I’m Peter Stern a User Interface Designer for Microsoft - currently working for MSDN. In the past 5 years I’ve designed a lot of web applications, content management tools and various other software and systems. I also do a lot of concept work around future products and services – hardware, software, smart clients, mobile clients. I still enjoy designing the occasional t-shirt, or poster… it’s good for the soul.

I am often asked about my sketches. How are they made? Do I use a tablet? Is that my hand writing or a font?

I sketch a lot. I sketch because it’s the fastest way for me to communicate ideas, and because people respond so well to them. I think folks are surprised by something hand-made and “rough hewn”. The effect is intensified when I apply them to the latest technology. Like my hand-drawn playing cards in XAML.

I start with pen on paper, crazy I know, but it’s fast and I can do it anywhere.

After scanning them …I sometimes paint them digitally
http://petersterndesign.com/images/syndication.gif

Sometimes I just use markers (fancy, expensive markers)
http://petersterndesign.com/images/tech_articles_sm.jpg

I use a pen because it’s fast, but it’s not as fast when you need to manipulate a lot of text. So… I made a font from my handwriting for jobs like this: http://petersterndesign.com/images/library_tier1.jpg  It was a bit tedious to create, but has saved me lots o’ time.

I have traditionally used PhotoShop for a final rendering like this: http://petersterndesign.com/images/Lib_skinned.png  I'm starting to design using vectors (Illustrator) so I can generate XAML.

To see a real bad-ass with markers check out Chip Foose.