Source: Iconography
At present, we have needed a little help to be able to communicate and perform tasks. This help is often represented in the form of graphics or a graphic element that tells us what it means without having to speak or write.
Indeed, Today we come to talk to you about the icons. We are not only going to explain what they are, in case you are not very informed about this topic. But also, we are going to explain the different types that exist and why they are related to the graphic design sector.
Stay with us because what comes next may interest you.
The icon
Source: Wikimedia
If we had to define the icon concept, we would define it as a graphic representation, which maintains a certain relationship with the object that is represented. Its meaning originates from the Greek word eikon, Meaning image And Indication, y are generally used to communicate information without needing to use words.
Icons are also signs that contain a high degree of meaning and are easy to decode, although sometimes they need an anchor for a better interpretation or simply, to improve their design even more. In other words, the icons are based on a concept and their own style to communicate messages or functions, and are characterized by a pertinent visual treatment, by their graphic freedom and by their color palette..
the icons have a balance between function, synthesis and aesthetics to create a language that everyone, regardless of language, race, or age, can understand. The key is that something so small contains great information and is able to deliver it immediately.
Signage or pictograms
Source: The new province
In graphic design, we understand signage as an icon. Although it does not mean the same thing, signage, We can define it as a communication technique that through the use of iconic, linguistic and chromatic signs and symbols, guides and provides instructions on how we or a group of people should react in a certain physical space.
One of the most famous signage works is undoubtedly the pictograms of the Olympic Games in Otl-Aicher.
where to find them
They are considered one of the most important tools for communication, that is why their application is also very important. They can be applied to various supports and systems: in graphic design, signage and It is accompanied in buildings, museums, airports etc. Or even other corporate applications as well.
Also in the media, in infographics; in industrial design, such as household appliances; and also in the design of user interfaces, in mobile devices and the use of the Internet. In short, the greatest use of icons that we can find today is in the digital world and multimedia design.
Features
The characteristics that best accompany the icons are undoubtedly:
simplicity
In order for the icon to easily fit into the concept of the mobile application, it is better to do so through a visual idea that contains the minimum of elements and details. A very ornate design would take away all the comprehension to the icon, and therefore, the message would disappear.
It's unique
Use only a visual element that is capable of being remembered and recognized by users.
No text
It is better to use only the initial letter of the application to make it visually striking and avoid a word that may not be easy to remember.
shocking colors
So that you can stand out among a sea of icons in the app stores, design it with colors that draw their visual attention from the first moment
Perform all necessary tests
If you make different sketches, you can make different versions of the best ones, so you have a better chance of creating the right icon.
be decisive
Think carefully about the best design, it is not convenient to change it constantly because users would never get familiar with it, and it is a slow process to upload and download.
Icon Types
According to their design and functionality, they are classified into different types:
Plans
Source: Vecteezy
Flat or schematic icons are characterized by their simplicity and elegance. They are especially recommended when the size or resolution in which the icon is going to be displayed is reduced, or when it comes to symbols whose interpretation is random or conventional, since adding details or realism will not contribute or improve their recognition or interpretation.
volumetric
Source: Dreamstime
The volumetric icons are characterized by containing a greater realismOn the other hand, they are recommended when the relationship in terms of their design and representation is not conventional, and therefore requires a greater analysis for the user.
Places to find icons
Some of the best websites to find icons are:
Good Stuff No Nonsense
As the name suggests, you'll find quality icons here without having to go through garbage to find them. The icons of this site they are hand drawn and completely free to usei.e. there is no need for a link back.
Dribbble
Dribbble is a designer's playground, with tons of well-crafted icon sets for you to use. personal and commercial. Not everyone tags their icons properly on Dribbble, so you'll want to take your time finding the perfect asset.
Icon Finder
Source: Guagamedia
Unlike the previous one, in IconFinder we can find both free and paid icons. Once we look for the desired icons for our search terms (we must enter the word or words in English), a menu will appear on the left where we will have to check the "FREE" option so that it only shows us those that are free. We have the option to find icons up to 512 pixels and to change the background from transparent to grey, black or white.
Each icon or icon group comes with a different license for its use. Some are absolutely free to use and no author attribution is required, while others put different restrictions on what you can or can't do with them. Either way the site is awesome for getting icons.
Premium Pixels
This web page hosts hundreds of free design resources that you can use to revive your designs. The site was started by Orman Clark who started the site as a way to share his own designs and files with the world. Since then, the site has become a haven for design resources.
There are plenty of minimal style mockups, icons and PSD files, so be sure to bookmark this site.
Depot
It has established itself as a great site for information on all things related to web design. All, from CSS coding to WordPress and beyond, the site has a lot of information to offer to all those who want to learn something about web design.
Great content isn't the only thing the site has to offer. There is a whole section dedicated to offering free stuff and most of those freebies you can use for your designs. There is everything, from mockups, vector files, icons, backgrounds and more.
icons 8
It is defined as a Free icon search engine with more than 123.000 available files. There you get icons in PNG and SVG format in 32 different styles. For example, there are perfect icons for iOS or Material style like Android, or Modern style like Windows.
You can not only download the ones you want, but you can also edit them by adding effects, changing the colors or elements of the layers, padding, background, etc. Of course, the maximum size in free download is 100px in PNG format.
Orion
Es an interactive web application from which you can create icon collections using the vast library of available packages and designs.
You can build your collection with the 6000+ free icons, you can edit them in the webapp, and then select the ones you want and download them in PNG or SVG format.
iconshock
On this web page, you find many theme icon packs that you can download complete and that directly include all the icons in multiple formats: PNG, SVG and AI.
One detail to highlight is that the page does not have a very good orientation for the user since you get lost in the interface and have to register until you find the download button, but the icons are of excellent quality.
Conclusion
As you may have seen, there are infinite icons and also, there are infinite pages where you can find them. Icons are always where you least expect it since, as mentioned, they are an important communication tool for our society.
We would like you to continue to inform you even more about this type of graphic element, which of course has reached the hands of many of the best graphic designers in history.
Do not wait to get hold of one of them and especially to use them in any of the projects you carry out, since it is very important that both you and the rest understand the message without having to communicate it with words.