Symbols of Asia

This icon set was designed with a purpose to represent cultural symbols of Asia. They were designed using simple lines that were hand sketched. My overall theme was inspired by their calligraphy style of writing. As I was designing each icon I wanted to capture that stroke like feel. These icons were later used into my “Planning the Perfect Trip to Asia” website design.

Bamboo
Samurai Helmet
Sword
Yin Yang Symbol
Lantern
Cherry Blossom
Bonsai Tree
Tea Pot
Koi Fish
Fan
Scroll
Kimono

Process

Before starting my icons I created a mind map. When creating my mind map, I first focused on many cultures because I wanted to create a set of icons for older travelers that they would recognize immediately. I decided to begin my sketches by drawing many different icons inspired by individual cultures and in different styles. I decided to narrow it down to Asian culture and commonly recognized symbols. I first started drawing them with pencil and then switched to a Sharpie.

Mood Boards

My overall theme was inspired by the Asian culture and their calligraphy style of writing. When I was deciding the style of my icons I wanted to capture that stroke like feel. I tried may different styles with my icons before I chose my final one. After creating my mood boards it made it easier to make it look like the calligraphy style shown on my boards.

Digital Sketches

When I first moved my images over to Adobe Illustrator I started to mess with different size stroke pens and the width of each line. As you can see the very first image is each image line that was individually created by tracing my drawings. Afterwards I smoothed the edges so they would look better.

Color Palette Ideas

At first, I wanted to stick to just one color that was common among Asian cultures so I tested different shades of red as seen below. My final decision was a maroon red. After some feedback, I decided to experiment with colors and I tried different shades. When I was coloring them I decided to tie in a bit of each into some of the icons so they would look more cohesive.

Black & White Iterations

I also created black and white version so they could be used in multiple ways.

Bamboo
Samurai Helmet
Sword
Yin Yang Symbol
Lantern
Cherry Blossom
Bonsai Tree
Tea Pot
Koi Fish
Fan
Scroll
Kimono

Symbols of Asia

Bamboo

Samurai Helmet

Sword

Yin Yang Symbol

Lantern

Cherry Blossom

Bonsai Tree

Tea Pot

Koi Fish

Fan

Scroll

Kimono