If you think you can draw good on MS Paint, then you can make design and architectural marvels in Google SketchUp 8! SketchUp is a free 3D modeling program created by Google for architectural, and mechanical engineers. Through its popularity and ease of use, SketchUp has been used by filmmakers, game developers, and design hobbyists.
SketchUp is available as a free or paid software. Both versions take advantage of the generous free templates donated by both Google and SkecthUp designers. Download and install it from
Google SketchUp
The screenshot below is running SketchUp Free v8.
Take note that it comes with predefined templates so that beginners can choose the type of 3d modeling and illustration that suits their project
The SketchUp menu is easily learned by following the online demonstration videos
SketchUp is best learned by doing simple drawings, text, and template “models”. A model is a pre-designed object (similar to clip-art pictures) that you can search and download from Google.
The picture above is a sample SketchUp project of an 8th grade student!
SketchUp’s easy to use design interface truly allows you to zoom, rotate and scale to any dimension. It also allows you to “pull/push” objects that you have drawn. This enables you to better manipulate and experiment with 3d objects that one can never visualize with simple 2d drawings.
Many free downloadable object models are available for use. It’s a simple matter of drag-drop-rotate to position objects in your model. Interior designers or just simple home users can create sophisticated 3d views of their furniture or design plan. This allows for limitless possibilities of interior design and arrangements.
SketchUp is a recognized design and modeling tool by Architects and Engineers.
SketchUp gives Architects and Engineers a very quick and adaptable tool for putting their design concepts to 3d life! This greatly improves the usual methods of drawing on plain paper and having to illustrate depth and texture through lines and obscure shading. With SketchUp all it takes is a quick and expert scaling and rotation of models, and it can be presented and understood best by clients.
SketchUp of course allows home users and design and art hobbyists to express their design ideas in 3d. This gives the best flexibility for digital design and creativity.
SketchUp is used in a variety of 3d programs and games!
The link below is just one of many avid SketchUp Professional Game Designers.
Robh Ruppel – Google SketchUp in Game Design :: Google SketchUp 3D Rendering Tutorials SketchUpArtists
Give SketchUp a try, convert your MS Paint doodles into SketchUp Masterpiece! Download SketchUp here:
Google SketchUp 
