Orin’s Ruler Lock
Drawing a straight line sounds simple.
Place ruler. Draw line. Done.
Unfortunately, this is how lines begin in one place, wobble through the middle, and up somewhere silly.
Orin finds this unacceptable.
The Ruler Lock is a simple method for drawing a clean line between two points. Not almost between them. Not near them. Exactly between them.
Orin’s Ruler Rule
A ruler is not just placed on the page and hoped for.
First, anchor the pencil. Then align the ruler. Then test the path. Then draw.
Hope is pleasant. Accuracy is better.
Steps
Identify Your Points
Clearly locate the two points you want to use to draw your straight line.
Anchor the Ruler
Place the pencil point exactly on the first point. Press the ruler firmly against the pencil point. This anchors the start of the line.
Do not draw yet. Just hold the pencil there.
Position the Ruler
With one point anchored, pivot the ruler and line its edge up with the second point.
Test Before You Draw
Without pressing hard, move your pencil along the ruler edge from A towards B.
Check that the pencil arrives exactly at the point.
Draw the Line
If you're happy, hold the ruler firmly still. Now draw the line.
Lightly. Carefully. Calmly.
Remember
Anchor first. Align second. Test third. Draw last.
Zia tried it once and nodded.
“That really works!”
Practise It
Draw more pairs of points across the page.
Some can be close together. Some can be far apart. Each time, use the same method:
Anchor. Align. Test. Draw.
After a while, your hand will begin to remember the movement.
Orin approves of this.
Quietly, of course.