Yeah, there are definite trends in icon making but they aren't usually confined to a single fandom. I don't remember seeing any posts that discusses all the general trends, jehnt's comment above is about the best summary I've seen. You do get mini peeks into trends when individual icon makers create icon evolution posts to show how their work has changed over the years. The only one that I can think of off the top of my head is by shadowserenityhere. I have a feeling that jehnt did one too. Going through the old posts at communities like iconpraise can give you an idea of what is popular at a particular time.
It's easy to notice the trends that you don't like, such as the pink icons or overuse of light blob textures. One fairly recent trend that I do love is negative space (see icon I'm using) I have a feeling that this trend appeared in about 2008 when people realised that nope, you don't have to fill up every single bit of space in that 100x100 square. Another recent (good) trend is very vibant colours with slightly blurred backgrounds.
Supernatural is interesting icon-wise because so many icon makers stick to the very dark colours from the screencaps so the icons are often very brown or black with contrasting yellow or white text. When you do make bright Supernatural icons, people always comment on that.
It's easy to notice the trends that you don't like, such as the pink icons or overuse of light blob textures. One fairly recent trend that I do love is negative space (see icon I'm using) I have a feeling that this trend appeared in about 2008 when people realised that nope, you don't have to fill up every single bit of space in that 100x100 square. Another recent (good) trend is very vibant colours with slightly blurred backgrounds.
Supernatural is interesting icon-wise because so many icon makers stick to the very dark colours from the screencaps so the icons are often very brown or black with contrasting yellow or white text. When you do make bright Supernatural icons, people always comment on that.
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