Jessica Hische — Sketch to Screen (SmashingConf NYC 2014)

In this talk, Jessica shared her design process, from initial sketch to polished vector art, explaining the tools, techniques and little fine rules of thumbs that she uses a lot when working on design projects. And Jessica was wearing Zeldman’s suit as well. No kidding.

https://twitter.com/marcthiele/status/479255580000137216

Transcript

1. Jessica Hische
   Sketch to Screen
   

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2. Lettering & Type Design
   

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3. Lettering & Type Design
   Custom one-off artwork
   Letterform-based systems
   

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4. “Scanner”
   Dux Pencil Sharpener
   Brush
   Ballpoint
   Pencil
   Pencil Extender
   Best Pencil Ever.
   Small Ruler
   Extra Eraser
   Pencil Case
   + Scanner Pro App
   

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5. Sketchbook 8 by 10 inches or larger
   

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6. Grid Paper / Lined Paper
   

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7. Hardware:
   Macbook Pro
   Cinema Display
   Wacom Intuos Medium Tablet*
   iPhone (“Scanner”)
   Laser Printer (1200dpi or higher)
   !
   !
   !
   I prefer a mouse / trackpad for vector
   drawing but my batteries are always
   dead so I’ve been using a Wacom.
   !
   Software:
   Adobe Illustrator
   Robofont*
   or Glyphs App
   or Fontlab Studio
   Scanner Pro (iPhone App)
   !
   !
   Robofont is my program of choice, but
   it’s quite expensive. Glyphs is a great
   less expensive option. Fontlab was the
   industry standard for a long time but
   most type designers are abandoning it.
   * *
   

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8. 1. Researching
   2. Brainstorming
   3. Thumbnail Sketching
   4. Sketching
   5. Vector Drawing
   reading + visual inspiration searching
   creating word association lists
   exploring lockup options
   first lightly, then refining
   from scratch using the pen tool
   Process
   

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9. 1. Researching
   2. Brainstorming
   3. Thumbnail Sketching
   4. Sketching
   5. Vector Drawing
   reading + visual inspiration searching
   Process
   

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11. 1. Researching
    2. Brainstorming
    3. Thumbnail Sketching
    4. Sketching
    5. Vector Drawing
    creating word association lists
    Process
    

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12. 1. Researching
    2. Brainstorming
    3. Thumbnail Sketching
    4. Sketching
    5. Vector Drawing
    exploring lockup options
    Process
    

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13. 1. Researching
    2. Brainstorming
    3. Thumbnail Sketching
    4. Sketching
    5. Vector Drawing
    first lightly, then refining
    Process
    

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15. 1. Researching
    2. Brainstorming
    3. Thumbnail Sketching
    4. Sketching
    5. Vector Drawing from scratch using the pen tool
    Process
    

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17. 1. Researching
    2. Brainstorming
    3. Thumbnail Sketching
    4. Sketching
    5. Vector Drawing
    reading + visual inspiration searching
    creating word association lists
    exploring lockup options
    first lightly, then refining
    from scratch using the pen tool
    Process
    

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21. Substance & Style
    in all you make
    Strive for
    

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22. Daily Drop Cap
    

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38. CLIENT: Masterfoods USA
    PRODUCT: Dove Singles Full Up Print - Headline 1 Std
    Size
    JOB#: P25017
    SPACE: Full Page 4/C
    BLEED: 8.25” x 11.25”
    TRIM: 7.75” x 10.5”
    SAFETY: 6.875” x 9.75”
    This advertisement was prepared by
    BBDO New York
    Fonts
    Helvetica Neue (45 Light, Regular)
    Graphic Name Color Space Eff. Res.
    Filename: P25017_MAR_DOC_V6.indd
    Proof #: 6 Path: Studio:Volumes:Studio:MECHANIC...
    0HFKDQLFDOV3B0$5B'2&B9LQGG࠙
    Operators: Santoro, Jonathan / Casanova, Joe
    Ink Names
    Cyan
    Magenta
    Created: 3-1-2012 4:37 PM
    Saved: 3-1-2012 4:37 PM
    Printed: 2-27-2012 1:49 PM
    Print Scale: 100%
    ®/TM trademarks ©Mars, Incorporated 2012
    www.facebook.com/dovechocolate
    Now there’s more silky smooth chocolate to
    love with our new DOVE® Chocolate Bar.
    S:6.875”
    S:9.75”
    T:7.75”
    T:10.5”
    B:8.25”
    B:11.25”
    CLIENT: Masterfoods USA
    PRODUCT: Dove Dark Chocolate Headline 2 - “Rich
    Delivious...” Std.
    JOB#: P25665
    This advertisement was prepared by
    BBDO New York
    Filename: P25665_MAR_DOC_V6.indd
    Proof #: 5 Path: Studio:Volumes:Studio:MECHANIC...
    0HFKDQLFDOV3B0$5B'2&B9LQGG࠙
    Operators: Santoro, Jonathan / Casanova, Joe
    Created: 4-20-2012 12:53 PM
    Saved: 4-23-2012 4:55 PM
    Printed: 4-11-2012 3:40 PM
    Print Scale: 100%
    There’s magic in the rich, silky smooth
    taste of DOVE® Dark Chocolate.
    ® / TM trademarks © Mars, Incorporated 2012
    www.facebook.com/dovechocolate
    Add to the magic on Facebook
    S:6.875”
    S:9.75”
    T:7.75”
    T:10.5”
    B:8.25”
    B:11.25”
    CLIENT: Masterfoods USA
    PRODUCT: Dove Dark Chocolate Headline 1 - “The Real
    Magic...” Std.
    This advertisement was prepared by
    BBDO New York
    Filename: P25664_MAR_DOC_V5.indd
    Proof #: 5 Path: Studio:Volumes:Studio:MECHANIC...
    0HFKDQLFDOV3B0$5B'2&B9LQGG࠙
    Operators: Santoro, Jonathan / Casanova, Joe
    Created: 4-23-2012 4:57 PM
    Saved: 4-23-2012 4:57 PM
    Printed: 4-11-2012 3:40 PM
    There’s magic in the rich, silky smooth
    taste of DOVE® Dark Chocolate.
    ® / TM trademarks © Mars, Incorporated 2012
    www.facebook.com/dovechocolate
    Add to the magic on Facebook
    S:6.875”
    S:9.75”
    T:7.75”
    T:10.5”
    B:8.25”
    B:11.25”
    

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47. lettering
    type design
    

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62. Substance & Style
    in all you make
    Strive for
    

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70. 1. Always assume you’re dehydrated.
    2. Take Vitamin D.
    3. Quit cracking your neck.
    4. Invest in a good toothbrush.
    5. Don’t eat mediocre bread or dessert.
    Practical Tips
    

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71. Thank You!
    @jessicahische
    

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