Step 1: Getting an 'iconic' sketch done...

The next few articles are a way for me to help any budding designer in knowing what processes are in store to convert a pen sketch into a product, as well as for others to know what steps are done to get to what karimeen is now.

Okay... so now, let's move to the process. Like any art form, the execution is always based on process process process... The first step was the sketch.

Now these are the skteches that brought about my T-shirt idea. The aim of the sketch was to produce several iconic representations that are endemic or closely related to kerala. The sketch was done on an A6 paper with a 0.05mm nib Uchida Marvy Drawing pen. The icons on average measure 1cm by 1cm, some slightly larger, others smaller. Since the pen nib is ultrafine, it is easy to draw details. For example, I was able to draw this bird using a similar pen on the same sized A6 paper (using a kuretake 0.1mm nib drawing pen):

Now, how do you make an icon iconic? How much detail must be represented? There are several methods and styles, but in my opinion, it should be something that can be seen at a tiny size. this would be the equivalent of seeing detail on a wall poster from a distance. Most high-level details go invisible, and the icon loses it's core value: a simplistic representation.

My idea for an icon: It needs to provide 'just enough' detail. Enough to alert the viewer to the subject, but not too much, as it will detract the viewer. Take a look at flag designs...

The symbolism is defined with utter simplicity. Can you recognize the country flags from this small size? That is enough to define their subject of representation. Same goes to any icon design... even instagram decided to recently change their logo for that reason.

Drawing at such a tiny scale allowed me to maintain 'just enough' detail to depict a topic or object, and avoid cluttering each design with too much. It makes it easy on the eyes too!