Manish Durgude

At Sketchish, I was tasked with designing a versatile custom icon library to support both internal products and client-facing assets. The goal was to create a cohesive, scalable, and recognizable visual language that could adapt across different themes—from AI/technology concepts to playful avatars and pop-culture inspired icons.

My Role

Icon Designer – Conceptualized and illustrated 100+ icons
System Builder – Developed consistent grid, stroke weight, and visual style
Collaborator – Worked with product designers to align icons with branding and UI needs

My Design Process

Defined a grid and stroke system, then iterated across AI, avatars, and pop-culture themes for clarity and consistency.

My Design Process

Defined a grid and stroke system, then iterated across AI, avatars, and pop-culture themes for clarity and consistency.

Research & Inspiration

I started by analyzing existing icon libraries and Sketchish’s brand identity. The challenge was to balance professional clarity with a playful, human touch.

Visual System

I established a consistent 2px stroke grid system, rounded corners, and simplified forms for readability at multiple sizes.

Iteration

Tech Icons: Abstract representations of AI, chips, and neural networks

Avatar Icons: Expressive, character-based designs to humanize digital interactions

Pop-Culture Icons: Recognizable yet simplified versions of superhero emblems for community projects

Validation

Icons were tested in mockups and UI prototypes to ensure clarity at small sizes and harmony in different color modes.

Outcome

✅ Created a 100+ icon set covering:

AI & Tech (brains, chips, automation)
Avatar Faces (emotions, fun characters, interactions)
Superhero Emblems (for themed branding projects)

✅ Improved consistency and recognizability across Sketchish’s digital products
✅ Established a scalable system that new icons could easily extend

Outcome

✅ Created a 100+ icon set covering:

AI & Tech (brains, chips, automation)
Avatar Faces (emotions, fun characters, interactions)
Superhero Emblems (for themed branding projects)

✅ Improved consistency and recognizability across Sketchish’s digital products
✅ Established a scalable system that new icons could easily extend

Reflection

This project reinforced the importance of scalability and consistency in iconography. By balancing functionality and personality, I delivered a set that worked across different contexts—whether a serious AI product or a playful avatar feature.

Reflection

Behance

Instagram