How to Get Started With the Free Hand Drawing Tools of SelfCAD:

Freehand drawing tools in 3D modeling refer to digital tools and techniques that allow artists and designers to create intricate and detailed drawings directly in a 3D space without relying on pre-made shapes or templates. Unlike traditional 2D drawing, where artists work on a flat surface to create images, free-hand drawing in 3D modeling enables the creation of volumetric, 3D objects and scenes.

Fundamental Concepts of Free Hand Drawing Tools in 3D Modeling

 Lines, Shapes, and Forms

• Lines: In free-hand drawing, lines are the basic elements used to create shapes and forms. They can be straight or curved, thick or thin, and their variations contribute to the overall structure of the drawing.
• Shapes: Lines come together to form shapes. Shapes can be 2D (circles, squares, polygons) or 3D (cylinders, spheres, cubes). Artists use shapes as building blocks for creating more complex structures and objects.
• Forms: Forms refer to three-dimensional shapes. While shapes are flat and two-dimensional, forms have depth, width, and height. Understanding how to represent forms in 3D space is crucial in creating realistic and visually appealing drawings.

Depth, Perspective, and Shading

• Depth: Depth is the third dimension in a 3D space. Artists use techniques like overlapping, size variation, and atmospheric perspective to create a sense of depth in their drawings. Understanding how to depict objects at different distances from the viewer adds realism and depth perception to the artwork.
• Perspective: Perspective is the technique used to create an illusion of three-dimensional space on a two-dimensional surface. Artists use one-point, two-point, or three-point perspective to accurately represent objects in space. This is especially important in architectural and interior design drawings.
• Shading: Shading involves adding gradients and tones to represent light and shadow on objects. It gives the illusion of depth and volume, making objects appear three-dimensional. Artists use various shading techniques, such as hatching, cross-hatching, and blending, to create realistic forms and add depth to their drawings.

Hand-Eye Coordination and Control

• Hand-Eye Coordination: Free hand drawing in 3D modeling requires precise hand-eye coordination. Artists need to translate their mental images into physical strokes on a digital canvas accurately. Developing hand-eye coordination is crucial for creating smooth and controlled lines and shapes.
• Control: Control over the drawing tools, such as the pressure sensitivity of a stylus or the settings of a digital brush, allows artists to vary line thickness, opacity, and shading effects. Fine control over the tools enables artists to create intricate details and expressive strokes in their 3D drawings.

Understanding these fundamental concepts is essential for artists using free-hand drawing tools in 3D modeling. 

Advantages of Using Freehand Drawing Tools in 3D Modeling

Here are 8 advantages of using freehand drawing tools in 3D modeling. 

• Flexibility: Freehand drawing tools provide designers with a great deal of flexibility when designing 3D models. A designer can easily sketch out ideas on paper and then transfer them into a 3D model using freehand drawing tools. This allows the designer to quickly explore different design ideas and choose the best one.
• Versatility: Freehand drawing tools can be used to draw in a variety of styles. A designer can easily create realistic, cartoon-like, or abstract 3D models with the help of freehand drawing tools. This versatility provides a great deal of flexibility when designing 3D models.
• Efficiency: The tools can also help designers create 3D models quickly and efficiently. You can quickly sketch out ideas on paper and then transfer them into a 3D model. This saves time and reduces the amount of time needed to create complex 3D models.
• Accuracy: Freehand drawing tools provide designers with a great deal of control over the accuracy of the 3D models they create. This is because the tool helps you to easily adjust the size, shape, and detail of the 3D models to create accurate and realistic 3D models.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Free Hand Tools In SelfCAD

SelfCAD is a powerful, easy-to-use 3D modeling and design software that enables you to create stunning 3D designs with a few clicks of a button. With SelfCAD, you can create 3D models from scratch, or you can modify existing 3D models to suit your needs. SelfCAD comes with a wide range of built-in 3D modeling and design tools that make it easy to create complex 3D designs. In this section, we will have a look at how you can use the free hand drawing tools in SelfCAD.

We are going to use the reference image as a guide to what we are drawing. To upload the reference image, simply go to the View option found at the far top of the workspace. Select Reference Image:

Then click on the Add Image option and it will take you directly to your files. From your files select the reference image and click Open:

Our reference image will be as follows:

The reference image is simply a guide to what you want to draw. Once we have the reference image, the next step is to draw exactly what we see, by drawing on top of the image using its edges. To do this, go to the Drawing category and select the Free Hand option. 

