor John Frye introduces the core principles of vehicle design and sketching. You’ll learn about various tools used in both traditional and digital formats and explore essential vehicle attributes. John will teach you the fundamentals of perspective as well as exercises to help you get comfortable with your own practice. Emphasis is placed on developing the physical skill of drawing and understanding the importance of scale in your sketches.

This lesson belongs to the course, Vehicle Design and Sketching. In this 5-week course, join instructor John Frye to learn the art of hard-surface vehicle design and sketching. Discover the fundamental differences between hard surface and organic sketching, focusing on creating designs that feel solid and manufactured. John will guide you through aesthetic development, aiming for universally appealing designs while considering the narrative context. Explore symmetry, movement, and perfecting your line work for manufactured objects. This course will sharpen your skills in both conceptual thinking and practical execution, making it ideal for artists who aspire to bring unique, story-driven vehicle designs to life in film, gaming, or personal creative projects.

Throughout this course, you’ll have access to the NMA community for feedback and critiques to improve your work as you progress.