Behind the Work: Design Tools
I wanted to share a little bit about the tools that I use. I choose mostly good quality, elegant, and comfortable tools.
Sketching
Starting off with sketching, I love using my MUJI Low Center Gravity Mechanical Pencil. The pencil feels light and comfortable to hold. The little window at the top also shows the strength of the lead. I like using their colourful pens as well. I sketch a lot and just having the right tools that I like helps me focus on coming up with ideas.
Fineliners
Sometimes instead of using a pencil, I like to use fineliners for sketching or outlining. When I’m not sketching, I’m outlining my drawings to prepare them for colouring. My favourite ones are the Sakura Pigma Microns, specifically the 0.05 ones. Thinner lines make the artwork look softer and nicer.
Markers
I like to use markers to highlight interactions on my interface sketches. I also use them for colouring my artwork. I must say Copic markers are my favourite. They are soft and can give off the same look as watercolours. They blend very well too when you have the right colours.
Sketchbook
When it comes to sketchbooks, I have tons of them. I don’t know why but I like to keep my work organized and I have a sketchbook for different types of work. The one I enjoy using and taking around with me is definitely my Moleskine notebook. I just love the brand and how it encourages people to create their own “book” and story by drawing and writing in it. The paper is also very nice. The notebook is my outlet for all my ideas and inspirations.
Tablet
If I need to draw digitally, I make use of my Wacom Bamboo tablet (probably need an upgrade by now). I also use my Surface Pro 4 to sketch on my touchscreen with the pen.
Design Software
Going into my digital tools, I definitely use Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator heavily. I use Photoshop to draw and edit my photos and work. I use Illustrator for vector art such as icons and illustrations as well as digital designs. InDesign is usually for print designs and interfaces when working in a team. I have started practicing Sketch which I can only use on my MacBook. I use both Windows laptop and MacBook. I believe it is good to know both and be aware of the similarities and differences.