A METHOD OF REPRODUCING A DRAWING TO FIT A SPECIFIC SPACE

MEASUREMENT METHODS : For Size and Shape

Asimple method of measuring a drawing and spacing it in dimensions for reproduction to fit a required space is of the utmost importance to the artist who demands speed.

A useful method is as follows :

Let us say your cartoon or sketch is to be three columns wide, and 41/2 inches deep. Draw a box at the top left-hand corner of your drawing board or paper (a bit in from the margin) the size of the allotted space. Next draw a diagonal line from the upper left-hand corner, straight on through the lower right-hand corner and on some distance beyond. Now if you desire to make your drawing 21/2 times larger (although it is usually best to work on a 2-time basis, multiply the top line of three columns (6 or 61/8 inches, to be exact) 2 1/2 times, which will give you fifteen inches across the top. Draw a straight verticle line down from the end, and when it reaches the diagonal line, stop. That will be your exact depth.

For finding the depth which a drawing will have when reduced to a given width, reverse the process. Draw a diagonal line from the upper left-hand corner to the lower right-hand corner. From the vertical line on that side, run a rule horizontally until it strikes the diagonal line at the measure of the width desired—say five inches. Then the distance from the point to the top horizontal line will represent the depth which the picture will have when finished.

In spacing for a layout that requires a one-column "drop" below the lower line of the rest of the picture, be careful not to crowd this center column too much. The best plan is to figure always that a three-column space equals 6 1/8 inches. Allow 2 1/16 inches at least for both outside column spaces.