Design: Thumbnail Sketches

Put down the mouse. Step away from the graphics tablet. Now, pick up a pencil — yep, those wooden sticks used to make markings on (gasp) paper. Thumbnail sketches are part of the design phase in how a desktop published document is created. In a recent 60-Second Window at The Design & Publishing Center, Fred Showker reiterates the role of "thumbnailing" in the design process. Showker says, "Drawing thumbnails, no matter how simple or primitive, reinforces retention 100% better than computers." I agree.

Need more convincing? Read my own tips on how and why to use thumbnails.