Icon Appreciation Month - Activity #5 - Question & Answers Session

[raiindust]

Comments

[longerthanwedo]

I look for the colorful ones too, generally. But really the ones I vote for are those where the color is uniform, where the coloring of the subject matches/compliments the color of the background, and where the coloring doesn't deteriorate the quality of the cap.

[misskitty373]

I was just about to ask a similar question!
I know that my criteria has changed over time, I used to look for the most unique colouring, then I started looking for the best kind of contrast, and lately I've been picking out more natural/earthy coloured icons.

I guess you kind of have to base your vote on personal preference because it's a very subjective thing, and that's why it's important to have lots of people vote, so that majority wins.

Or else, you could look for what you think works well in relation to the rest of the icon; eg. if it's like, an image capturing a tender moment, would it be more suitable to use a subtle soft colouring rather than something vibrant and out there? But that can be a matter of opinion too ;P

[firstillusion]

I generally think of it as 'best use of color' and approach it from that angle. So I look not for the most colorful but the icons where color has been used the best way. For example, someone has used a light effect to bring depth into hair or someone has a black and white icon with a splash of color that is really interesting.

It is true that the colorful ones often draw my attention and are often the ones that I vote for but it's not the way I approach the voting.

[raiindust]

I'm all about whether the color of the icon really compliments the mood/feel of the icon. Which doesn't necessarily mean that all the colors need to compliment one another. If the colors clash completely, but the image is of a crazy or loud or off the wall moment, then it might get my vote. It's really about how well the color compliments the icon, especially if I think the icon maker has been going for (and achieved) a certain mood or feel.

[furriboots]

I think it depends on the contest. If it is a stock contest, especially where quite a few of the icons have distinct colouring, then I would look for the icon that I has good colouring and is pleasing to the eye. It may not be the brightest or richest colouring of all the icons but the overall colouring would be balanced and make the composition work. I would not choose a neon icon just because the colouring was the most extreme, not unless the colouring really worked with the subject matter too.

If the contest is fandom based (where the icons have people in them) then I am more concerned about skin tone in relation to the rest of the icon. If the skin tone is relatively realistic then I would tend to be drawn to the icon with the most striking coloured background that compliments the central figure.

[library_of_sex]

I've honestly never stopped to think about what I consider when I pick something for best coloring. I probably tend to vote for bright, vibrant pieces, but sometimes, something looks really elegant and gorgeous when it conveys a quiet emotion through muted coloring.