Have you ever tried to design an icon? Do you struggle with this task? Don’t worry, you’re not alone! Many designers are unhappy with their icons because the process of designing them can be time-consuming and at times difficult to do. But there are some things that can help you make it easier! In this article, we will discuss how to make your icon design process as simple as possible and give you several tips and tricks on how to improve your design skills along the way. Let’s get started!
The first steps
It’s advisable to find a UI/UX design company with previous experience in graphic designing.The advantage of these is that they offer you a large pool of designers who compete for each project. This way, you will get your work done at an affordable price. But remember that when hiring a professional, do not be afraid to ask him questions about their previous experience and portfolio as well as make sure you fully understand what you will receive for every invested dollar before hiring him.
The structure of an icon
All icon designers work with a similar set of elements, or structures:
Lines: Icon lines can be straight or curved. Curved lines are best for signifying an object’s movement and action, while straight lines are more static and appropriate for depicting objects that don’t move.
Color: It may seem obvious, but color is a key element in any icon. Icons rely on color not only to communicate meaning but also to attract and engage users.
Where to find inspiration?
Sites like Dribbble and Behance are excellent for finding cutting-edge icon designers. You can also look at sites that collect work from professional graphic designers and illustrators, or follow up with a quick Google search for illustrations or graphic design. These are all good places to start looking for inspiration—but remember, you want to set yourself apart from everyone else on these sites.
Which colors look great together?
Designing a logo is really about choosing your colors and then making sure that they’re working well together. First, you should decide which three colors will be used for your logo. Choose one primary color (usually comes out of your business name), one accent color, and one neutral color.
Icon arrangements and layering
Arranging your icons can become quite complicated, but just remember: as long as there is a clearly defined foreground and background with clear lines of focus, it will be easy for your user to understand. Icons should almost always be grouped together based on color, similar objects or a theme. You can use simple shapes like circles and squares or more complex arrangements that resemble real-life objects.
Animation and movement
Animated and moving icon packs might seem a bit hokey at first, but it’s actually quite practical. Consider their use for social media and mobile apps, since those platforms often lend themselves well to fun visuals. Having said that, your animated or moving icon pack could be anything you can imagine from a cartoon-style set of characters to a series of objects demonstrating a specific action. That’s up to you!
Why tech developers prefer flat design?
The most evident explanation is that flat design – meaning simple, minimalistic, and intuitive designs – provide customers with a more enjoyable experience. It’s more effective than illustrative designs when it comes to highlighting app functionality and improving user interaction. In short, technology is evolving as users are constantly seeking more convenient and user-friendly interfaces. In general, flat design is just easier on everyone’s eyes. That’s something designers have been working towards for years: finding simplicity in any visual representation of information.
Conclusion
It is undeniable that icons are an essential part of our digital lives. The moment that a concept moves from physical to virtual, we immediately take it for granted that some form of icon will follow. It’s become a well-established part of how we communicate through images, as well as our (un)conscious need for visual recognition and communication. From street signs to menus, they provide important support as we navigate our way through information overload.
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