Sketches?

Being in college I am always told to “make sketches first”, “make 8 sketches”, and “SKETCH!!!!!!”.

I always dreaded those moments, not because I have a fear of paper, but because I really can’t think of a design when I’m staring at blank piece of paper. It just doesn’t “set the mood” for me.

I can see where sketching has it’s advantages..For example: when you have an 8 page pamphlet to design, it makes it easier to see what page will fold where.

Maybe I just don’t understand the concept of sketching out a design. I am a bit OCD, and having a sketch that has no shading, no colors, no depth, it really bothers me. If I am serious about a sketch, I spend way too much time on it.
If I were sketching out a website, I would end up handwriting in all the body type (even if it was Lorem Ipsum text).

So in class when I am told to sketch something, I whip out anything just to appease the teacher so I can jump on the computer and create what I am really feeling.

That’s why I can turn:

Into:

On paper, I just can’t imagine gradients and lighting effects and shadows, but once I get my hands on Photoshop (or Illustrator in this case), I can start playing with blending options and such.

Now, you may be the total opposite from me, this is because I am more of a “hands-on” type of person.
I find sketches to be a waste of time. I don’t see the point to spending time creating your ideas on paper, when you can get started on your project.
To me it’s like sitting around your presents on Christmas morning and spend 20 minutes trying to guess what’s inside when you can just tear it open and find out.

I would really like your opinions on sketches.. Do you find them to be pointless, or does it help you gather your thoughts for a better final project?

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