This document discusses the tools used in fashion design. It identifies hand tools like pencils, markers, charcoal and erasers as well as computer tools. It provides details on different grades of pencils and types of erasers. Additional tools covered include sketchbooks, tracing paper, colored pencils, and tools for smudging and rendering textures. The document emphasizes experimenting with different tools and developing a variety of skills. It also stresses organizing one's workspace and referencing other artists' works.

1. Introduction to
Hand Tools
Chapter I

2. •Good tools enhance that
process; poor quality or
inappropriate tools undermine
it.

3. • 1. The Designer
Mind - The visually
adept mind analyzes
and records that
information and
transforms it into a
personal aesthetic.
What Are the Tools of the Trade
in the Fashion World?

4. What Are the Tools of the
Trade in the Fashion World?
• 2. Design Sketches and
Illustrations - They
communicate design ideas in the
classroom and workplace,
become part of an exciting
portfolio to attract high-level
jobs, stand out in press kits to
attract publicity, and enhance
presentations to buyers or design
directors.

5. What Are the Tools of the
Trade in the Fashion World?
• 3. Hand Tools and
Computer Tools

6. • Good drawing is the foundation of
effective illustration.
• A tool cannot draw for you, but it
can be an extension of your talent
and your will to create beautiful
figures wearing your unique
designs.
Drawing Tools

7. 1. Drawing pencils

8. •Graphite is the dark gray
material usually found
encased within a wooden
pencil.

9. Graphite Grades
• Graphite is produced in various grades or degrees according to the softness
or hardness of the material. Different grades produce different types of
marks.

10. "H" pencils feature harder graphite. (The "H"
stands for "hard".) "B" pencils feature softer
graphite. (The "B" stands for "black".)

11. In other words, a "4H" pencil is harder than a "2H"
pencil while a "4B" pencil is softer than a "2B"
pencil.

12. 3. Micro or Fine-Line Marker Pens:
These pens are very precise and
really great for even the tiniest
details and adding visual emphasis
to your pencil lines in key places.

13. 4. Sketchbook

15. 4. Charcoal or Conte
Charcoal provides a broader
range of value and mark-making
than what’s possible with
graphite.

16. • Try keeping a paper towel under
your hand as you work, and it may
help you not to smear your line.
Erasing Tools

17. 1. Rubber Eraser
Your standard eraser for erasing
graphite.

18. 2. Kneaded Eraser
This eraser lifts material from
the surface, instead of using
friction to remove it. It can
be pulled and fashioned into
different forms to create
specific marks.

19. 3. Gum Eraser
“The Crumbler”. This eraser is
great for removing media from
surfaces that are sensitive to
tearing.

20. 4. Vinyl or Plastic
Erasers
It can erase almost
anything. But be warned – this
eraser can tear the paper if
you’re not careful.

21. Use Tracing Paper to:
• Analyze poses and create f igures.
• “Push” or exaggerate a pose.
• Draw preliminary f lats.
• Put a sheet over your f igures to draw clothing.
• Experiment with alternative accessories before you
render.
• W ork out layouts of f igures.
Tracing Paper

23. Rendering Tools
Rendering is the means by which you can
convey information about the exciting
fabric choices that help to make an outfit
unique. Taking the time to accurately
match color, capture texture, convey light
and shadow, and display drape and
important design details will produce a
rendered illustration that is effective and
visually compelling.

24. 1. Quality Colored Pencils

25. 2. Smudging Tools
• Blending stumps
• A style of shading
• Rub, dab, or swipe graphite is
smeary manner to create different
tones.

26. Other Support Tools

27. • Scissors
• Clear Tape
• Transparent Ruler
• Binder clips

28. Organizing Your Workspace

29. •Organize and take care of
your tools. Everyone has a
personal system which is fine.

30. •A decent drawing table and a
comfortable padded chair that
raises and lowers are
essentials.

31. •Creative people should have a good
collection of reference books: on
fashion, art, different cultures,
textiles, drawing styles, etc.

32. •Put in good lighting that is as close
as possible to the lighting where your
work will be critiqued.

33. Some practical ways to develop
this disciplined experimentation follow.

34. •When you have the opportunity to
watch a demonstration, take notes
on what tools are used, in what
order, and how they are used.

35. •Take time to explore and
develop each skill set.

36. •Avoid adopting a set style too early.
Putting a halt to experimentation can
severely hamper your creative growth

37. •Think versatility. You may be great at hand
rendering, but there are also intriguing ways
to combine that talent with computer
techniques that may make your work look
more current.

38. •Look carefully at artwork that inspires
you and try to determine what tools
were used to create it. This can lead
to new ways to approach your work.