How to make a website using a Sketchy style

Anyone who has been to art school, drawing classes in particular, can appreciate the sketchy style of art. The sketchy style allows artists to put these skills to use, as is demonstrated in the example websites. Formally trained artists go to great lengths to learn controlled drawing and painting, so it is perhaps this familiarity that attracts them to this sketchy style.

To accomplish this style, elements are drawn by hand and scanned into the computer. These images are then combined with more typical computer generated design elements. It is also common to add elements with grit and texture, like stained and torn paper, scanned sticky tape, scratchy textures and anything else to further relate the design to tangible, handmade elements. (This could eventually lead to a different style called a collage site).

This technique can produce fantastic results. The connotations are clear, and it works tremendously well to communicate creativity and an artistic touch. The sketchy style is a smart choice for budding artists or for sites relating to creativity. This style suits creative agencies perfectly.

The Kinetic Singapore site is a great example of this. This creative agency site features an animation that is based on sketchy style. While watching it, viewers can literally see the artist's hand in it. In this way the site achieves its goals of connecting viewers with the agency's creative side and convincing clients of the agency's ability to solve visual problems.

The sketchy style can quickly lead to a collage design with a do-it-your-self feel. The real beauty of this example is how the sketchy style supports the purpose of the site, which is to help people visualise their ideas. The sketchy style makes me think of someone scribbling an idea down on a napkin. It feels fresh an instantaneous, just like a great idea.