Thought it would be fun to give you guys a glimpse behind the curtain at some of the design process.

Not long ago, @mrgodby had created a beautiful fan-made logo (and icon). Absolutely top-notch. In fact, there's been plenty of great artwork made by the entire community!

We had to decide on how the game should be perceived. What was the overall identity. What did we want to emphasize? The lore? The political factions? The combat? A thought, concept, or feeling? What the heck are we trying to achieve here?

So we started with a clean slate and analyzed all the possible directions we could go with the center piece of the entire project: The Icon.

We're not even talking "the logo" here. I'm talking the icon WITHIN the logo. The "Nike swoosh" that would communicate who we are in one, simple shape.

Both @aggroed and @yabapmatt tossed plenty of ideas around. I tossed in my own. So just for kicks, let's recount the creative journey known as THE ICON QUEST.

Here are some of the many sketches and concepts that eventually led to the current symbol. Forgive my bad handwriting. You're getting these unedited scribbles in the "raw", haha.

Eventually, we made the realization that the answer was under our nose the entire time. The game revolved around monsters. Heck, the word was in the name. We already had an icon that symbolized the monster class. The bared teeth of an attacking creature.

Huh.

I went back to the drawing board with the symbol we already had. I gave it the golden ratio treatment. In other words, I took the time to re-invent the icon with aspect ratios and proportions that were more aesthetically pleasing. Cuz that's what design people do.

Once we had a perfectly balanced symbol to champion the cause, it was time to start constructing the branding assets. Decide what version to use in what situations. Prepare for various applications, ranging from print, digital, merchandise, etc.

That'd look cool on a hat or t-shirt sleeve, right?

It's a badge of honor that evokes a sense of dread, courage, combat, and thrilling adventure! It makes you want to pound your chest, beat the war drum, and howl a mighty war cry. There is a power in its primal simplicity. Can you feel it?

So that's the tale of the Icon Quest. Let it inspire you in the grand battles to come!

You have unlocked the Icon Quest achievement. Congrats!

Now go buy some packs at https://steemmonsters.com/