Freehand tactile graphics can be very useful in illustrating a concept quickly.
How to make freehand graphics
Some of the techniques you might use are:
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German film - a plastic film you can draw on with a stylus or pen. When pressure is applied from the stylus, the film creases to leave a raised line. Textures and lines can also be added with a spur wheel. It works best on a soft surface like a mouse mat.
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Heavy aluminium foil - can be etched with a stylus to form a graphic or to use as a thermoform master. Again, work with your foil on a soft surface, and remember, you are working on the back of the design so will have to draw in reverse.
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Heat pen - a special pen with a heated tip allows you to draw directly on to swell paper and see results without the need for a fuser. Some heat pens have battery packs which make their use even more flexible.
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Craft - beads, string, wire, card, balsa wood, wallpaper, sandpaper, most craft materials can be used to make a tactile image or collage. You can add labels using a braille DYMO or a Perkins brailler.
Advantages
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Easy to draw, getting immediate results
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Good for lines and basic shapes
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Relatively inexpensive
Disadvantages
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Not easily reproducible in bulk
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Typically not durable
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Difficult to create complex images
Where to buy materials and equipment
If you would like someone else to produce your tactile graphics for you, to find out about RNIB's transcription services please contact our Helpline (0303 123 9999 / helpline@rnib.org.uk).