skica

Skica is a term used in several Slavic languages to denote a rough drawing, outline, or preliminary study. In Croatian, Bosnian, Serbian, Slovenian, and Macedonian, skica refers to a quick drawing or draft created to capture an idea, test composition, or explore form before producing a final version. In Bulgarian, the cognate skitsa (скица) carries the same sense. In Polish, the more common term for a sketch is szkic, though skica may appear in some contexts or older texts.

In visual arts, a skica is typically a preparatory drawing done rapidly with pencil, charcoal, or similar media to work out composition, proportions, and values. It serves as a flexible tool for experimentation rather than a finished work. In architecture and engineering, skica or preliminary sketches communicate spatial relationships and ideas during the early design phase and help guide subsequent development. In fashion and industrial design, skice or skits are used to convey silhouettes, details, and concept ideas before detailed drawings or models are produced.

In literature, film, and theater planning, skica can refer to an outline, synopsis, or scene draft that sketches the structure and sequence of a work. The term is widely attested across Slavic languages, reflecting a common concept of a preliminary or provisional representation used to plan or communicate ideas before final realization.