As mentioned above, the power of SketchUp is only limited by your imagination. From design agency directors to hobbyists, SketchUp is easy to learn and encompasses all.

From shaping custom earrings to designing bespoke furniture, SketchUp is available to assist. The possibilities are endless. SketchUp is at the forefront of a new trend of hobbyists and enthusiasts who are digitising their concepts, and pre-production. 

Considering SketchUp is such an easy and fun tool to use, incorporating it should not be seen as a burden, but rather an extra layer of enjoyment, providing an increased chance of your project being true to your imagination.

Picture a novice carpenter, imagining his next table design. By incorporating SketchUp into workflows, the hobbyist can rapidly translate their idea into a 3D render by;

• Generating 3D models. Easily draw 2D designs, or create realistic 3D models. Proportions and materials can be experimented with throughout the design process or in post-render. Through trial and error, the DIY enthusiast can incrementally improve designs until the desired design is achieved.

• Visualise ‘the table’ against the backdrop. By importing images of a living room, for example, the designer can see how the table will look alongside the rest of the room’s furniture and decoration.

• Alter scale and proportions.

• Collaborate with other interested parties. Perhaps there are other members of the family, or friends, that want to collaborate. SketchUp allows all interested parties access to designs, acting as a central hub.

Since its initial release in 2000, SketchUp has undergone a multitude of updates and as a result, is the intuitive interface designers know and love today. Experimenting with shapes, changing dimensions in a moment and visualising renders from any angle, makes the design process as easy as it could be.

DIY enthusiasts can access the 3D warehouse, a comprehensive catalogue of materials and models that can be incorporated into your projects, or used as a source of inspiration.  

SketchUp negates the frustration associated with hand drawing plans, and ensures accuracy before the production process begins, saving time whilst avoiding costly material wastage.

SketchUp also has an important role to play in education. In courses relating to art and design, students and teachers can develop 3D models and diagrams for teaching or presentational purposes. Teachers can engage with students and maintain their interest by incorporating dynamic animations, walk-throughs or fly-overs. Considering teachers’ already tight schedules, incorporating SketchUp into lesson planning should not consume much time at all. As previously mentioned, SketchUp is intuitive, quick and easy to learn.

Explore SketchUp’s advanced techniques such as;

• Organic modelling.

Organic modelling is utilised for curvilinear designs. This works perfectly for non-uniform shapes that can be found in nature. Objects such as plants and landscapes.

• Parametric modelling.

Parametric modelling is useful for customizable objects. It is a non-native feature of SketchUp but is often used to alter models by pushing or pulling surfaces.

By exploring native features and plugins,  you will elevate your projects, enabling more complexity and possibilities as you practise.