Sketches » Freebies

Vector Social Networks Icon Set 01

Sam — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 21:10:40 +0000

What site is complete without a swarm of social network sharing icons? For that matter, what site doesn’t offer a set of vector-based icons for free? Well, in the interest of solidarity, here is my set:

Download the Illustrator file here: social_icon_set2010.ai.zip (528k)

And for the bonus round…

Here is a huge set of icons of the various players on the web. If you’re looking for an obscure icon beyond the standard social networks, this is the set for you! They are carefully organized in in a thoroughly random order.

Download the Illustrator file here: web_players_icon_set01.ai.zip (639k)

What? You’re looking for more? No dice. You’ll have to wait till next time. Or try making something yourself.

Create a font from your own handwriting!

Sam — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 03:02:17 +0000

Type design meets instant gratification. Font Capture is a newly launched utility that will take a scan of your handwriting and turn it into an actual true type font. I admit I was skeptical when I first came to the site, but decided to give it a run and see how it turned out.

The process was fairly easy:

Download and print the template page
Write all the letters in their appropriate boxes
Scan and upload the completed template back to the site
Preview the result and download my completed font

There are a few tricks to getting a nice result. I used a black Micron08 pen, slightly tweaked the vertical placement of the letters in Photoshop, and made sure the four registration dots on the template made it intact through the whole process.

Of course, this is an auto-generated font. Despite all the clever scripts running in the background, you have to expect some kerning foibles and the like. There are limited special characters, and no options for ligatures or other custom refinements. It is what it is. If you want a more structured font, try FontStruct. Or for complete control, buy a copy of Fontographer and go to town.

When it is all said and done though, it is hard to go wrong with a custom font in 15-30 min. For free. I can see great potential for drawing up some fun and stylized fonts with this utility. But even beyond possible design uses, there is something strangely satisfying about being able to type in your own handwriting.

Check it out at: http://www.fontcapture.com/

Life Stages Icon Set 01

Sam — Sun, 05 Apr 2009 20:08:23 +0000

Births, deaths, awards, and marriages; these are perfect little icons to help announce major events in people’s lives. I’ve found them useful. You might as well too. No point in reinventing the wheel, right?

Download the Illustrator File: life stages icon set01.zip

Seed Icon Set 01 – Somebody ought to be using these!

Sam — Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:48:22 +0000

This is a set of icons I created a few years back when I was updating my portfolio site.

The site is looking a little out of date these days, but I ran across the icons, and thought I should throw them out here so I know where they are in case I find a use for them again. If you want to put them to use, just download the vector-based file below.

Download Illustrator File: seed_icon_set01.zip

Logo starter – extra swirly!

Sam — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 03:17:43 +0000

Everyone likes free stuff! Here are a few graphics I came up with but never ended up using. Any one of these could be a great starting point for a logo or pattern. Let me know if you find these useful!

Download Illustrator File: logo_starter_swirly01.zip