In this post I will be reviewing the SketchAR app.
What exactly is SketchAR?
SketchAR is an augmented reality app that allows users to learn how to draw step-by-step using virtual images seen on the user’s phone placed on a surface (piece of paper, wall, etc). The user will then follow instructions to draw desired images–images can also be uploaded too!
Right when you open the app, it will ask you for your drawing experience and what top three subjects you are interested in drawing–based off of that it will recommend certain lessons/courses to take.
I wanted more practice with drawing people–so I decided to take a lesson on drawing Benedict Cumberbatch from Doctor Strange (slight Marvel fan !!). The first thing you will need is a piece of paper to draw on (I decided to tape my paper to the table because I already know how much it will move around with one hand holding my phone and the other attempting to sketch). Next it’ll prompt you to hold your phone at a distance so it can recognize where the paper is–you can then adjust the opacity of the image you are tracing and size/placement as well. It will then walk you through each step of the drawing process. I also really appreciate the little pidgeon/birdy giving instructions at the top of the paper (you can see it my video of the image trace).
Overall I think this app is a good concept–I’m not sure if it’s necessarily a good app to develop strong drawing skills–because for me I felt like I was tracing and not necessarily learning proportions (also, felt like I was on a time crunch having the app automatically record a time-lapse). It was a bit disorienting drawing on a piece of paper but looking at my phone the entire time. My arm also got tired and I had to take some breaks in between (recommend having a phone holder of some sort)–maybe AR glasses would be better for this and also I prefer to look at my paper rather than my phone.
I do think there is potential for the app. I’ve already seen a lot of art shared by people who use it and it is really easy to create videos/time-lapses. I’ve seen some videos of the possibility of creating murals which would be very useful and creating anamorphic paintings.