Icon design is one of the most important skills a designer can have, because the principles used in icon design overlap so significantly with other fields such as user interface design, web design and logo design. Designing a good icon can be a lot more challenging than it seems, because the small size makes it hard to integrate the desired detail, but a certain amount of detail must be present in order for the icon to be convincing.
The best way to learn icon design is to practice and follow tutorials. In the year 2012, there’s already been a lot of great new icon creation tutorials that you can follow, and they all show off some cutting edge techniques.
Here’s the best new icon creation tutorials so far in 2012.
Create a Simple Clipboard Icon in Illustrator
In the following tutorial you will learn how to create a simple clipboard icon. Use a complete Illustrator CS5 workflow, vector shape building techniques, and vector effects to design this icon.
Create a Cute Shop Icon in Photoshop
Learn how to create a cute little Shop/Store Icon using Adobe Photoshop. To make this icon we’ll be using basic shapes, blending options, filters and easy step by step methods.
Photoshop: Create a Sleek Calendar Icon
Hang out with us and create this sweet little calendar icon/web graphic using shapes, pixels, Layer Styles, and more in Photoshop!
How to Create a Fan Illustration From Scratching Using Photoshop
Hi there. In the following tutorial your will learn how to create a fan illustration.
Create a Mobile App Icon in Photoshop
This tutorial is part of a three-part series explaining how to design UI elements for mobile applications in Photoshop. In this part, we will explain how to design an icon for your mobile device’s home screen. Let’s get started!
Photoshop: 3D Switch Icon
This is another tutorial from the series that Nathaniel from Tutvid.com and I are doing, which is inspired by 365PSD.com, a site where you can download completely free PSD files for you to use in your projects.
How To Create a Vibrant Cloud Icon in Photoshop
Follow this step by step Adobe Photoshop tutorial to create a colourful and vibrant cloud icon. We’ll be using plenty of gradients and lighting effects to produce a really cool icon perfect for a modern website design or mobile app.
How to Create an iOS Style Sandwich Icon
Tired of your old icons? Follow this creative recipe to cook up a great looking iOS styled sandwich icon. We will use a few of tasty ingredients, like meshes, gradients and blending modes to spice up your design!
Create a Realistic Vault Icon in Photoshop
Learn how to create a realistic Vault/Safe using Adobe Photoshop. We’ll be creating this vault using shapes, blending options and various techniques.
Create a Leather back Book Icon using Photoshop
Learn how to create a realistic Leather back Book Icon using Adobe Photoshop. We’ll be using the shapes tool, pen tool & Blending Options to create this cool icon.
How to Create a Cute Valentine’s Day Icon with Adobe Illustrator
Valentine’s Day is almost here and what better way to express your love for design than to send a letter? This Quick Tip explains how to create an envelope icon, you’d love to click!
Quick Tip: How to Illustrate a Simple Piece of Paper
In the following steps you will learn how to create a simple piece of paper. This tutorial will introduce you to the Appearance panel.
Create a Vector Ticket Icon in Illustrator
In this tutorial you will learn how to use Illustrator to create a clean, vector ticket icon. Begin by creating the basic vector shapes, then add pixel perfect highlights, all the necessary text, warping, and grunge effects to give the final result interest. Get started on designing this vector ticket icon at the jump.
Photoshop: Cloud Icon
In today’s tutorial, we’re going to be creating a similar cloud icon to the one you see below, which again, can be downloaded, for free, at 365PSD.com!
Photoshop Tutorial: Create An Android Settings Icon
Hi friends, we are back again with another icon tutorial. Here, today you will see how to create an android settings icon.
Quick Tip: How to Create a Simple Price Tag Icon
In the following quick tip you will learn how to create a simple price tag icon. It’s another tutorial that focuses mainly on the Appearance panel.
Create a Detailed Vector Chalkboard Icon
In the following Illustrator tutorial you will learn how to create a detailed vector chalkboard icon. This classic school, blackboard illustration is composed using vector shape building techniques, pixel perfect highlighting, as well as brushes and textures for adding interest to the work.
Photoshop Tutorial: Create A Hammer Icon
Hi friends, we are back with yet another awesome tutorial, here, today in this Photoshop tutorial, we are going to create a beautiful 3d looking hammer icon.
Mail.ru iOS Icon Tutorial
Very quick (20 min) rebound for mail.ru iOS icon.
How to Design Green Reflecting Email Icon, Step by Step Tutorial with PSD Source
Today we are going to make Green Reflecting Email Icon, you can easily learn with Step by Step Detailed Tutorial, also at the end you can download its fully Layered PSD File.
Carbon Fiber Style Metallic Icon Design
Happy new year everyone! Welcome back, in this tutorial I’ll be showing you how to create a metallic carbon fiber 3D icon.
Create a Cute Bird’s Nest in Illustrator
In this tutorial, we’ll create a cute bird’s nest with a cracked eggshell inside of it.
Create an Opened Gift Box Icon in Illustrator
Learn how to create a 3D opened gift box icon in Adobe Illustrator. We’ll be using shapes, effect options and the Pen Tool to create this cute Gift Box Icon.
Create a Travelers Suitcase Icon in Illustrator
Learn how to create a Travelers Suitcase/Luggage/Bag Icon using Adobe Illustrator. We’ll be using a mixture of shapes, effects and various techniques to create this icon.
How to Create a Mail App Icon Using Adobe Illustrator
How to Create a Simple Google Chrome Icon in Adobe Illustrator
Learn how to create the simple Google Chrome icon in Adobe Illustrator.
Create a Simple Compass Icon
Learn how to create a simple compass icon. Start with a bunch of simple shape and some pixel perfect vector shape building techniques. Next, using the Pathfinder options along with several effects we’ll create the highlights. Finally, using some basic blending techniques and stroke tricks we’ll add the final touches for our icon.
How to Create a Simple Set of Ribbon Icon
Learn how to create a simple set of ribbon icons.
Photoshop CS6: Simple Calendar Icon
How we can create a simple calendar icon in the Photoshop CS6, taking advantage of the new Stroke options within Shapes.
Photoshop Tutorial: Create A Stylish Mouse Icon
Learn how to create a computer mouse. This tutorial will cover some basics of Photoshop. With easy and simple steps you will learn to create some beautiful objects, all you need is some practice.
You can find more icon resources or tutorials at our blog.
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