Often we get asked, how can we communicate our ideas without any artistic ability. Being a bad artist myself, I think that I can help with a few tips. First you need to figure out your goal, communication or impression. If you are trying to communicate I can help, if you are trying to make things look pretty I can’t besides working with one of our designers. Admit to yourself that you are only looking to communicate your idea and let go of making your drawings look perfect.

Secondly, look at your equipment. Do you have a scanner, a digital camera or a fax? Do you have a computer with some drawing software on it like Microsoft Visio or Paintbrush? These questions are important because the goal is to communicate with someone else you need a way to share.

Okay here are some drawing tips.

1. DRAW BIG- The temptation is to draw things small, so mistakes look better. The problem is that the good stuff gets hidden in the small size too.
2. USE COLORS- Colors can help show different items, something that is especially helpful if the invention is an assembly.
3. LABEL EVERYTHING- Briefly describe (1-3 words) each item. Then on a separate piece of paper describe the items in detail, including a rough idea of dimensions.
4. GO LONG- Don’t try and fit everything on one page, if you have everything on one page it is most likely too small.
5. BE BOLD- Regardless of your equipment thin light lines are hard to read, make them thick and dark.

Sharing is the other side of the equation. If you have a camera snap a few pics, send it in a fax, or scan it in and e-mail. If you are doing it on a computer, make sure the recipient can open it. In general, if you can’t draw it by hand and don’t try it on the computer. Just go for it!