Koda

For a few weeks I’ve been thinking about and working (on and off) on an icon for gmpc. Similar to a previous vectoring of a logo for pympd, the program is an interface to a networked music player system. However, where with pympd the icon was descriptively referencing both the python code and phonetic “pimp’d” pronounciation, I wanted to do something more generic for gmpc, more suitable as a tray icon. I also didn’t want it to be just another music note, like the other popular players; because under the hood it’s fundamentally performing something different: networked media control.

24x24, for an accurate view.

Surprisingly, the hardest part of designing the icon was deciding how I wanted to represent the “networked” aspect of the program. I must have spent a huge chunk of time simply staring at that music note and trying to figure out what else I would put there. Earlier versions of the icon were littered with contorted music notes, and cables and ethernet plugs, which got really blurry and really didn’t do it justice. Putting in the tower made things so much easier! Once I realized the tower made a space for status indicators, everything just clicked into place. You’re looking at what I was finally able to come up with.

It’s still a little rough around the edges, but all in all I’m pretty pleased with the design. Right now, the tower looks a little too much like a piece of paper for my tastes - to be fixed tomorrow. Also, I probably won’t get a good idea of how well the icon fits until I see it up in the GNOME system tray. Though all given, not too shabby for a Wednesday night.