How to create a cool icon?
Cabaco
Member Posts: 414
So I want to make a good looking and apelative icon for my app. Where can I get i.e those borders for my app or those cool bg?
Comments
If you're just getting started on making icons, I would highly recommend this pack to get you started. It has borders and a variety of stuff you need to make a great icon, and it's only $10!
Check out stock sites like istockphoto, vectorstock etc. as they have many music icons, and border packs you can also purchase, but I think the above is a great start.
I am actually looking for something that isnt paid... do you know something like that but for free?
You could try some vectorstock sites, some charge $1 for an image
Look at it as an investment in to your apps, cause as we all know icons are a big part of sales.
Thanks butterbean it pretty helpful and sweet...
@cabaco I really recommend it 10 bucks its a bargain
Your best bet (for free anyways) is to study the top apps in the appstore and see if you can find some commonalities. Many apps have a border. Many of the apps with a border have a main character that overlaps with one part of that border to make it look like it is coming out of the icon. Many apps have the sunburst effect in the background. Very few top apps have words or letters in the icon. Don't use red (it makes you subconsciously mad or aggressive). I would also google how to make a good app icon. I'm sure there is good info out there.
Anyways, I usually fill a layer with one color. then create a second layer. Use the curved-cornered rectangle tool to make a rectangle in that is centered but leaves some of layer one showing evenly around it. Use the wand to select the curved rectangle. Now leave this area selected but switch to the first layer. hit delete. this will cut out that shape. now delete the layer with the curved rectangle on it. you are now left with a curved corner border (don't worry about the outside corners not being curved, apple will do that for you). Use layer effects to bevel this layer. Put the rest of your icon images on layers that are beneath this one.
icons are square...
no need for name... as name on the device appears under the icon...
great free template
although it is .psd it will open in Pixelmator, Gimp, your Mac Preview (where you can save as a .png), etc.
I use ArtText 2 which cost $39.95; but is phenomenal for titles, logos, graphics, etc. and the time saved and lovely effects you get are worth more than the price! Take the video tour and see!
@tenrdrmer... love that advice!...
MH