Creative Favicons: Tiny Artwork

• By Sven Lennartz
• September 11th, 2007
• Favicons, Icons, Logo design
• 30 Comments

Since visual elements are easier to remember, they can be used to draw visitors’ attention to the brand identity of the site. As visual indicators, favicons can establish the communication with visitors and make a web-site easier to remember and also easier to get back to once you need it – for instance, once the users look for the site in their bookmarks. Still most sites don’t make use of them – just like 404-error-pages, favicons are often forgotten or simply ignored. It’s time to change that, folks.

Every once and again we present some of the most creative and beautiful favicons — to prompt you to design them for your sites. In fact, we are willing to do that until the trend is finally established.

The design of favicons might look like a simple task; however to

• make the design recognizable,
• keep the design simple,
• support visual identity,
• ensure visual clarity,
• design within a 16×16 rectangle

is a creative challenge you shouldn’t underestimate. The details build the foundation of a successful logo, and to take care of the smallest details is extremely important for a usable and visually appealing favicon.

The images below can be clicked – apparently, they lead to the sites from which the favicons have been taken. The examples show not only how a well-designed favicon might look like, but also which creative approaches can be used to give a favicon the freshness and clarity it deserves. The examples also demonstrate how favicons can support the overall design of the site it is being used on.

You can find further favicon-showcases and some more information in the posts we’ve published before:

• Part 1: Inspire Yourself: 50 Remarkable Favicons
• Part 2: Inspire Yourself: More Creative Favicons
• Part 3: Creative Favicons: When Small Is Beautiful

First of all, the favicon from SlideShare, one of our all times favorites. It’s just a small logo, but works perfectly as an eye-catching attraction.

Animated favicons are sometimes used, however it’s rather an exception.