When making a game app icon for the first time, many developers are working on a budget and decide to make the icon themselves.
Everyone can make an icon. Learn how to make a good one!
Of course, beginners make rookie mistakes.
These mistakes are very common, but also easily avoided.
I’ve put together this very short list of tips designed to help you create an attractive, eye-catching icon right from the start.
At the end, I will show how these rules apply to one of our own apps, Math Ninja.
We’re focusing on games here – other apps are a whole different beast. With that said, on to the tips!
1. Don’t Use Text
Just say no.
The number one most common rookie mistake is slapping the name of the game all over the icon.
The reason people make this error is due to a fear that the customers won’t know what the game is unless they see the name in the icon. This is completely incorrect.
Remember, the name of the game is below the icon on the iPhone or iPad. The user sees it right there, so having it in the icon is redundant.
Text on an icon just adds clutter. It might look okay at a large size, but when small it looks busy and is hard to read anyway. So remove that text!
2. Use Your Main Character
If he's the star of the show, he should be the star of the icon.
People associate the game with the main character, so use it! If there are several main characters, choose only one.
Remember, it’s a small icon and the shapes on it need to be instantly recognizable.
To that end, if your character is not small and compact, think about using just the character’s face rather than the whole character.
