Prepoint

Prepoint is a technique used in the field of computer graphics and digital art to create a preliminary sketch or outline of an image before adding details. This process is often employed in various artistic disciplines, including painting, drawing, and digital illustration, to establish the basic structure and composition of a piece. By creating a prepoint, artists can plan the placement of key elements, such as shapes, lines, and colors, which serve as a guide for the final rendering.

The term "prepoint" originates from the French word "prépoint," which translates to "pre-point." It refers to the initial points or marks made on a surface to indicate the placement of important elements in a composition. These points can be made with a variety of tools, including pencils, pens, or digital brushes, and are typically used to establish the overall structure and proportions of the subject matter.

In digital art, prepointing is often done using software tools that allow artists to create rough sketches or outlines quickly and easily. These tools may include vector graphics software, such as Adobe Illustrator, or raster graphics software, such as Adobe Photoshop. By using prepointing techniques, artists can save time and effort by avoiding the need to start from scratch and instead focusing on refining the details of their composition.

Prepointing is a valuable skill for artists of all levels, as it helps to improve their compositional skills and overall creativity. By practicing prepointing techniques, artists can develop a better understanding of the relationships between different elements in a composition and learn to create more balanced and harmonious artwork. Additionally, prepointing can be used as a tool for experimentation and exploration, allowing artists to try out different ideas and approaches without committing to a final image.