icon q&a: the answers

[letsey_x]

The answers to your questions about my graphics:

Comments

[inpeopleshapes]

I just wanted to say that this is ridiculously helpful so thank you so much for posting it! Definitely adding to mems!

[spittingfish]

This is so helpful! And I don't know, I always list you as one of the icon makers I think is doing actual art.

[takethewords]

Yay I'm so glad you did this too! I love reading about people's techniques. :D

[ohstarling]

Wow, this is so helpful! Thank you so much for going to all this trouble and sharing it with us. :)

Can I ask a quick question about the light blob technique? I've seen several iconmakers who say they use this technique, but none I think as effectively as you do. What are the specifics you use for that? Brush size, opacity, blurring, etc.

Thanks again! Definitely adding to my memories. :)

[letsey_x]

here's a bit more info on the light blobs. I always use a gradient with a transparant background for it, with a light colour (ususally light grey or light beige, because white can be too bright). I don't have fixed settings for it, though. The size depends on how dark the icon is. Mostly I start out with one big gradient from one corner to the other and mask away some parts (again with the gradient, because it's softer than with a brush) and sometimes I lower the opacity a bit if it's too bright.
I'm not sure I can explain it better. I just think about where I want light and then put it there.:)

[ohstarling]

Thanks so much for answering so promptly! Very, very helpful. :D

[memoryfloodsin]

This is so helpful, I'd never thought of using colour balance that way before! Thank you.