Art Gym: Creating with icons

Workshop with Katie Stack

The importance of creating with icons.

All of us are at different stages of our creative journey.

We want to share an approach that transformed not just our artwork but the way we perceive the illustrative process: thinking in icons.

My Revelation

Before embracing icons, my illustrations were a maze of overdrawn images, complex yet unclear.

It was a struggle to communicate the essence of my vision. I learned in an Art Class that thinking in icons was a way of simplifying complexities and sharpening my message. It was like finding a new language.

I now knew how to deliver ideas, not just fill a page with images.

Adam Ming

My New Process

Icons have helped me hone my illustration process.

Icons can be thought of as stage props, as a way to play and fill a page, as objects full of personality, and even as a type of collage!

It’s freeing and playful to use icons, but most importantly… icons are effective.

Katie Stack

Why Icons Matter

1. Storytelling Enhanced: Icons are the building blocks of visual storytelling. Like words forming sentences, each icon you create weaves into the larger narrative of your art, enriching its depth and meaning.

2. Simplification of Complexity: Breaking down scenes into icons turns an overwhelming task into an achievable, step-by-step process. It's about focusing on one element at a time, making even the most intricate scenes manageable.

3. A Playground for Creativity: Thinking in icons is not just a technique; it's a playground for your imagination. It invites playfulness, experimentation, and a fresh perspective in your creative endeavors.

4. Clarity in Communication: Icons are the universal language of illustration. They transcend cultural and linguistic barriers, making your work accessible and impactful to a wider audience.

5. A Boost for Your Career: In our competitive field, the ability to effectively use icons sets you apart. It showcases your skill in conveying complex ideas with simplicity and elegance.

6. Personality in Every Stroke: Each icon, infused with its unique character, adds a personal touch to your work, making it resonate more with your audience.

7. Skill Development: Thinking in icons hones your skills in abstraction and symbolization. It's about distilling complex ideas into impactful visuals, a skill invaluable across various creative fields.

An Invitation to Grow

We understand the challenges you face, whether you're balancing dual roles or reigniting your artistic journey. Thinking in icons is a way of effectively creating compelling images before even lifting your tool.

Join Us at Art Gym

Katie Stack and Adam Ming are thrilled to invite you to unlock a recording of this workshop now where we dived into the world of icons together.

You will also get access to future monthly Art Gym Workshops

It's an opportunity to practice, learn, and transform the way you illustrate. So, mark your calendars for a session of creativity, learning, and community building.

This workshop is available to paid subscribers

It’s a drawing session, for all abilities.

There will be some instruction at the beginning. And then we’ll be drawing together. You’ll be watching Katie and I demo the assignment as you draw along.

We’ll also be coaching you as you go by calling out different things to think about while making your drawing.

Think of it as a group workout at an art gym!

If you’re a paid subscriber, you can watch the replay here:

Get an annual subscription for $100 to get all 6 drawing workshops and all the things!

🆕 Bonus: Get an Annual Subscription before 1st July to get an additional 6 workshops by Katie and Adam. (A Total of 12 Workshops)