Q: CUSTOM ICON'S - WHY PROFESSIONALLY DESIGNED CUSTOM ICONS?
An intuitive and well-designed application is easier to use and requires far less end-user training and support. Properly designed professional icons convey their function quickly and intuitively while inappropriately designed icons can actually reduce the usability of a software application. We, the icon designers at Westcoast Icons & Design, aid in the design of your software and encourage user interaction through our seamless icon designs. We aim to design navigational icons to be second nature to the user; "invisible or disappear from user thought". The user will almost subconsciously be guided through your software, website, or operating system. The user should always "flow" through an application and NEVER get "hung-up" on a task or operation.
Q: PROCESS - HOW DO WE DO THIS?
User recognition and recollection are two important factors we consider in icon development. Recognition means that the icon is identifiable by the user and easily associated with a particular object or action. We support user recognition by using effective metaphors. We use real-world objects to represent abstract ideas so that the user can draw from previous learning and experiences while exploiting the user's knowledge of the world and allude to the familiar. When designing icons, we utilize colour, shape, and form while applying a uniform design style across all of them. We repeat common characteristics, but avoid repeated unrelated items. They are simple, consistent, distinct, intuitive, recognizable and "invisible".
Q: WHY WESTCOAST - WHY SHOULD WE CONTRACT WESTCOAST ICONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF OUR ICONS?
Experience, Experience, Experience. We KNOW the icon designs that WORK for an array of software industries.
Q: ICON SIZES - GENERALLY SPEAKING WHAT DOES AN APPLICAITON ICON FILE CONSIST OF?
Application icons should contain these three color depths to support different monitor display settings:
- 32-bit (24-bit "millions of colors") with an 8-bit alpha transparency (This allows icons to display with apparent smooth edges.) - 8-bit (256 colors) with 1-bit transparency
- 4-bit (16 colors) with 1-bit transparency
You should have several different formats - three sizes per color depth:
48 x 48 at 32-bit
- 32 x 32 at 32-bit
- 16 x 16 at 32-bit
- 48 x 48 at 8-bit
- 32 x 32 at 8-bit
- 16 x 16 at 8-bit
- 48 x 48 at 4-bit
- 32 x 32 at 4-bit
- 16 x 16 at 4-bit
Q: REQUIRED INFO - WHAT INFORMATION SHOULD I PROVIDE TO OBTAIN A QUOTE?
Click here for our Icon Order Form or contact us with more details. Please provide us with as much information as possible.
Q: FILE FORMATS - WHAT FILE FORMATS DO I NEED?
This is done case by case. You might need an .ico, .gif, .bmp, .png, .icns, .psd, .tif, or .jpg. Contact us and let us know the minimum system requirements and what platforms your application(s) will run on and we will let you know which formats you require.
Q: COST & TIMLINE - HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHAT KIND OF TIME LINE IS REQUIRED?
This is done case by case. Prices and time line varies dependent upon quantity, sizes, colors, file formats, design style, our availability, etc. Click here for our Icon Order Form or contact us with more details.
Q: VECTOR / 3D - CAN I PURCHASE THE ICONS IN VECTOR FORMAT OR 3D?
We would need to know that you require the images in vector format or 3D prior to quoting and production.
Q: PAYMENT - WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We use PayPal or a bank/wire transfer for all new customers. We reserve traditional mail out checks for repeat customers with good credit.
Q: ROYALITY FREE - IS THERE ANY SPECIAL LICENSING OF THE ICONS?
No. Everything is custom designed for your application, and your application only. Subsequent on payment, ownership of the created icons become sole property of your company and no royalty fees or recurring fees will be associated with them. Please see our licensing agreement.
Q: STOCK ICONS - DO YOU SELL PRE-MADE COLLECTIONS OF STOCK ICONS?
We offer custom designed icon options for your application, and your application only. We do not offer Stock Icons. For you, we will create an original and intuitive set that will be sure to avoid any copyright issues well into the future.
Q: EXCELLENT, NOW HOW DO I ORDER?
Click here for our Icon Order Form or contact us with more details.