So…you want to be an icon designer. You want to put sophisticated ideas into simple icons. Help lonely wanderers find their way through the jungles of the internet. Be able to talk to every person, regardless of the language they speak. And, of course, help foreigners find a toilet when they need it the most!
But you still question yourselves “Do I have what it takes?” Am I right?
Well, let me tell you. Yes, you do!
I strongly believe that a person can be absolutely anything and anyone they want. Yes, for some people it would be much easier, while others will struggle to get what they want, but in the end if you are committed to something, if you practice, you will become a real expert in your field. You know what they say – practice makes perfect!
So you want to create kick ass icons, huh? Get ready to try, fail and then try again until your icons are impeccable. To help you get there I’ve got some useful tips prepared for you. Jump in!
1. Pay attention to details
Great icon designers pay attention to each and every small detail. If you want to become one, you must too.
There is no such thing as an insignificant detail when it comes to small icons that carry big messages. Everything must be perfect, and everything matters. Period.
With every single line or curve you can either make a message clearer or completely ruin it. I bet that’s not what you aim to, right? Be patient and take this piece of advice seriously.
2. Choose the right symbol
Like thinking before you speak and choosing the right words to express your thoughts, you have to learn how to deliver a complex message in a simple small icon. Everybody should understand what your icon is supposed to say at first glance.
When you don’t know the meaning of a word you look it up in a dictionary. The same works for icons. Not sure which symbol can best deliver your message? Google it! Make use of people learning the meaning of icons.
Let’s go to basics for an example: Everybody knows that a floppy disk means ‘Save’, and a gear-wheel stands for ‘Settings’. These icons have sunk into our minds so deeply, that even those who have no idea what a floppy disk is — yes, there are people who don’t know it — still know what these symbols are about.
People may not know the origin, but they do know the meaning. So you’d better not confuse them by using symbols they don’t expect to see and stick to the good oldclassics. Even when it makes no sense in the modern world.
3. Less is more
Always. Remember that simplicity is the key when it comes to the icon design.
Icons should never be overdesigned. They must be as simple as possible to deliver the message properly. But at the same time they should be eye-catching and have a personality.
If there is anything you can remove from the icon to make it simpler,yet it will still have a clear meaning, then remove it.
Always keep in mind: “Perfection is achieved not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”. Antoine de Saint-Exupery
4. Focus on the main features of your object
Highlighting the key elements is as important as simplifying the icon. Think of what makes an object what it is. Sometimes to figure it out you’ll have to get to its core, find and pull out its key characteristics. But it will be worth it.
5. NEVER STOP LEARNING!
This is without a shadow of a doubt the most important one. I even had to caps lock it to point out how crucial it is. Always keep learning.
Get out of your comfort zone, never stay at one place and try something new every day. Don’t be afraid of not knowing and, more importantly, of asking.
Subscribe to the best design blogs and read at least few articles with your morning coffee or before bed.
If something in the designing process bugs you, don’t ignore it. If you can’t get that one sharp curve, don’t give up until it is pixel perfect. Strive for more, experiment with different techniques, ask fellow designers for help. Be curious!
That’s it for today. Hope you all will have a great and productive week full of new ideas and fantastic icons!
Stay awesome, space cadets!
