Judging a series by its ICON (and design tips)

[Down_the_Rabbithole]

Thinking about re-doing mine as well.

I like the pose, but the colors not so much. I also think I can do better at line-art now. All I know is that I want to keep that pose and I want to do something with the aesthetic of velvet wallpaper since the story's setting is a fantasy world based on the 1910's (at least on the human side of things). Perhaps I should try something redder for the backdrop.

[factioncomic]

Just wanted to say thanks for the kind words and comments. Very helpful for us as we move along. Also, I check out Shades of Men, and just wanted to say I love your style. Gritty, but you find a good balance to use colour as well. Excited to see where it's headed.

[Jrej]

Hehe Thanks a lot for returning the favor.
It's funny because I think color is not my strong suit.
It's still pretty bold, but it goes with the style of the characters I guess.

Checking this topic makes me wanna change my icon again.
I might if I find a good enough idea! ;-D

[factioncomic]

I just wanted to say that this was an incredibly thoughtful and kind answer. Your thoughts are valued, and the comment about pillars is something I hadn't thought of that I'll definitely be considering when we do the next draft of our icon. Thank you for the post and the advice!

[SleepingPoppy]

I can say that I'd be interested just from this icon. The reflective surface really makes it dynamic, but it still has an overall simple feel that reads well at a small size. If I was going to try anything, it'd be replacing the darker grey with black, just to see if the higher contrast made it pop. But it looks amazing as is.

I want to see what else you make for icons, just because you're clearly talented. ^^

[wander_creature]

Most likely A for me. It's like seeing a new person for the first time - you can't help but gather information and take in a first impression, even if it turns out that you're wrong later on. An icon says a lot about what the creator has in mind for the spirit of the series - whether it's an important character, pose, or moment. It's kind of an interesting summary of a story, in my opinion. It also definitely boils down hugely to personal style and preference, though.

Also opening my current icon to thoughts/opinions/simple style criticism. Thanks!

(Outer Spaces is a bit of a slice-of-life project on life, differences, and inspiration, painted against a fantasy backdrop.)

[LT1986]

Thank you for making the discussion about this topic. I've learned a few things from reading the comments. I'm going to design a new icon for my webcomic now.

[YangKoete]

If anything...It's a mix of C and B.

I'm not a big fan of over-the-top Yaoi or crazy hentai or some other things, but for me...It's just that I feel an icon should match the person's heart but also skill.

For some, going too simple would break the comic, while for others it's all they need.

[csufranco]

all you need to do is draw two guys with hot abs. get tons of views!

[cosmicnano11]

This is the icon I'm using for my new series called Ignis Somnia

[Mullana]

I think an icon is a really essential part of your comic.
It should
- show your art skills (faces work best)
- appeal to the readers of your story's genre or topics
- ideally have a "what?!" oder "wow" effect that get's the reader interested
- don't be too detailed and have enough contrast.

It's no use if you have a cool action icon and your story is a romance or if you show the hot abs from two posts above, but your story is about elderly people playing chess. It has to fit, or you won't reach the readers who want to read your story or reach people who don't know what to do with your story.

I hope I managed to find that balance with my new cover.
It's a romance story where the main character starts off in a really strange and stressful situation.

HaChuu!! (H)

[DogshitJay]

I'd say A for comics and B for novels.
The art and therefore icon is my biggest factor for choosing a comic, but the description and genre weigh more heavily to me when choosing a novel.
I was bummed to lose details squeezing my novel's cover shaped image into the square thumbnail.... but I think it's cute! The artist goes by wereville online.

[ratique]

[ratique]

Closing old topic - feel free to make a up to date one!