iPad app seeking icon (designer)

July 22, 2010 7:31 PM

Where should I go to find an icon designer (iPad)?

Short and sweet- I've got an iPad app in need of a set of icons. Where would you go to find someone to do this? How much should I budget (roughly) for this?

I'm only talking about the main application icons and those required for the App Store. Not any actual in-app art.

I've got a couple ideas in mind, but lack the skills to pull them off.

posted by jz to computers & internet (8 answers total)

As to "where," there's always MeFi Jobs.
posted by griphus at 7:34 PM on July 22, 2010

It depends on how much work needs to be done. Do you already have art or logos that represent the app and need versions that will look good at 512x512 and 72x72? Or do you need someone to come up with one from whole cloth? The former situation can probably be handled in 4-8 hours at the most, assuming you are satisfied with your existing art. The latter is much less predictable.

According to the The Designer's Guide To Marketing And Pricing, the standard way of setting a rate is to divide desired yearly income by 1,152 hours. So, a graphic designer that's aiming for $50K/year would charge $43.40/hr.

You might be able to find someone through your local chapter of the Graphic Artists Guild.

Also, I'm not a graphic design full-timer, but I've done this for the iPhone before and might be able to help you out, if you're interested. Send me a MeMail if you'd like.
posted by ignignokt at 7:58 PM on July 22, 2010

Icon design is a pretty unique specialization.

I'm a designer, but not an iconographer. I used to collect free desktop icons created by the Icon Factory. They do custom work to pay the bills, of course.

They'll give you a quote upfront, while individual contractors might be more inclined to charge you hourly. You can probably use that quote to budget even if you go with local labor.

Good luck!
posted by nadise at 9:15 PM on July 22, 2010

I don't know what you'd be quoted either, but the Iconfactory guys do stellar work and are respected in the industry for it. So, seconding talking to them.
posted by Mikey-San at 9:34 PM on July 22, 2010

Do you mean toolbar/tabbar icons? How custom do you need them? There are some free and paid sets available here and here. Some of those links offer custom sets.
posted by whiskeyspider at 9:54 PM on July 22, 2010 [1 favorite]

Glyphish has a set of free toolbar and tab bar icons. I have used Pictos royalty-free icons for some projects. While you note you don't need in-app art, these icons can sometimes be useful for mocking up app-level ideas.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 10:22 PM on July 22, 2010

Look around on Dribble and find someone you like? Sebastiaan talks about icons a lot and has made some cool stuff. I also like Mantia. And Jon Hicks' work.

Most web designers can come up with some good icons but if you want great you're going to have to contact someone who is more of an illustrator than a designer, with a knowledge of what works and what doesn't.
posted by wolfr at 9:17 AM on July 23, 2010 [1 favorite]

I've been very happy with the iphone and ipad app icons done for my company by Nicole Anguish at daykamp creative. She's a pleasure to work with and her designs are often beautiful. The cost will depend on how many design revisions you do, but it won't cost you an arm and a leg. MeMail me if you want any more details.
posted by alms at 6:03 PM on July 25, 2010