428 Interiors Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. The four common visual communication techniques used today include sketching, drafting, rendering, and model building. Sketching is the use of fluid, loose lines to communicate an idea, concept, object, or space. Using only approximate measurements, these quick freehand drawings capture the main features of the idea or interior. Because the designer does not draw sketches to scale, you cannot build or construct from them. Freehand sketching is popular not only because of the client value, but also because the designer can perform it anywhere simply using a piece of paper and felt-tip pen—very inexpensive, portable tools. Design- ers create these drawings by either hand or on a computer using drafting software. Drafting (architectural) is the development of hard-line technical drawings that systematically and visually commu- nicate architectural structures—interior and exterior. By using precise standard measurements, designers produce these drawings in both two and three dimensions. As the designer draws them to scale, builders can use them to construct the project, Figure 13-2. Designers use both manual and digital drafting skills yet today. Rendering is the process of adding color, values, texture, and pattern to an object or interior or exterior space using such manual tools as marker, pencil, pen and/ or paint. The designer can also use digital tools, such as SketchUp or Rhino3D. The goal is to communicate what and how the space will look prior to construction or installation. The use of implied shade and shadow in the “imaginary place” can convert a two-dimensional draw- ing into the appearance of a three-dimensional space. A model is the scaled representation of a structure or interior space. An interior model shows interior space planning, millwork, doors, windows, and representative furniture. An architecture model is the scaled structure and often shows the proposed building on the site with representative landscaping. Both manual and digital model building is popular today. Today, the most sought-after visual communication skills by employers are freehand sketching and computer- technology skills. Freehand sketching is popular because clients enjoy watching the process of an idea taking shape in front of their eyes. They appreciate the immedi- ate feedback of observing the designer’s communicate an idea to them and watching the idea evolve. Computer-technology skills are popular because employers know the speed at which designers can accomplish their work using a computer. You will learn more about preferred digital tools later in the chapter. Often, the designer uses a combination of both freehand and digital technology tools to quickly and effectively present a design. A designer can use a combination of sketches, model building, and computer-generated imagery in every phase of the design process. Basic Tools The designer uses both manual and digital tools commonly and interchangeably in the development of professional visual presentations. There is also an intrinsic tool that designers need for developing visual presentations: ethics. Ideas and designs are what designers sell to their clients. Therefore, designs must always be original work. Choosing Manual Tools It is common to learn manual-presentation skills before learning computer presentation. The process of hand drawing helps you understand depth, scale, and the importance of each line when communicating the design. This results in better work with computer drawing and rendering software. By understanding the principles of manually developing and constructing a drawing, you can more clearly direct the computer. Stocklite/Shutterstock.com Figure 13-2 Designers use digital and manual drafting techniques to create precise drawings. Predict the benefi t of each type of drafting technique.