Home›Lessons›How to Draw Vintage Suitcase

How to Draw a Vintage Suitcase: 20-Minute Step-by-Step Guide

This 20-minute intermediate drawing exercise teaches you how to sketch vintage suitcase from scratch while practising perspective. Follow the 5 steps below, reference the sample sketch, and use the self-evaluation checklist at the end to measure your progress.

⭐ Intermediate🎯 Perspective⏱ 20 min★★★☆☆📅 October 17, 2026
Reference pencil sketch demonstrating how to draw a vintage suitcase

Reference sketch: Vintage Suitcase demonstrating perspective.

What you'll learn

Drawing a vintage suitcase allows practice with two-point perspective due to its box-like shape and angled surfaces. It's a great exercise for visualizing vanishing points and understanding how lines converge on the horizon.

What you'll need

✏️ Pencil (HB or 2B)🩹 Eraser📄 Paper or sketchbook⏱ 20 minutes of focus

Step-by-step: how to draw vintage suitcase

1

Start by lightly sketching the horizon line and two vanishing points far apart.

2

Draw the suitcase's front face, using vertical and horizontal lines.

3

Connect the corners of the front face to the vanishing points to outline the basic shape.

4

Add details like handles, latches, and decorative elements, ensuring lines align to the perspective.

5

Refine your sketch with shading to emphasize the suitcase's form and texture.

Before you start: what to look at

Look at how the suitcase's corners create an illusion of depth, observe how the top and side edges angle towards vanishing points. Notice details like grooves, seams, and where light casts shadows.

Pro tips for drawing vintage suitcase

—Use a ruler for cleaner perspective lines if you're still getting used to freehand.
—Observe real luggage to understand how light affects the surface and edges.
—Keep lines light initially so you can adjust as you refine the perspective.
—Consider the suitcase's age and wear, adding texture with light cross-hatching.

Common mistakes drawing vintage suitcase

—Forgetting to use the vanishing points, causing skewed perspectives.
—Misplacing details like handles or latches, which should also follow perspective lines.
—Ignoring the suitcase's proportions, leading to a distorted look.

Self-evaluation checklist

Check if all lines converge consistently towards their vanishing points and if the proportions remain believable. Ensure details like handles and latches follow the perspective lines.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose where to place my vanishing points?

The vanishing points should be far apart to allow a realistic convergence of lines. If you're working on a small paper, place them near the edges to maintain perspective.

What should I focus on when adding details like latches and handles?

Ensure these elements follow the established perspective lines. Draw them lightly at first to adjust their angles and placement for accuracy.

How can I ensure my shading enhances the perspective?

Use shading to emphasize depth and form. Shade areas further from the light source more heavily to enhance the three-dimensional look.


Get a new drawing lesson delivered to your inbox every morning, free.

Subscribe to Draw Daily →