Icons and illustrations have much in common but are still different things. An icon represents something, such as an application or a function in an interface. An illustration, on the other hand, often complements something, such as an article or a concept.
An important part of the work with graphic interfaces is icon design. Well-designed icons facilitate understanding, create a simpler and cleaner interface and enhance the user experience.
A vector illustration is scalable and very useful, but if you have to make really small icons and maintain quality and clarity you have to draw them pixel by pixel.
Here is an example of an icon project we recently completed:
Case Study: Icons for NovaCura
NovaCura is an expert in business systems and process improvement. Their business areas are mainly production, distribution, and service/maintenance as well as finance. They needed help to create modern and appealing icons for their various applications, which will visualize and match the technologically advanced solutions. In addition to application icons, a set of consistent icons were also needed to be used in their process tools Flow.
Read more about the project under Case Studies »
Sometimes the customer wants something that really highlights and points out the message. In many cases, the photography works well. At other times, the illustration is better suited.
Illustrations are usually made up of vector graphics. This means that you can change the size without loss of quality, from business cards to billboards. Therefore, illustration is a really good way to build a corporate identity and can be used with an advantage on the web, in print, and presentations. Among other things, we have made illustrations into a book on bank security, a picture bank for company presentations, and category pictures for student discounts.
Sometimes it is better to present material in the form of moving graphics and video, for example, to clarify processes or capture the visitor's attention. We make Flash animations that lift all material. Illustrations and animations also really fit together when it comes to reinforcing messages.
Here we show how the illustrations around the site were created. There is also a video showing the whole process from start to finish and some tips and tricks for anyone interested.