Objective

Create black-and-white, step-by-step diagrams of four different knots. The goal was to make each one easy to follow and recreate using only visuals, without any written instructions.

My Role

Chose and tied the knots
Sketched each step by hand
Filmed the tying process for reference
Vectorized the diagrams in Illustrator
Designed the final page layout and title

Creative Process

1. Picking the Knots and Filming
I chose the bowline, figure eight, tautline hitch, and sheepshank. To really understand how each one worked, I recorded myself tying them. Watching the footage back in slow motion helped me break the movements into clear, visual steps.

2. Sketching the Steps
I worked through each knot in my sketchbook, drawing each move like a frame in a video. The hardest part was figuring out how to show depth and movement without overcomplicating the lines.

3. Going Digital
Once I had the sketches figured out, I redrew everything in Illustrator using the Pen tool. I made sure all four knots followed the same visual system so they’d feel like part of one set.

4. Laying It All Out
After the illustrations were done, I played around with layout ideas on a 13" x 19" page. I tried to give each knot enough breathing room while still creating some rhythm across the full design. I added a simple title that tied everything together without giving too much away.

Results

This project pushed me to slow down and really study motion. I had to be intentional with every line to make sure the steps made sense on their own. It was part design, part problem-solving, and definitely made me think more visually. The final result feels clear and approachable, even without any text.

Conclusion

Learning how to communicate through visuals alone challenged the way I usually think about design. It made me pay attention to the small details that make or break clarity, and it reminded me that sometimes less really is more.

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