Tutorial | How to draw axonometric illustrations in Illustrator?

Axonometric drawings enable us to convey the environment we imagine or exist with a different perspective because they are drawn more like an angular composition beyond what we see from our own bare eyes. Captive Globe Project by Rem Koolhaas has always been the most inspiring example for me. I think that the axonometric representation of the message trying to be conveyed is quite thought-provoking and questioning.

Axonometric projection is a representation method that I use quite often to see the design from another angle and to convey it more easily to the other side. So let’s start! How to draw axonometric? First, let’s talk about 3 types of axonometric drawing;

In order to express your opinion, you should start by choosing the most appropriate angle. Dimetric, Trimetric, and Isometric. I will suggest two different methods being used isometric projection for this tutorial;

1- Working with Grid guide in Ai;

The grid can be prepared by rotating the vertically drawn lines to the right and left with an angle of 60^°. (Object → Transform → Rotate )

As a method of drawing without using a grid guide;

I suggest you read the tutorial for the 3D Effects technique. I think it’s a very different method.

2- Visualize in Ai after drawing in Sketchup.

I love this method to tackle more complex drawings. The secret of this method is definitely Layout or it seems like a secret to me.

Step 1. SketchUp | After drawing in SketchUp, let’s set it as Views → ISO.

Step 2. We export the drawing to Layout with File → Send to Layout.

Your drawing will open gradually, you should wait… and you should choose the appropriate artboard size from the page that will appear.

Step 3. Layout | Yes, your drawing should be open. Now, after you select your drawing, let’s change the raster part to the hybrid on the Sketchup Model section. This selection will allow us to reach the drawing opened in Ai as a vector.

You can double-click the drawing to move and edit it as if you were in SketchUp.

Step 4. Are you ready? Let’s export it as pdf. File → Export → PDF…

Step 5. Illustrator | You should open the saved file with Ai → File → Open

You will see that you can play with the lines when you double-click on your drawing and enters the group. I think this is awesome!Now the decision is yours! You can visualize as you want. I use Live paint tool.