Books by Jim Leggitt, FAIA

 

Published in 2010 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., this updated and expanded book not only incorporates changes to design tools and technologies,but reflects the generous feedback and recommendations from students, teachers and design professional who have adopted the “how to draw” concepts presented in Drawing Shortcuts. This second edition of Jim’s highly successful publication has improved upon his first book.


  1. •Expanded variety of drawing examples with a complete mix of design projects. The 250 pages include more than 550 full color images.

  2. •A greater emphasis on traditional drawing tools, materials, composition, and perspective.

  3. •Detailed instructions for integrating SketchUp models into your visualization process.

  4. •How to integrate graphics software such as Photoshop and digital photography.

  5. •Presenting new “Tradigital Drawing” methods such as Overlay and Trace, Simple Composite, Advance Composite and Digital Hybrids.

  6. •A new chapter featuring seven artists who detail their individual drawing methodologies and careers.

Drawing Shortcuts 2nd Edition

First published in 2002 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc., Jim Leggitt’s book about developing quick drawing skills using today’s technology has been adopted by over fifty universities and translated in three languages.  The book presents practical techniques and applications that will improve your drawing skills and help you produce more accurate sketches by incorporating traditional hand drawing methods with today’s technology. Easy-to-follow instructions cover every aspect from the basics of drawing -- such as composition, color, shading, shadow, and perspective -- up to the most current applications of cameras, copiers, and computers to create and reproduce your work. This book’s step-by-step approach will sharpen and streamline your techniques whether you draw for pleasure or for your profession. Generously enriched with detailed process drawings, examples, and more than 300 full-color images.


  1. •Detailed outlines of drawing methods, from “storyboarding” to the “overlay and trace” method.

  2. •  Timesaving, end-of-chapter “Quick Tips”.

  3. •  Guidelines for building a portfolio.

  4. •  Pointers on selecting materials and maximizing color.


Drawing Shortcuts