The post The 300 Random icons collection prints are now available first appeared on 300 Random icons.

I didn’t have to do it. I actually wanted to do it – which is different, and refreshing.

One of the cool things about it being posted on my own blog is I can flip through all of the work, just like anyone else and really look at it thoroughly and objectively see how far I’ve come in the last 12 months. Of course, as I said in the beginning, they weren’t all going to be gems. Some of them would be pretty cool, some of them I might even rock, but there are also some that will genuinely suck. Which is why I am taking the time to analyze the work and see if I could make it better. That’s how you learn – from your mistakes.

So please, take the time and examine what I’ve posted and let me know what you think. The work that ended up as my favorites, or duds for that matter, may not be yours. And that’s cool. I’d like to hear your feedback. Here goes.

These top ten icons are in no particular order. They’re just my favorite designs from the collection. To be honest, there were a lot more than these ten that could have made the cut, but alas there are only ten spots and we can’t go on forever.

• No. 69 | Tree Farm – I dig this one because of its simple shapes and fun look to the tree farmer. I believe this is the icon that started me using the half-arched background.
• No. 169 | Never Forget – The icon seemed to be the overall feeling of our nation as we try to heal from the emotional wounds of 9/11.
• No. 194 | Corner Kingdom – A simple and clean concept for a infrequently used phrase.
• No. 121 | Virtual Memory – This one is fun for me. It gave me a chance to use an often used visual for memory (the elephant), in a new and unexpected way.
• No. 137 | Time Crunch – Crowding the clock face really worked for me here. I was pretty happy with the result of this solution.
• No. 138 | Shoulder Purse – This one is an example of taking something expected and twisting it around to make it completely different. A prime reason to do this exercise.
• No. 291 | Itchy Sweater – I tried to illustrate this icon with a clean style, but it was obviously not working and I bagged it. Suddenly, I got inspired when I found some brush work I had done for another project.
• No. 224 | Major Cool – I had the urge to design an icon with a popsicle in it. This odd idea is the result.
• No. 110 | News Media – With the way certain events have been portrayed in the media this year, a pretty small fish being hoisted on a heavy-duty hook and tackle seemed appropriate.
• No. 152 | Off Season – My personal jab at the highly over-compensated pro football players that are off-the-clock, livin’ it up and not in the gym.

There they are. Take a look and let me know which ones are your favorites. I’d like to hear it.

The post A look back – My top ten favorite icons. first appeared on 300 Random icons.

This particular icon is based on a loose sketch from my personal sketchbook. Usually I scan the sketch and use it in Adobe Illustrator as a template. This time around I rendered it without a scan. Enjoy.

You can check out the actual blog entry here.

The post How they’re done. The Churned Butter time lapse. first appeared on 300 Random icons.

Well, no. No Oprah.

The truth is, I’m not sure yet. To be honest, I’m still reeling from the fact that I don’t have to stay up late every night cranking out new icons for the blog – which is nice. And, my brain’s enjoying the recovery at the moment.

After chatting with some of my friends over the holiday about next steps with the blog, I’ve decided to do a little post-game analysis on the work. You know, really look at the stuff and see what shakes out. Just from a cursory glance I can think of a handful of blog posts that might cover anything from reader favorites to stylization to background shapes. Could be interesting?

So, check back periodically and put in your two cents. I’d like to hear it.

The post The challenge is complete. So, what’s next? first appeared on 300 Random icons.

The last and final icon design installment of the 300 random and conceptual icons I’ve designed throughout 2012. Thanks so much for those that decided to follow along. It’s been quite a journey. Stay tuned for new developments with this body of work. And, Happy New Year!

The post 300 Random icons – Finish line first appeared on 300 Random icons.

Another installment of the 300 random and conceptual icons I will be designing throughout 2012. Feel free to follow along.

The post 300 Random icons – Sketch book first appeared on 300 Random icons.

Another installment of the 300 random and conceptual icons I will be designing throughout 2012. Feel free to follow along.

The post 300 Random icons – Personal growth first appeared on 300 Random icons.

Another installment of the 300 random and conceptual icons I will be designing throughout 2012. Feel free to follow along.

The post 300 Random icons – Patiently waiting first appeared on 300 Random icons.

Another installment of the 300 random and conceptual icons I will be designing throughout 2012. Feel free to follow along.

The post 300 Random icons – Next day first appeared on 300 Random icons.

Another installment of the 300 random and conceptual icons I will be designing throughout 2012. Feel free to follow along.

The post 300 Random icons – Last day first appeared on 300 Random icons.