Overcoming the “I Can’t Draw” Mindset, by Jaylyn

To say that I’m obsessed with planning my makes using MyBodyModel printable fashion templates is probably an understatement.

When I first saw the MyBodyModel app announced, I thought, “Nah, that’s not for me. I can’t draw…”

When the demo released, however, my curiosity got the best of me and I took my measurements and threw them into the app. As soon as my custom croquis turned up on the screen, I knew I had to use it! I immediately paid and printed without a clue as to how to draw clothes onto that body!

Today I am sharing the sketching process I have developed along with a few tips for those of you that also have the “I can’t draw” mindset.

I have a lot of gaps in my wardrobe right now after coming out of maternity clothes, but one of the biggest ones is that I have no shorts! So today, I’m going to share my process using my plans to make the Jenny Shorts from Closet Case Patterns.

I started with a list of all the shorts patterns I thought might work for me.

Based on the pattern styles, fabrics & notions they required, and other details I decided to go with the Jenny shorts.

Next, I took the 3-model page and put the Jenny shorts on each model.

To make sure I was going to get a lot of wear out of the shorts, I paired them each with 3 different tops:

1. Union St. Tee – a top that I want to sew, but haven’t yet
2. Waterfall Raglan – a top that I have already sewn and love
3. Black tee from The Loft – a ready to wear top that I love

This gives me an idea of how far these shorts will go in my wardrobe. If I don’t like one or more of the pairings, I will alter the pattern choices until I find a good combo that will provide me with at least 3 different outfit combinations.

Once I am satisfied with my choices I move to the project planner page and add in more details, fabric swatches, and notion ideas, along with any notes about the pattern, fit, etc.

Finally, I like to organize my sketches in a binder. I also photograph each “look” and save it to an Instagram story highlight. I’m even thinking of using the full body page to sketch some of my favorite makes and frame them up in my sewing room!

If you haven’t tried your custom croquis yet because you think you can’t sketch don’t let that deter you. Below are a few tips that I find helpful:

1. Print out the fashion drawings as well as the technical drawings from the pattern you want to sketch. Having these right next to you while sketching is very helpful.
2. If you think tracing would be helpful, scale the fashion drawings up or down on your computer when you print to match the size of your croquis and then trace.
3. Do your sketch in pencil first. Later you can color it in or go over the lines with a fine point sharpie.
4. Add hair! It really is amazing how much more I think my sketches come to life once you add hair. 
5. Watch Erica’s YouTube videos on Fashion Sketching for beginners!
6. Have fun! Remember, these drawings are for you. You can make it as simple or complex as you want, but keep it fun!

Click here to see more blog posts by Jaylyn.

Want more fashion drawing tips? Check out the “Paper Dolls for Grownups” step by step video class at MyBodyModel’s Illustrated Style School. You’ll be drawing outfits for your MyBodyModel paper doll in no time!

Jaylyn Pace

Jaylyn is a wife, mother of three, seamstress and blogger. She began sewing in 2016 after her first daughter was born. Though she enjoyed making tiny baby clothes, she eventually branched out into sewing for herself and now has embarked on a handmade wardrobe. She is self-taught and loves studying the entire process from pattern making to seam finishing. She also enjoys meeting friends for coffee, traveling with her family, and enjoying time outdoors!  Jaylyn can be found on Instagram @jaylynpace_handmade and blogging at jaylynpacehandmade.com.