Drawing icons

on the precise use of icons.

Sentences are composed of words.

Illustrations consist of icons.

One of the major breakthroughs in developing my illustration style was thinking in terms of icons. Choosing the right icon is akin to selecting the right word, making the communication clearer, and more precise. Every icon has a purpose, and I no longer filled pages with pointless lines, shapes, or objects. Each icon had its place.

The best writing advice I ever received was, "Omit needless words."

The illustration equivalent of that would be, "Use only precise icons."

I’m not a fan of decoration in visual art. I prefer every mark to serve an intention or at least an expression.

If anything I’m looking for ways to say even more with a few icons.

Creative Action

Create an icon

Pick an animal or everyday object and draw a simple representation of the thing, an icon that when someone looked at it would call it out by name, I’m choosing a squirrel.

Think about the qualities that make that thing unique, for example a squirrel’s tail or ears and emphasis those features.

Share your drawings here:

PS: Two years ago I did an icon workshop with Katie Stack for Art Gym ,check that out if you want to learn more about drawing icons