Drawing the Circles 

On the Drawing tools, select the Circle. The Circle will be used to draw the circular dots shown by the red rectangle below:

Use the mouse to click on the dots and drag to fit the size of the dots and then release to complete the drawing. 

Drawing Rectangular Shapes

On the reference image, we have circular shapes, curved and rectangular shapes. The Circle option cannot be used to draw rectangular shapes. To draw the rectangular shapes, select the Rectangle tool and use the mouse to click on the edges of the rectangular shapes to come up with our drawing:

Drawing the Lines

Select the Lines tool in the Free Hand drawing to draw the part that is not rectangular (region highlighted by the red arrow) as shown below:

This is done by clicking on each edge to come up with the drawing.

Using the Spline

The Spline tool helps us draw the curved parts of the reference image. Select the Spline and click on the edges of the curved area shown below to come up with the drawing:

Finalizing the Drawing

After making the drawing that resembles the reference image, set the Height to 58:

Then click Finalize the Drawing. The drawing will be as follows:

Then Delete the reference image to remain with the drawing:

Drawing the Floor

The drawing above is kind of a house/building plan. This means there should be a floor. To do this, go to the 3D Shapes and select the Cylinder. 

Adjust the parameters as follows:

Use the Scale Tool found on the toolbar, to scale the cylinder to fit around the drawing as shown below:

Use the Move Tool on the toolbar to move the drawing a bit up to have a good height such that it is on top of the floor (cylinder).

Use the Move tool to move the poles downwards as shown below:

Drawing the Decorations

We will use Octahedron shape to make a decoration on top of the poles. Go to the 3D Shapes on the toolbar and select the Octahedron:

Adjust the parameters of the Octahedron as shown below:

Use the Move tool to position the Octahedron on top of the poles:

Then go to the toolbar and select the Scale tool. Use it to scale the poles as shown below:

Using the Bevel Tool

You can customize the Octahedron to form a nice decoration. Go to the Tools category and select the Bevel tool. Set the parameters as shown below:

The next step, adjust the thickness of the octahedron. Go to the toolbar on the Tools category and select the Add Thickness tool. Set the Thickness to 1 and apply:

Positioning the Octahedrons

Make a copies of the octahedrons and then use the Move tool to position them on top of the poles as shown below:

Yo can then change the Material and the Color of the drawing as shown below:

Through a combination of the various Hand Drawing tools, one can come up with any 3D models that you can imagine and think of. 

SelfCAD’s Drawing tools are easily accessible and easy to use by beginners and 3D artists as well.

What to Keep in Mind When Using the Free Hand Tools in 3D Modeling

Here are the key things to keep in mind when using free-hand tools in 3D modeling:

• Start with Basic Shapes: Begin your designs with simple shapes. Mastering basic shapes helps you understand the fundamentals and provides a solid foundation for creating more complex objects.
• Pay Attention to Proportions: Accuracy in proportions is essential for realistic models. Whether you're drawing characters or objects, maintaining correct proportions ensures a visually appealing and believable end result.
• Layer Management: Utilize layers effectively. Separate different elements of your design into different layers. This organization allows you to work on individual components without affecting the entire model.
• Experiment with Brushes and Textures: Don't hesitate to experiment with various brushes and textures. Different brushes create different effects, and understanding their use can add depth and variety to your designs.
• Understanding Lighting and Shadows: Grasp the principles of lighting and shadows. Properly applied lighting and shadows give depth to your designs, making them appear more realistic and three-dimensional.
• Keep Your Workspace Organized: Label layers, group related elements, and maintain a clutter-free canvas. An organized workspace streamlines your workflow, making it easier to focus on the creative process.
• Utilize Reference Images: Reference images can be invaluable. They provide guidance for proportions, textures, and intricate details, ensuring your models have a basis in reality.
• Practice Regularly: Dedicate time to practice using freehand tools. Regular practice improves your control and precision, allowing you to create more intricate and detailed designs.
• Embrace Mistakes as Learning Opportunities: Mistakes are natural and part of the learning process. Don't be afraid to make them; instead, learn from them. Each mistake is a chance to improve your skills.

There are a variety of freehand drawing tools available for 3D modeling, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The most important thing to consider when choosing a tool is what you will be using it for. If you need a tool for precision work, then you will want to choose a different tool than if you are just trying to get a feel for the environment.

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