Art Made Simple: Create a Grid Screen for Perfect Proportions

What This Project Is About?

Have you ever tried to copy or enlarge a picture using the grid method?

Normally, you draw small squares on your paper and your reference photo. Then, you copy one square at a time to keep the proportions right.

But there’s a problem — after finishing your drawing, you have to erase all those grid lines, and that can spoil your artwork.

This project solves that!

We’ll make a reusable grid screen that you can place on top of your drawing paper. It helps you draw with perfect proportions — without marking your paper.

You can make it in two ways:

Using cardboard and string, or
By 3D printing a plastic grid frame.

Step 1: Materials

A piece of 1.1 mm cardboard
Glue
Small nails or pins
String or thread
A wooden board (as a base for building the grid)
A sheet of graph paper
3D printed grid frame (if you have access to a 3D printer)

Step 2: Make Using Cardboard

Step 1: Set Up the Base Grid

Stick your graph paper firmly onto the wooden board.
Mark all the points where the grid lines cross.
Hammer small nails or push pins at these points — these will hold the string.
Take a long piece of string and tie it between the nails horizontally.
Then add vertical strings the same way, forming a net-like pattern.
Apply glue gently on the strings to make them firm and hold their shape.
When the glue dries, remove the strings carefully from the nails — now you have a flat grid made of string.
Cut out a window or square shape in your cardboard (this will act as a frame).
Stick the glued string grid to this frame.
Trim off any extra string on the edges.
You can make two identical grids if you want — one for your reference image and one for your drawing pape

Step 3: 3D Printed Grid

If you have a 3D printer, you can print the grid instead of using string.

Use the STL or GCODE files provided (or design your own simple grid).
Suggested print settings:
Layer height: 0.2 mm
Wall thickness: 1 mm
Print speed: about 70 mm/s
Print two grids — one for your reference picture and one for your drawing paper

Step 4: How to Use the Grid Screen

Place one grid over your reference image.
Place the other grid over your drawing paper.
Make sure both grids are aligned (so each square matches perfectly).
Now, copy the contents of each square one by one.

You’ll notice how easy it becomes to get the correct shapes and proportions — and when you finish, just remove the grid! No erasing required.

Step 5: Results and Benefits

lean artwork: No grid lines to erase.

Reusable: You can use the same grid again and again.

Good for students: Helps beginners learn accurate drawing.

Fun and creative: Combines art, craft, and 3D printing.

Step 6: Tips for Better Results

Keep your grid frame flat and clean.
Use transparent plastic or acrylic if you want to see the paper clearly.
Align the grid edges with your paper corners to keep proportions correct.
Label the grid squares (A1, A2, etc.) if needed for more accuracy.

Step 7: Conclusion

The Grid Drawing Screen is a smart and simple art tool that makes drawing much easier.

It’s a great project for art students, makers, and teachers — combining traditional drawing skills with hands-on creativity using 3D printing or simple materials.

Introduction: Art Made Simple: Create a Grid Screen for Perfect Proportions