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Using a Mnemonic Approach

When I need to draw an object I'm unfamiliar with, especially without a great photo reference, I use a mnemonic approach. This means I liken parts of the object to things I already know. It makes it easier for me to understand and remember what I'm drawing.

Breaking Down the Bike

Bikes are notoriously difficult to draw, but they add so much personality to a piece. Here's how I tackle them:

Identifying Familiar Shapes

I start by breaking the bike into shapes I understand:

• Front of the Bike: I imagine it as the front of a biker helmet, like an alien helmet with antler ears sticking out. This visualization helps me recall the shape later.
• Neck and Chest: I think of the bike's next section as the neck and chest of a character.
• License Plate: Positioned like a collarbone, adding to the human analogy.
• Lights: They resemble pecs on a chest, giving the bike a more aggressive look.

Considering Functionality

Understanding how parts connect helps in drawing:

• Connecting to the Wheel: The area below the "chest" is like armor conforming to the wheel, similar to how a belly might be hollowed out.
• Wheel Cover: Most bikes have a cover over the top of the wheel, which is easy to incorporate.

Visualizing from Different Angles

By thinking of the bike from a top view:

• The shape resembles underwear or legs, housing the wheel.
• This perspective reinforces the human analogy and helps in visualizing how parts fit together.

Adding Mechanical Details

Even without being mechanically savvy, I can add authentic details:

• Wheel Hubs: I include cylinders with extrusions and screw holes, which add texture and realism.
• Tire Patterns: While intricate patterns aren't necessary, suggesting a pattern indicates a tire's texture.

Completing the Bike

For the rest of the bike:

• Storage Box: There's often a big "butt" at the back for storage, connected with rods.
• Kickstand and Rear Wheel: Adding kickstand pieces touching the floor and assuming a rear wheel similar to the front completes the bike's silhouette.
• Middle Section: By connecting the dots and filling in with familiar shapes, I can convincingly suggest the bike's structure even without detailed knowledge.

The Importance of Research

This research phase is a step I never skip. Building foundational knowledge allows me to play with designs when I start the illustration. It's actually fun to draw from imagination when I've equipped myself with these mental tools.

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