Why grids help
Grids give your eyes stable reference points. Without anchors, attention drifts to the line itself and small corrections accumulate as drift and wobble. With grid rails, you judge the relationship between the stroke and space—not just the stroke—so roundness and centering stay honest.
Setup: spacing and visibility
In our app, grid spacing of ~50 px works well on most screens. The lines should be visible but subtle; high‑contrast grids can distract. If you prefer, dim the lines and increase their spacing for large‑radius sets.
Three rail methods
- Axis rails. Treat the vertical and horizontal lines through the center as rails. Cross them at equal distances from the golden dot.
- Quadrant rails. Imagine rails at 45° diagonals. Pass each rail at the same radius; this discourages speed spikes.
- Intersection targets. Pre‑select 8–12 intersections around your circle and aim for consistent spacing when you pass them.
Drills (6–8 minutes)
- Axis Crossings (2–3 min). Medium radius, 2.5s tempo. Focus on equal spacing over the four axes.
- Diagonal Passes (2–3 min). Add the 45° rails; say the quadrants aloud to stabilize pacing.
- Intersection Lap (2 min). Hit 8–12 planned intersections with even spacing; log centering.
A one‑week plan
Days 1–2: Axis Crossings + Intersection Lap (10–12 minutes). Identify your best radius.
Days 3–4: Diagonal Passes + Closure Blend. Maintain the grid while practicing seamless ends (Closure Techniques).
Days 5–7: Mixed Radius with grids on; alternate directions. Compare to grids‑off results to ensure the skill transfers.
FAQ
Should I practice with the grid off?
Yes—alternate days. The grid teaches your eye; taking it away tests retention.
Does the grid slow me down?
A bit at first. Once pacing stabilizes, roundness improvements outweigh the small speed cost. See Speed vs Accuracy.