Icon Set Design
Project Details
Design a set of 5 icons. Think outside the box - Do not create the standard icon you see everyday.
What is an icon?
Icons are a universal, visual language and they are everywhere from websites, apps, signage, layouts to products, and more; They come in many styles, colors, and formate. An effective icon design conveys a large amount of information in a small, very concise space.
Process
Project Specs
Deliverables
CRITIQUE Jan 23 by 6:30p
SUBMIT Jan 30 by 6:30p
1. Save your file on the teachers station
2. Post to the Blog
3. Print final project on good quality paper at 8.5" x 11". And bring it to class for critique.
Project Details
Design a set of 5 icons. Think outside the box - Do not create the standard icon you see everyday.
What is an icon?
Icons are a universal, visual language and they are everywhere from websites, apps, signage, layouts to products, and more; They come in many styles, colors, and formate. An effective icon design conveys a large amount of information in a small, very concise space.
Process
- Define the design problem:
- What concept are you trying to communicate?
- Who is your target audience? How do you want them to feel when viewing your work? What should they take away?
- Research topic & collect information (gather reference images keeping track of all sources).
- Brainstorm ideas / conceptualize possible design solutions (thumbnails & sketching)
- Develop design solution:
- Break down images into their minimal, identifiable components.
- Design considerations:
- Use the composition using the Principles of Design and Elements of Composition as they relate to icon design.
- Must look good in black and white.
- Choose appropriate colors.
- Bring your idea into the software and begin your illustration.
- Technique matters - use as few anchor points as possible for each paths.
- Get feedback by presenting your ideas to others.
- In this course we will seek feedback throughout the entire design process.
- Improve your design.
- Submit.
Project Specs
- Dimensions: 256px x 256px
- Orientation: Square
- Color space: RGB (this project is meant to be viewed on screen)
- Software: Adobe Illustrator CC - keep all icons in on file, use artboards for each separate icon
- Organized native file with correctly named layers and artboards showing your variations
- Document all your reference image sources on your blog along with links to sources / bibliography info (put on blog)
- I am going to add a few more details here - things we spoke about on Tuesday in class
Deliverables
- Color laser print of your final project variation on glossy paper; be sure to print your name and date on the back.
- Native (.ai) and pdf file
CRITIQUE Jan 23 by 6:30p
- Come to class ready to present your project concepts - bring all your sketches
SUBMIT Jan 30 by 6:30p
1. Save your file on the teachers station
- Native file (.ai);
- must have all layers in tact
- must show all variations
- Label your files: YourLastName-P1-idiom-date.FileExt
Example: matusek-P1-idiom-illustration-180130.ai
2. Post to the Blog
- Image of your final project
- Artist statement for your piece. Remember to use design visual language. Should be about 1 paragraph in length.
3. Print final project on good quality paper at 8.5" x 11". And bring it to class for critique.