In our Meet the Maker collection we speak to designers who push the boundaries of our beloved app, and discover out what drives and conjures up them. In the present day we’re chatting to Duncan Horne: a contract icon designer, in addition to a front-end developer and “another issues in between”.
How did you get began utilizing Sketch?
I first got here throughout the app in round 2014 after I began my first design position with a software program firm. I had simply managed to nab an invitation to Dribbble, and numerous the work I used to be impressed by seemed to be made utilizing Sketch, so I made a decision to attempt the app out myself.
What impressed you to create the work you’re sharing with us?
I’ll all the time keep in mind the time I moved from utilizing a Home windows PC to my first G4 iMac in 2003. I fell in love with the dock right away. The way in which icons have been handled and the element they portrayed was such a breath of contemporary air. That is most likely the foundation of my love for app icons. These days designers resembling Gavin Nelson, Matthew Skiles and Michael Flarup are a large supply of inspiration — hopefully at some point I’ll be capable to see myself on a stage taking part in area with them.
Duncan’s Wolverine illustration — made in Sketch.
I’m a large comedian ebook fan, and these are the opposite massive supply of inspiration to me in relation to the illustrations I produce, whether or not or not it’s the art work and drawings inside or the textual title remedies on the duvet. I can all the time discover one thing in each problem that offers me a spark to create one thing of my very own.
Typically, although, I simply love issues that look good, whether or not or not it’s one thing made by a designers and artists, or a specific kind or scene in nature.
I exploit strokes and gradients rather a lot, and time and time once more I discover myself sifting via the completely different Mix Modes to see what works greatest. I steadily use Blur Instruments too — I believe generally even a really slight blur can provide a design a stunning comfortable impact that makes it look simply that bit extra skilled. Oh, and let’s not overlook the trusty Vector Software!
What recommendation would you give to anybody trying to create one thing just like your designs?
I believe the most effective recommendation I can provide is to repeat creations that you just love. When you see a very cool icon design with a loopy impact, try to recreate it your self. Even when you assume you might need to make use of completely different instruments to the unique, give it a go. You’ll undoubtedly be taught one thing new and achieve one other arrow in your quiver alongside the best way.
