Designing the Collection of Process Icons: Sketches

27 July 2010 Filed in: Creative Process, Icons

icon sketch, stamp of approval

Here are some sketches for the new set of icons I’m working on. This collection is called Process, and just as with my previous collections of desktop icons, I started off by asking you what kind of icons you need the most. The answer this time was that you need icons that indicate which stage of the process your important files and documents are in. You need to know at a glance where your sketches and drafts are, what’s overdue or urgent, what needs to be done today and which one is the final and approved version. So here we go…

The creative process starts by sketching the basic shape that creates an identity for the icon. A clear and distinct silhouette helps the user to quickly and easily find what they’re looking for. When I start designing the icons, I think about giving each icon a distinctive look that stands out on the desktop. Striving for a simple solution, less is more. [To be continued... ]

Process icon collection, sketches of lock, calendar and moleskine

Tags: creative process, design, ink, Process Icons, sketch

18 Comments →

AG Ambroult permalink

I really like seeing the beginnings of those icons! The stamp of approval is clever :)

There’s something about the loose line of those sketches I am attracted to. I guess that holds true for sketching with pencil on paper too. The loose non-committal aspect of it.
AG Ambroult recently posted..Seeing the Forest

Reply
Deb permalink

I love seeing these evolve. I’m really drawn to your process, as it helps me understand how I could use these In my work.

Reply
Patsy Kay Kolesar permalink

So great to hear about your process. Easy organization is soooooo helpful for people like me. Love the moleskin, would totally put all of my “ideas” in there.

Reply
Mau permalink

Love the Moleskine! They’re looking great Kate. I never thought of a lock icon which to me symbolizes “this is DONE!”

Greetings from Vancouver, BC

Reply
Kate permalink

Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I can’t tell you how helpful it is for me to get your imaginative and supportive feedback during the design process!
Kate recently posted..Designing the Collection of Process Icons- Sketches

Reply
Rebecca Stees permalink

Looking forward to seeing the next step!
I’ve been teaching my campers how to shade.
Rebecca Stees recently posted..Better Business Blogging Circle

Reply
jacqueline permalink

Dearest kate, i always love seeing sketches of artist work!! Loving that approval stamp lots! I can’t wait to see what is the next step!! Thanks so much for sharing. Have a lovely merry happy day and love to yoU!
jacqueline recently posted..pardon me

Reply
Mousy Brown permalink

I always love to see your process – I am always so inspired to tackle my desktop (an area of fear to me!) you make it all seem so simple! :D
Mousy Brown recently posted..Holiday Album – 1563 marbles

Reply
Tracy permalink

Very fun this behind the scenes of your creative process, Kate… I like your simple, elegant approach! :o) Happy Weekend ((HUGS)) Oh, I’m having some giveaway fun… stop by if you get a chance…
Tracy recently posted..CLOSING SALE and a GIVEAWAY!

Reply
kerri permalink

love hearing about your process, too! :)

and in answer to your question about the daily song writing- i do hope to keep up the good habit i’m in, altho when this is over, i’ll obviously devote a lot more of that time to editing which i’m not having time to do at all at this point. but yes, my head feels better to be spitting this out so regularly-

Reply
Brandi permalink

This process is fascinating to me! I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Brandi recently posted..Week 29 – Originality

Reply
Dee permalink

I am always looking for ways to organize my desktop – these look awesome! Can’t wait to see the finished products!
Dee recently posted..August 16

Reply