A thumbnail is a small image representing a larger image, usually used to help in the identification of said larger image. In the context of sketches, a thumbnail is a small, rough sketch of the final image. It is usually no more than a few inches in size, and is often done in black and white. The purpose of a thumbnail sketch is to quickly and cheaply determine the composition of a final image before investing time and effort into a more detailed version.
Thumbnails are often used as part of a larger sketch, to help the artist remember the details of the larger work. For example, an artist might make a sketch of a person’s face, then make a smaller version of that sketch (the thumbnail) to help them remember what the person looks like when they’re working on the larger painting.
Thumbnails can also be used as standalone sketches, for example to quickly capture an idea before it’s forgotten. A thumbnail sketch doesn’t have to be detailed or perfect, it can be just a few lines to capture the essence of the idea.
Thumbnails are a useful tool for artists and designers, but they can also be used by anyone who wants to quickly sketch out an idea. So next time you’re stuck for ideas, try doing a few thumbnails to jump start your creativity!
Thumbnails are important in sketches because they help to map out the composition of the piece before starting on the full-size version. This allows the artist to make sure that the overall piece is balanced and that the various elements are placed where they will work best within the composition. In addition, thumbnails can help to identify potential problems with the composition before starting on the final piece, which can save a lot of time and effort in the long run.