Have you ever wanted to draw something but weren’t exactly sure where the piece should end and begin? A viewfinder is a great tool to eliminate some of the guesswork and help you move through your composition with confidence. It allows your mind to take a step back and eliminate some of the distractions that come with creating a unique scene.
In this post, I’ll be sharing a step-by-step tutorial on how to create a simple viewfinder that you can carry in your sketchbook.
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@orangegrovehome A view finder is a great tool for any artist – it helps you create a visual “frame” so that it’s easier to translate an image on to paper or canvas. This DIY version is easy to make and the perfect size for storing away in a sketchbook. #diy #sketching #viewfinder #artisttools #upcycle ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim
How to make a viewfinder
Materials Needed:
- Cardboard (I used a discarded shoe box)
- Pencil
- Ruler
- X-acto knife
1. Create a border.
I like to use a sturdy piece of cardboard for viewfinders, but you can also use cardstock or regular paper in a pinch. To start off, you’ll want to measure 1 inch from the edge of both corners of the board to create a border for your viewfinder.
Mark these measurements with a pencil and use a ruler to draw the border edge of the viewfinder. If you prefer to have a larger border, you can measure 1 1/2 or 2 inches instead.
2. Determine the size
This is entirely up to you. If you plan on using a rectangle canvas or sketchbook page, I would recommend creating a rectangular viewfinder. Alternatively, if you use primarily square canvases or a square pages, you’ll want to make your viewfinder equidistant on all sides.
For this example, I made my viewfinder 2 x 3 inches. This is a great size for me because I typically draw in a rectangular, landscape-oriented sketchbook.
3. Outline the size
Once you’ve chosen the size of the viewfinder, measure and mark the internal edge of the viewfinder. After you have marked the internal boundaries, measure 1 inch from those edges to create the outer edge of your viewfinder.
4. Cut out the viewfinder
Using an x-acto knife or a very sharp pair of scissors, cut around the border of the viewfinder to separate it from the large piece of cardboard.
Then, cut the internal 2×3 inch rectangle out of the middle. This is where the x-acto comes in really handy. It might be difficult to cut out with a regular pair of scissors.
5. Practice using the viewfinder
Identify something you would like to draw or paint. Hold up the viewfinder to determine the borders of your composition. Keep your viewfinder in your sketchbook so you always have it handy.
What is a Viewfinder?
A viewfinder is a simple tool that can be used to create a “frame” around an image so that the artist can better imagine the composition of their artwork.
An artist may use a viewfinder when they need to:
- Crop or frame a particular viewpoint
- Eliminate background distractions in a visual scene
- Determine where their composition begins or ends
- Understand the proportions or scale of a scene
How to use a viewfinder?
I’ve used my viewfinder for all different kinds of situations. Here are some steps to insure that you are properly utilizing your new tool.
- Hold the viewfinder out in front of you and close one eye to see what is inside the center.
- When you’re happy with the layout, notice the intersection of lines and how where they land on the outer edges.
- Pay attention to the value of the scene – where are the darkest points? Where are the lightest points?
- Block out anything beyond your viewfinder. As artists, it can be very easy to get distracted!
- Start sketching your scene.
Where to purchase a viewfinder?
If you don’t have the time to create your own, there are plenty of options available to buy.
1. The Color Wheel View Catcher
This is a great option because it’s made out of a sturdy plastic and it’s adjustable, so you can use it for a variety of different compositions.
This tool is interesting because it comes on a lanyard and also has a gray scale value finder included.
While either of these tools will work well as a substitute, the cheapest option is always to make it yourself! If you’re feeling really creative, you can use one shoebox to make multiple view catchers (one square, one rectangular, one small, etc.)
This post has been all about making and using a viewfinder. Please feel free to tag us on social media if you make your own! I’d love to see what you create.
