Drawing is Thinking is a book by artist, designer and thought leader Milton Glaser that focuses on the relationship between drawing and idea formation. Through a series of stories and sketches, Glaser offers readers a window into how creative thinking works and how it can be applied to problem solving.
Glaser lays out the DNA of creativity - the ability to think without prejudice - and describes how it can be honed and sharpened through his own experiences of sketching and designing. Drawing, according to Glaser, is not merely a way of copying what one sees but rather a fundamental act of analysis and thinking; even putting pencil to paper forces the artist to make decisions and develop ideas.
Glaser goes on to illustrate how knowledge gained by drawing can be applied to the problems we are confronted with daily. He breaks the process down into three distinct but related steps: Observe, create and refine. He explains that observation is not passive but instead is an active process, whereby taking in the object of study requires a critical eye and may include breaking down the details as well as noting connections and patterns. When creation is achieved, it follows a process of trial and error, with each successive sketches and ideas leading closer to the desired outcome. Glaser further explains that refinement requires comparison and contrast, a means of testing and fine-tuning the work.
In Drawing is Thinking, Glaser shares the invaluable wisdom of a life’s work and simply explains the ideas, principles and philosophies through illustrations and diagrams. He depicts the different processes an artist undertakes when attempting to solve a problem, from break down the most complex of problems to the basics. Glaser emphasizes the power of sketching, and argues that even when one is not creative or particularly talented in the drawing process, it remains an essential means of informing and defining our thoughts and actions.
Drawing is Thinking is an invaluable source of knowledge for anyone interested in creativity and the creative process. The book provides insight into Glaser’s own creative process, one which is further contextualized with examples of design and sketches created by Glaser over the years that demonstrate his learnings. The illustrations are clear and provide adequate visual explanations of the thought process. Through the narratives and examples, readers gain an understanding of how drawing is an essential form of thought, essential to finding solutions and generating new ideas. Drawing is Thinking is a must-read for anyone who appreciates and seeking to cultivate the power of creative thought.
