Hey, it’s Jenessa.

In today’s issue:

• Deep Dive: There's No Right Way to Sketch—But Here's Mine!…

First time reading? Sign up here.

•DEEP DIVE

From Pencil to Pixel: My Jewelry Sketching Evolution

Every jewelry designer has their own way of sketching.

Some prefer traditional pencil and paper, while others go digital.

The truth is—if your method clearly gets your ideas across to your client, then it's the right one for you!

If you're feeling stuck or need inspiration, I'm sharing the tools I use for my entire sketching process.

No secrets, just everything you need to know to improve your workflow!

How Digital Sketching Took My Jewelry Designs to the Next Level

In the early days of my career, I enjoyed sharpening my HB pencils to a fine point, sketching my designs to scale by hand, and using Copic markers to bring them to life.

• 📌 Pro Tip: Click "READ ONLINE" at the top right of this email to avoid missing the step-by-step images (thanks, Apple update).

Those tools worked well, but as my knowledge of technology advanced, I found a way to streamline my process and make my sketches even more powerful.

Today, after 20 years in the industry, I use Rhino 3D—an affordable and powerful 3D modeling program—to create precise line drawings of my designs.

Since switching to this method, I've found that clients connect more easily with my designs.

Because they are presented clearly and professionally, the result is a smoother design process with less resistance.

Even better, because all my lines and curves are built in Rhino, I save time in the 3D phase of the design process.

It's a win-win!

Steal My Step-by-Step Digital Sketching Process

1. Line Drawing in Rhino 3D

I sketch all my designs in Rhino.

It's versatile, the MOST budget-friendly 3D modeling program, and allows me to save files in multiple formats.

2. Export as a PDF

When the base sketch is complete, I scale my design to 10:1, and save it as a PDF.

3. Coloring on an iPad Pro

I import the PDF drawing to my iPad Pro and use the free app Sketchbook to add color and shading with my stylus.

This app is incredible—it's completely free, has no annoying ads, and is so fun to use. I mean, look at my sketch!

In just 30 minutes, I can transform my boring line drawing into a professional-looking design ready to wow clients.

Give It a Try!

If you haven't experimented with Sketchbook yet, I highly recommend it.

It's an easy and effective way to enhance your sketches without investing in expensive software.

Have questions? Want to share your sketching tools? Hit reply—I'd love to hear from you!

A Quick Update on My Jewelry Course

I'm currently deep in development for my upcoming jewelry course.

While I love emailing you every week, I need to switch to an every-other-week schedule temporarily.

Between designing jewelry, running my business, and raising three young kids, I want to give this course the attention it deserves before bringing it to you.

I appreciate you being here, and can't wait to share more with you soon!

Happy Designing,