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Design Solutions

Put Drawing into Perspective

Even those without any artistic ability can create professional design renderings.

by Sharon L. Anderson

CHALLENGE:As a window coverings sales professional, I find it very time consuming to create three-dimensional renderings, floor plans and perspective drawings when I have taken on a large design job. The problem is that I have no artistic abilities whatsoever. Could you suggest some useful tools and short cuts that may assist me in the artistic portion of conveying my creativity to my clients? SOLUTION:"The tools can make or break the job." There is much truth in that quote. I will share some insight in making the artistic process easier for you to access. A couple of months back, I wrote an article about learning to quick sketch your window treatments. (See D&WC, August 2000) The tools I will mention in this article will take you one step further in the process. The first tool that I have found to make the job easier when it comes to creating professional sketches and renderings is the E-Z Decorating System. You will, as they say, "never pick up a pencil again." The system includes tools to create architectural elements, windows, draperies, curtains, blinds, shutters, living and dining rooms, bedrooms, accessories, borders, wallpaper, rugs and flooring for any room in a house including nurseries and juvenile bedrooms. The system assists you in creating three-dimensional, hand-drawn renderings in 1/2-inch scale with perspective. The drawings are printed onto reusable decals, which allow you to position them as you so desire onto a grid board with clear overlays. With this system, you will be able to create professional presentations for each client. Another tool I have found very helpful in creating floor plans quickly is the Visual Results® system. It assists you in drawing detailed floor plans efficiently. Furniture templates in 1/4-inch scale are necessary tools for anyone drawing floor plans of residential interiors. The templates include corner upholstery, area rugs, furniture, cabinets, doorways and lighting. Also included is a flip-to-reverse feature that allows you to reverse the direction of the furniture groupings in a room. This tool is quite unique and will assist the interior designer, sales professional and architect in all aspects related to floor plan drawing. There are other drawing aids and tools you may find helpful, such as the MASTERVISIONS for Windows[TM] system offered by Visionary Concepts, Inc.; however, they render drawings in two-dimensional scale without a whole-room perspective. By using any of the above tools, you will produce professional-quality drawings, renderings and floor plans. As you may remember from my previous article on drawing, I prefer to use Vellum, a special quality paper that is great for professional presentations. You will be able to make excellent copies of your work also. Editor's Note: This is a continuing series of articles written by Sharon L. Anderson that will answer some of the many questions we receive at Draperies & Window Coverings as well as questions Anderson has encountered in her own business. If you have a question you would like Anderson to address, please send it to: Design Solutions c/o Draperies & Window Coverings 666 Dundee Rd., Ste. 807 Northbrook, IL 60062-2769 Fax: (847) 498-9299 E-mail: DesignSol@dwcdesignet.com Sharon L. Anderson has more than 20 years experience as a professional interior designer in both commercial and residential design. She has taught at numerous colleges throughout California and currently is an educator at Moorpark college in southern California. She is a published author and frequent public speaker.