An Iconic Journey:
Transforming ideas into a cohesive set of travel icons
Welcome! This collection of travel-themed icons was designed to visually represent elements associated with travel. Planning a trip comes with a flood of information from packing lists to keeping track of tickets; everything is a moving piece.
This project explores how simple icons can replace text-heavy information, creating a faster, more intuitive way to navigate traveling.
The goal was to create a cohesive set of icons that are both visually appealing and easily recognizable.
Original Image: https://www.behance.net/gallery/238363297/Instagram-Highlight-Icons-Wellness-Monoline-Set? tracking_source=search_projects|icon+set&l=7
First Stop
Studying an existing icon set revealed how a cohesive color palette creates visual consistency. The use of a limited set of colors across all icons creates unity, allowing each icon to feel like they belong together despite representing different individual things.
This icon set also demonstrates strong consistency in stroke weight, with each line maintaining the same thickness across all designs. This uniformity creates a cohesive flow, helping the viewer move smoothly between icons without distraction.
Mapping it out
With these principles in mind, I began sketching initial concepts for each icon. This stage focused on using simple shapes ensure each icon would be recognizable and not overwhelmed by small details. By working through multiple variations, I was able to test different approaches and refine the designs before moving into digital drawing.
Planning the Itinerary
I took the rough sketches into Adobe Illustrator to create cleaned up versions using simple shapes. Transforming rough ideas into clear and recognizable visuals. Focusing on simplicity ensured that each icon could communicate quickly while remaining cohesive within the set. I took basic shapes of rectangles and squares and put them together until they became recognizable symbols.
Using rounded corners across all icons reinforced visual consistency while softening the overall look. This helps the icons feel approachable and smooth without compremizing their recognizablity.
Travel Notes
Every decision in this project was intentional, creating a visual journey that guides the viewer from departure to destination. What began as a response to the overwhelming amount of information involved in planning a trip became an exploration of how design can simplify and clarify that experience.
Working on this icon set taught me the importance of thoughtful decision-making in every detail. Elements like the angle of an airplane, or the stickers on the suitcase transformed simple shapes into visuals that communicate meaning instantly.
Beyond individual icons, I learned how to build a cohesive system where each piece works together while still maintaining its own identity. This process reinforced the importance of designing with the viewer in mind, using consistency to reduce complexity.
Ultimately, this project shows how intentional design can turn a flood of information into a clear, intuitive visual experience.
Let's go on a Trip Together!
Thank you for exploring my travel-themed icon project! If you’re interested in collaborating and creating a cohesive icon set that supports your brand, I’d love to connect. You can reach me at:
Phone: (425) 319-7924
Email: han21067@byui.edu
Creative adventure awaits!
-Hannah Haneberg