Designing the Collection of Process Icons: Look and Feel
Icon design process. From sketch to basic shapes
When I’m happy with the sketches for the icons, I launch Adobe Illustrator and start blocking out the icons, drawing simple, clean vector shapes using my pen tablet. I’m designing the Collection of Process Icons in the same style that was established for the first three collections of desktop icons. In this unique design project, everything from the icon concept to the simple and elegant style is based on feedback from you. The look and feel for Process Icons uses the same set of perspectives with simple, uncluttered shapes that are easy to distinguish and find on your desktop. The style is based around a rich colour palette and elegant, natural textures.
Icon design process. Adding details, colour, shading and light
Once I’ve blocked in the basic shapes, I start adding details and colours, next shading and last highlights. In this example with the alarm clock you’ll notice the same palette of reds as in the icon with the Cookery Book, the same greys as in the Gear icon and the same soft cream as in the Shoebox icon. Using the same style consistently, ensures that all the icons fit together and that you can mix and match the different collections to suit your needs.
And in case you were wondering about the dotted lines across these images, yes they are the watermarks I designed for these icon previews to at least make it more difficult for people who want to steal images. [To be continued... ]
Did you miss the other parts of this series?
- Part One: Designing the Collection of Process Icons: Sketches
- Part Two: Designing the Collection of Process Icons: A Vintage Touch
- Part Three: Designing the Collection of Process Icons: Indicating Time
Related Posts
- Designing the Collection of Process Icons: Indicating Time
- Designing the Collection of Process Icons: Sketches
- Designing the Collection of Process Icons: A Vintage Touch
- Win a Collection of Beautiful and Exceptionally Useful Icons!
- Why You Can Be More Productive Using Icons (So You Can Spend Less Time Working)
Tags: colour, creative process, design, focus, getting organized, ink, productivity, sketch
The red clock is wonderful! I love seeing the “before” and “after”, all the little steps in the progress from line drawing to shiny finished clock. Your behind-the-scenes is always a huge interest–I love how you share the creative process. :o) Happy Day ((HUGS))
Tracy recently posted..Happy Eating and The Blog Cafe
amazing, the transformation from sketch to final product. Your completed icons demonstrate EXACTLY what I was trying to say in my “value” lesson, about highlights and shading, and how they really bring a form to life. And the colors are so rich! I really love the style of your icons, and that you put such thought into details, like using similar colors, so the icons will relate to each other.
AG Ambroult recently posted..Beginner Drawing Lessons- Part II
Dearest sweet Kate, i am LOVING and enjoying your working process!! Oh and i LOVE LOVE this icon lots and the colors are gorgeous!! The red with that wonderful background color of that clock face is wonderful! Thanks so much for sharing! Have a lovely merry happy day and love to you!
jacqueline recently posted..for the love of pretty blooms
That looks great – I really enjoy seeing the step-by-step metamorphosis. I also like the sketches you have been posting, but I can see how they would probably not work well as icons, which is a shame.
Great color and shapes!
I’m now so curious about the cliffhanger…… am interested to hear the next part of your icon story
Rebecca Stees recently posted..Better Business Blogging Circle
Hej !
Jag gillar både iden med klockan, sen är den också j… snygg !
Den vill jag ha ! Patrik