Why is Live Sketching Important in Design?

At the Presidency School of Design, one of the emerging design schools in Bangalore, live sketching isn’t just a class activity — it’s a creative superpower every design student should master. Whether you're studying fashion, communication, space, product, or game design, live sketching is a game-changer. 

 

What Is Live Sketching? 

• Drawing objects, people, or scenes in real time. 
• Focuses on observational drawing – seeing and sketching as things happen. 
• Often done outdoors, in studios, or public spaces to capture dynamic subjects. 

 

Why It’s Crucial for B.Des. Students 

At Presidency University, live sketching is part of the foundation course across all B.Des. programmes. Here’s why it matters: 

 

• Boosts Observation Skills 
• Trains your eyes to really see – shapes, shadows, light, and movement. 
• Helps you break down complex scenes into simple forms. 
• Enhances Cognitive Abilities 
• Strengthens visual memory and spatial awareness. 
• Sharpens hand-eye coordination and perspective drawing. 
• Improves Technical Drawing 
• Encourages confident line work and gesture drawing. 
• Builds fluency in sketching complex forms quickly and accurately. 
• Sparks Creativity 
• Promotes personal interpretation rather than mechanical copying. 
• Allows freedom to explore different styles and moods. 
• Boosts Observation Skills 

 

 

Mindful Practice with a Purpose 

• The process is calming and immersive — a form of visual meditation. 
• Helps reduce stress while improving focus and patience. 

 

Learning Outside the Classroom 

• Sketching on-site connects you with your environment. 
• Encourages exploration and a deeper appreciation of design in the real world. 

 

At the Presidency School of Design, live sketching is more than just an exercise — it’s the foundation of your creative evolution. By practising it regularly, you’re not just learning how to draw — you’re learning how to see like a designer. 

 

Whether you're sketching in a café, a park, or during a studio session, every line you draw brings you closer to becoming a more intuitive, skilled, and expressive designer. 

 

Written by, 

Vibinkumar V.G.   
Assistant Professor  
Presidency School of Design