High school Design and Technology students are often required to understand, interpret, and draw in isometric, including isometric circles, arcs, and other curves. This article provides an introduction to isometric to help students excel.
Isometric is:
- A pictorial (three-dimensional) drawing method;
- Uses either 30° or vertical lines;
- All lengths (except those at unusual angles) are drawn using true lengths;
- Circles appear as an ellipse, and have a special drawing method (shown below).
How to draw an isometric circle
- Draw an isometric square of side lengths equal to the diameter of the circle;
- Find the centre point by drawing the diagonals;
- Draw in the centre lines (these should be drawn long dash-short dash, unlike in the example);
- Draw the ‘star’ lines (note: these have only been partially drawn in the example);
- Draw the small arcs;
- Draw the big arcs.
How to draw an isometric circle by plotting points
Amiria has a Bachelor of Architectural Studies, Bachelor of Architecture (First Class Honours) and a Graduate Diploma of Teaching. She is a CIE Accredited Art & Design and Design & Technology Coursework Assessor. Amiria now teaches Art, Design & Technology at ACG Parnell College.