Redux
The goal was to create icons that could be used in stores like Ikea or Lowe’s. I concentrated on words such as Assemble, Culinary, and Utensil. The typeface that I used is Proxima Nova Bold Italic and it is Sans-Serif. I choose this typeface because it gives a playful look. The colors and typeface give a mid-century modern look and adventurous feeling.
I worked with three tools: a hammer, pizza cutter, and a spork. I used two photos for each tool as references, and drew three sketches for each photo. One sketch represented the object's tonal values, another was a silhouette, and the last set was more stylized.
I continued sketching and then created the tools in vector format. I did both realistic and stylized, however I chose the realistic vector format because the stylized was getting lost in small scale.
To be able to add color to my tools, I decided to decrease the detail and focused more on the shape of the tools. I explored different typefaces, words, color, and positions.
I continued the tool lock-ups in color and decided on the set of complementary colors.
Then, I noticed that there was no contrast between the dark blue and brownish orange color. I explored different tones of blue to be able to have more contrast. I decided on a lighter blue color. I also used square shaped panels to see how different positions affect the tool and typeface.
For my final icons, I choose the versions below. The complementary colors were the best choice because they give a mid-century modern look. The colors remind me of natural and man-made materials. The typeface for the words assemble, culinary, and utensil is Proxima Nova Bold Italic. I choose this typeface because it is readable and it gives a playful look. I choose the square instead of the vertical rectangle shape because the square looks more engaging. It contributes to the icon's balance and it enhances the primary focus on the icon as well as the typeface.
