Project 2: Final Thoughts

Looking back through the process of this icon set, this project emphasized the importance of researched decisions, refinement and restraint. My topic of choice included a lot of extremely ornate items that needed to be pared down. Therefore, the intuitive drawings were a vital process for me-- it allowed me to see the most important elements of each shoe. Moving into making the actual icons, the same ideas applied. A high level of restraint and refinement had to be practiced in order to make sure I was following my rule set and making the icons work legibly at all scales. Color also added a new level of information and difficulty in my process. I wanted to avoid choosing a palette from my scrapbook that emphasized one culture or another. By going with something more neutral, yet still giving a feeling of ornate decoration (the golden tones) I think this was achieved. What I enjoy most about looking back on these icons is the way each decision made was researched and has a reason behind it that deepens the meaning further. Much of the thought process that I've learned through this project are ideas I've already begun applying to other design problems as well.