Last Updated: May 6, 2026
SETUP & BASE CONSTRUCTION
Overview
In this video, you will learn a step-by-step process for building 2D views as you move from one artboard to the next, creating version 1.0 and then 1.1. Because there are no 2D layouts in place yet, we begin from scratch using the technical sketch anatomy and establish the primary symbol layers: line art, threads, shadows, and base.
You will see how to duplicate the master artboard, assign pink to the front view and teal to the back view to keep them clearly organized, work from the bottom up to build a logical structure, and remove any unnecessary ear pieces to simplify the design. We also cover how to size the base to a maximum height of 35 in and how to separate the front and back lining and panel fills so each area is easy to edit and refine later.
STEP-by-STep guide
1. Duplicate the current artboard and set up the new version 0:00
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Start by duplicating the existing artboard so you can work in a new version without overwriting the original.
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In this example, the file is being moved from version 1.0 to 1.1.
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The goal is to break the work into small, easy-to-review steps so each phase can be revisited later.
2. Confirm what assets already exist and what needs to be created 0:48
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The 3D work has already been completed and handed off.
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If 2D assets already exist, reuse them.
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If they do not exist, create the 2Ds from scratch.
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Any needed reference images, photos, or files should come from the deliverables folder under 2Ds.
3. Understand the structure of the technical sketch 3:03
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The technical sketch is built from a primary symbol plus separate front and back components.
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Each side is made from four layers/symbols:
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Line art
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Threads
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Shadows
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Base
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These layers must align correctly to form the final reversible garment view.
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The base sits at the bottom, with line art and threads layered above it.
4. Work bottom-up, but build the front first for clarity 4:45
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The process is explained as bottom-up for teaching purposes.
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In practice, the front is built first because it can be copied to the back later.
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The layer order being set up here is:
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Technical Sketch | 2D | 01 | Front | 4 | Base
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2D | Line Art | Front
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2D | Line Art | Front | Threads
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2D | Line Art | Front | Shadows
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2D | Panel | Front
- 2D | Panel | Front | Collar
- 2D | Panel | Front | Collar | Outside
- 2D | Panel | Back | Collar | Inside
- 2D | Panel | Back
- 2D | Panel | Back | Lining | Shadow
- 2D | Panel | Back
- 2D | Panel | Front | Piping
- 2D | Panel | Front | Piping | R
- 2D | Panel | Front | Piping | L
- 2D | Panel | Front | Bottom Binding
- 2D | Panel | Front | Sleeves
- 2D | Panel | Front | Sleeve | R
- 2D | Panel | Front | Sleeve | L
- 2D | Panel | Front
- 2D | Panel | Front | Base
- 2D | Panel | Front | Collar
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Technical Sketch | 2D | 02 | Back | 4 | Base
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2D | Line Art | Back
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2D | Line Art | Back | Threads
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2D | Line Art | Back | Shadows
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2D | Panels | Back
- 2D | Panel | Back | Collar | Outside
- 2D | Panel | Back | Piping
- 2D | Panel | Back | Piping | R
- 2D | Panel | Back | Piping | L
- 2D | Panel | Back | Bottom Binding
- 2D | Panel | Back | Sleeve
- 2D | Panel | Back | Sleeve | R
- 2D | Panel | Back | Sleeve | L
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- 2D | Panel | Back
- 2D | Panel | Back | Base
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5. Pull in the existing Adult Large symbols and base pieces 6:15
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Since the Adult Large already exists in the 3D panel, there is no need to pull it again from the master file.
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Open the Base symbol and use the existing Adult Large base pieces.
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Because this is a reversible garment, the front and back can be overlaid to create the final look.
6. Set up front and back base colors 7:13
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Paste the front panel into the base and assign it the front color.
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The front panel is always pink.
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The back panel is always teal.
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Copy the Adult Large back panel and paste it into the back base area.
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This color coding helps distinguish front vs. back during setup.
7. Build from the base layer and keep a clean base piece 8:18
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Start in the front base and work from there.
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Turn on the technical sketch line art and base layers.
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Begin with the line art, then move into the base colors.
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Even if the garment is broken into more detailed pieces later, keep a full base piece available in case a mesh overlay or other adjustment is needed.
8. Remove unnecessary placeholder pieces 10:51
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Delete the extra placeholder pieces referred to as ears.
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Do this for both the front and back sides.
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The goal is to keep only the pieces needed for the reversible base setup.
9. Align the back panel and verify sizing limits 12:16
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Move the back panel into position and align it with the front.
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Make sure the back is brought behind the front and colored teal.
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Check the maximum size requirement: 35.
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Resize the base pieces so both front and back fit within that limit.
10. Add the reversible garment structure and divide the pieces 14:22
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The front and back together should read more like a jersey or reversible garment.
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Some garment types support this better than others, but the focus here is on the front setup.
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Create a divide for the back lining and related pieces.
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Copy the needed pieces so the fills are separated correctly.
11. Organize the final front and back groups 17:09
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Pull the pieces out so they are easier to see and manage.
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Group the back panel and label it as the back base.
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Group the front panel and place the related pieces into the front group.
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This makes the structure much easier to understand and edit later.
12. Apply the lining shadow and prepare for line art 18:47
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Click the lining shadow layer to create the shadow effect.
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Confirm the back panel is in place as the reversible side color.
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Keep the front side organized separately.
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Once the base structure is set, the next step is to create the line art, which will be covered in the next video.