This is a simple exercise that also ranks quite high on the amusement scale. The idea is to begin by designing a silly or unusual hat. I’ve provided a free pdf worksheet below to simplify the hat designing stage so you can focus just on the hat.
Once the hat is designed, it can then be copied to its own sheet of paper and the rest of your sketch is built around that. Of course, after the whole sketch is planned out the artwork goes through the work stages. Upon completion you will have created a work of art that includes at least one highly memorable and quite ponderable element… that odd hat.
Hats are a good choice because they are the biggest accessory that can be molded or shaped into just about anything. Similar variations to this practice can include other ordinary objects like necklaces but its not just limited to wearables. Possibilities also include background elements like unique windows or stairs or clocks, etc.
Its All About Entertainment
For this exercise we will stick with hats. It helps to think of this aspect of your portrait or character as part of a costume rather than a fashion movement. Although, fashion can be an equally useful direction if you’d like to explore that route.
A few examples include a hat that looks like a plane taking off, one with a bird nest emerging from the top or a set of geometric shapes. Personally, I usually like to come up with aerodynamic ones and abstract sculpture looking ones. But that’s me.
For an example I drew the inclement weather hard hat below. In theory, with a functioning window it doesn’t get too hot and it boasts a gutter system redirecting rain out of your line of sight.
If you have trouble getting started, just begin putting a couple lines down in the area where the hat goes. Then step back and evaluate it. Where should another line be? Do your lines resemble something or give you an idea? If not, what can you add to make those lines look cool or complete even if it doesn’t form a recognizable image? That, by the way, is what I think of as Pure Abstraction.
Remember to work with pencil because it can always be erased. That way there’s no excuse to not try out different approaches and ideas. You can always change things later.
Click on the picture below for the free printable PDF worksheet.
The pdf above is my own creation and you are free to use it as a learning tool.
The Creativity Tool Box
The Secret Tool That Changed Drawing For Me
Innovation Creativity – 3 Methods
A Creative Process – Planned Art
Creative Drawing Exercise: Logos
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