Zephyr Article #1- It's all in the Story
I've only been making icons for three months, and I've managed to soak up a great deal of knowledge from iconic greats that continue to help me. I can say that I'm finally satisfied with the finished products, and I've taken note of how much better they have become. But of course it wasn't always that way, and sometimes it isn't way now.
I remember, after years of admiring icon design, I decided to try my hand at it. I was under the delusion that it was easier than it seems, and that each one was going to come out a work of art. ANT...WRONG ANSWER. I found some pictures that I adored, opened up Photoshop for the the first time, and thought, "Okay, well how the hell am I gonna do this now?" It was like everything I would try to create was wrong, my coloring: dull, and never mind about text. Then I found icon_tutorial , and this really helped. Once you do a couple or hundreds of these, you'll grasp a better since of Photoshop, as it's a language all its own.
So, that was my own little soapbox about how I got started, lol. Not that my icons are all that great, but it clears up alot of mystery, lol. The graphic artists that I love, I still look at them as if they have the magic touch, and no matter what they create it just oozes artistic genious. So its great to actually talk to those you love, and have them come out with their own insecurities, even if you look at them afterwards, disbelieving what they say, lol.
**Heres where the actual point starts, lol**
(note: this article is not a tutorial, it just give some tips and ispiration. It's for people who might be a little blocked, or who are just starting out, or both. I know, I'm like this most of the time, lol. But if you are established, I hope its inspirational to you, lol.)
So, how I approach icon making, is to think about the story I'm trying to tell, or the theme I'm trying to portray. One picture can many times portray hundreds of different themes, and its all up to your unique eye to bring out what you want shown. Once you've figured out what theme you want, now its time to bring it out further with colorings and textures, if need be. I've grouped the different icon types (I've seen) into categories:
Dreamscapes: These icons capitalize on making the ordinary extraordinary. They could have a foggy, clouded tones, and/or pastel/ light/golden coloring, light textures, and if text is used, the coloring tends to liken unto the overall coloring of the icon. Alot of them are light and airy, simplistic, etc. Makers that specialize in these types of icons are: edensflowers, innocent_lexys, and spooky_window. Good Resource stops for textures and the like are bambinainnero Her textures are masterpieces.
Wuthering Heights: These can also be a sub category under dreamscapes, in that they also use a lot of foggy, clouded tones. However, darker colors tend to be used, to maximize the mysterious, haunting affect. Many times its about making a photograph that is seemingly clean, more haunting, and in essence less clean, and clear. Alot of the makers above also make lots of good icons in this category.
Rainbow Bright: Its all about bright, vibrant colors. Anything that brings out the more dominant color of the photograph is key. But, I must warn that you: be careful regarding how sharp the colors are. Sometimes you can emphasize a color way to much, and end up hurting many an eye. I've been cited on this one, lol, as in the beginning, I really enjoyed bringing out the best in my colors, rather than using lots of textures. I actually do not have any makers that are key in this area, but if you know of any, or are one, let me know.
Those were the only ones that came to mind at the moment. But yeah, its all about you having fun with creating the themes of your icons, no matter what type of picture it is. Some don't have to have any textures or fancy doodads at all. Challenge yourself, and your graphic maker friends by choosing one photograph, and seeing how many different interpretations of the same photo arise. Or join one of the many icon challenges out there which really make you get in there and think up unique and wonderful ideas.
The best advice I can give for any artistic endeavor is: Don't think, just do. The minute I start thinking, I become immobilized, and cannot make anything worth anything. You start dwelling on who you emmulate and how to make your work like theirs, instead of allowing what you love about them to inspire you to your own creations. I know the feeling. Thats why I normally (especially while doing icontests) have to hurry, grab my picture, and get to work, before viewing anyone elses work. That way I know its all me that comes out in the finished product. Enliven your work by allowing your own expression to shine through.
Also note that the icon categories I thought up above are not set in stone. They are simply my observations of the different icons I've seen. You don't have to follow the trends. You could create your own style, and create a trend that you didnt know would be. When you are finding tutorials, and stuff like that, remember that as much as it is teaching you to create that specific style of icon, its also helping you to use techniques from that to build upon your own work. One that's particularly awesome is one by infinitiva, here. Its helped me soooo much in my own work.
So that's my rant for the night. Happy Art Making!