(WARNING: Long, meandering, sleep-deprived ramblings ahead!)
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Leviatan made a post last night outlining an idea for IBStore icons/badges. I decided this would make an excellent project to kill time with, so I started work. The first icon I made took a couple hours to come up with. I tried at least two dozen different designs before I settled on the basic design used. The first icon I made with this design was for map maker. I have decided it is the least refined of the set.
The design:
The toughest part was designing a layer system for the icons. As with every icon I make, I try to create a Representative and a Qualifier. The Representative is the front-most graphic and it visually explains to purpose of the icon. The Qualifier lies in the background behind the Representative and expresses to what degree that purpose is or if this is not required, provides an extra layer of detail.
For Example: Icons which must represent multiple ranks for a position. The representative graphic could be a reference to the duties the icon is assigned for (a keyboard for a coder, book for a writer) and the qualifier would be a simple shape or other graphic that doesnt distract from the representative but denotes rank via simple hue ratcheting. Low ranks could be green, mid ranks yellow, high ranks red.
It took me a little while to decide on the color scheme. Since there arent really that many icons and Ive only allowed myself two layers of detail, the number of color combinations isnt that high. Since the icons have to be visible when scaled down and adding too much detail would make the icons nonsensical, I decided on a small palette of colors with which to use in the layer graphics. Usually being light blue, orange or golden yellow, green and red. Any two of these colors can be combined with harmony, which allows me a fair amount of leeway but is just restrictive enough to remind me to keep it simple.
Higher OPU positions (forum admin, site admin, etc) will differ in that the background graphic (blue sphere) will change color according to position.
After the first icon was made and I decided on how I wanted to make them, each subsequent icon takes about 10-15 minutes to make. The list is halfway done and since I started working on these very late in the evening, Ill pick up on them tomorrow.
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I made this small sample a little while ago and I think its best for posting in the forum due to its small size until the entire set is done. After its finished and Ive sent the .rar to Lev, Ill replace the image with a sample of the entire set. If anyone finds any use for these, by all means use them! If they dont fit with with Lev's idea Ill give em to whoever wants them so just ask. Im also very open to suggestions so dont hesitate. If these look like sh** let me know so I dont keep making them! Ive got the .psd's and if anyone wants those Ill fork em over too.
1. Map Maker
2. 3D Modeler
3. Game Creator
4. Tool Programmer
I included 50% and 25% scaled versions of these so you can get an idea of what the rest will look like. I think 50% looks best.
