Special Feature: It's in the water, It's where you came from

[syrensymphony]

2008 - 2010
I've wanted to do one of these posts for a while, so I started writing this when I was feeling a little uninspired. It's taken me longer than planned, there were a lot more icons than I realised.
This contains samples of my icons as far back as 2008 when I first started. Unfortunately I don't know exactly when I started making icons,

Comments

[library_of_sex]

I love these sorts of posts! Apparently, we've been making icons for about the same length of time, and you've come such a long way since 2008, Becky!

You've really gotten the hang of coloring, cropping, and sharpening. That James McAvoy icon towards the bottom of the post? Love it. I think it might be my fave piece here. The coloring, lighting, contrast, and crop are amazing!

It's great that you've gotten past the notion of tailoring your icons to fit trends or what elite comms are looking for. Elite comms are not the be-all/end-all of graphics though I know that it can be very tough to get rejected repeatedly. Once you make your work for yourself though, you find so much fun and enjoyment in it. If other people comment to say they enjoy it, too, that's brilliant,but if they don't, it's no big loss. Your icons represent you and your interests, not someone else's.

[syrensymphony]

Wow, I'd have thought you'd been making icons far longer than me, Kim!! And thank you! <3

And thank you again, that was one of those icons that I had the basic idea for, but it took ages to get right. I'm so happy that it actually worked out as it did.

And that's definitely something I learnt pretty quickly at the end of last year, although I think it helped me discover my own style I wanted. Because when like your icons, it's just a bonus, and really isn't important. Especially since icons can sort of be quite subjective.
I'm pretty sure most icon makers are both their own biggest critic and fan.

[library_of_sex]

I know that I'm definitely my own harshest critic. I find so much that's enjoyable about what I create, but I always wish I could emulate other people's styles. I don't wanna copy, of course, but there are so many things that I still can't do well and that others do so flawlessly. It's all about learning though. It's awesome that there are always new tricks and textures to keep things fresh and interesting!

[lessrest]

This is great, I love love love these types of posts! :D

I love how your coloring has improved. Everything is so pretty and interesting at the end of this post! I especially love the coloring here and here. :D

I've actually started on these icon progress entries too (I've picked out all the icons), but I never get around to writing and posting it. So feel free to order me to do it the next time I seem bored. xD

[syrensymphony]

Sorry, I could've sworn I replied to this comment, but it turns out I didn't :\. Awkward.

Thank you so much!! Colouring is definitely the area I've concentrated most on in the last year. But to this day, I still cannot remember what colouring I did on the 2nd example you gave. I wish I could though =P

YES!!! You must do one!! I'd love to see all your pretty icons and the progress and everything.

[syrensymphony]

Haha, I had a 150x150 phase for a while I didn't post here xD They were, ..odd