James Akers
Can You *Really* Design In Procreate?? | ...

Can architects and designers *really* design in Procreate, or is it just a glorified digital sketchbook? In today's tutorial for architects, designers and students, I demonstrate the "super powers" of Procreate that make it the ideal choice to imagine your design, develop it in scale, then hand it off for further development in Rhino or Sketchup. What makes Procreate such a powerful design tool is that it combines the best of both worlds…

Can You *Really* Design In Procreate?? | Procreate for Designers
James Akers
From My Perspective

Good things really do happen when you expect them the least.

For years I’ve been on the lookout for good ways to explain the advantages of designing and rendering by hand with Procreate, versus traditional designing and rendering by hand with pencil on paper. I haven't found the exact right words yet, but I keep looking.

Then this morning I woke up and saw on Twitter that the cartoonist Gary Larson was starting to cartoon again. He retired from drawing "The Dark Side" about 10 years ago, but according to this announcement he was starting to draw again-- for fun. Not the deadline-based, cartooning with which he entertained the world for 15 years, but drawing for his own amusement. Naturally my interest was peeked! But then it got better.

From My Perspective
Procreate app technique
James Akers
Gestural Concept Sketching Techniques for Use ...

In today's masterclass, I show you how quick gestures with Procreate brushes can be all you need to create compelling concept design renderings full of life and energy

Gestural Concept Sketching Techniques for Use with Procreate Over Sketchup
Procreate app technique, Sketches
James Akers
Procreate, Architecture & Design: Sketching ...

In today's masterclass, I show you how designing with sketches can give your ideas the time and attention they need to grow, bringing your client into the creative process, as opposed to shutting them out with the false promise of half-baked photorealistic concept designs.

Procreate, Architecture & Design: Sketching as an Essential Step Before Digital Photorealism
Procreate app technique, Sketches
James Akers
Procreate, Architecture & Design: Sketching ...

In today's masterclass, I show you how Procreate can help you develop the details of your design, while simultaneously creating sketches that make your design real and "human" to your client.

Procreate, Architecture & Design: Sketching As Part of the Design and Presentation Process

Sports Architecture

, , , , ,

How To Find An Architectural Renderer

, , , , ,

These days it is no easy task to find an independent architectural renderer. With every architectural graduate student now capable of creating digital architectural renderings, the registered architects who practice watercolor techniques, architectural rendering, architectural watercolor rendering, architectural sketching, watercolor rendering techniques, architectural sketches, watercolor techniques, architectural rendering or any of the other disciplines associated with traditional architectural rendering are becoming harder to find.

 My name is James Akers, I am a licensed architect and I specialize in watercolor techniques, architectural rendering, architectural watercolor rendering, architectural sketching, watercolor rendering techniques, architectural sketches, watercolor techniques, architectural rendering and all of the other disciplines associated with traditional architectural rendering. Email me at jakers3 at gmail dot com, or call me at four-one-three 250-8800 to discuss what you need, and how to provide it in the quickest, most affordable way possible. Thanks.

 

 

, , , ,

Architectural Renderings and Storyboards for Proposed Theme Park

, , , ,

Pen and ink sketches are less expensive than traditional watercolor renderings, but they bring energy and human touch to the presentation of conceptual architectural designs. Nothing differentiates your firm from your competitors more than the idea that you still "sketch on the back of a napkin."

The following sketches for an imaginary theme park were commissioned by one of the world's most famous and enduring sports franchises. (With gratitude to Charles Rush for his excellent work adding Photoshop color to these sketches.)

 

 

 

 

Appendix: Here are some keywords which will help readers index this article:

  1. architectural rendering
  2. watercolor techniques
  3. architectural renderings
  4. architectural rendering techniques
  5. watercolor rendering techniques
  6. pen and ink techniques
  7. watercolor rendering
  8. watercolor techniques
  9. architectural sketches
  10. watercolor rendering techniques
  11. watercolor techniques
  12. architectural watercolor rendering techniques
  13. pen techniques
  14. different watercolor techniques in rendering
  15. architectural sketching
  16. pen and ink
  17. sketching techniques
  18. architectural rendering in watercolor
  19. rendering watercolor
, , , , , ,

My Friend Jim Is Cool

, , , , , ,

My friend Jim Bouton is cool because he a) pitched for the Yankees (and my next coolest baseball-related friends Dave Bell and Jack Lauer only played for Madison High School varsity, although come to think of it they both played against Willie Wilson for two seasons when Willie played for Summit High School) b) he wrote two famous books about pro baseball--Ball Four and Foul Ball--and c) because he put my name in the second book, and there is nothing cooler than when someone puts your name in their second book...

The proposed future promenade of the renovated stadium. Come on, how cool would that have been?

 

Curious how iPad Drawing and Procreate can work for you?

Attend our free Procreate Weekend Workshop to see all the ways digital drawing can make you a better designer, and help you rediscover the benefits of drawing by hand in the Digital Age.