Growing up in Alaska, I had the privilege of being surrounded by nature, with mountains and forests right in my backyard. This environment instilled in me a deep appreciation for the beauty our Earth has to offer, particularly the vibrant colors of the summer and fall seasons.
For this set of icons, I aimed to showcase the best of the fauna and flora native to Alaska. The set includes a bear, moose, whale, salmon, halibut, forget-me-nots, fireweed, and lupine.
My process began with researching how other artists approached designing icons, focusing on stylistic aspects and maintaining visual consistency throughout a set. Once there was enough research material, I collected real image references for the subjects I wanted to create. I then sketched quick iterations in my sketchbook, which I transferred into Illustrator.
While some icons, like the forget-me-not and whale, came easily, others, like the bear and moose antlers, required several iterations to achieve the desired form. I faced some challenges with the moose's antlers. Initial iterations resembled more of a deer, requiring several attempts in Illustrator until I achieved a version of the antlers that satisfied me.
Regarding color, I had a predetermined idea but still explored my options. I settled on pink, yellow, orange, and blue, playing with greens and teals initially but ultimately opting for the simplicity of the original four colors.
A special thanks to Allison Plume, a highly talented motion graphic designer based in St. Louis. Her feedback on this project has allowed me to create something I am proud of.
Rough Sketch
Iterations
