After a briefing or short interview with the client I’ll do (if necessary) research by Google Image Search and by creating conceptual sketches. After that I’ll pick the most communicative one. I’ll show this to the client and adjust, tweak until I’m content. This will be used for reference in Cinema 4D.

After the brainstorm and sketch fase I’ll create a 3D mock-up in Cinema 4D. At first I’ll use this rough impression for the client, later I’ll use it in Adobe Photoshop for the finale fase. All images are created at 2000×2000 pixels, this high-res version is also usable for marketing, print or packaging.

In this fase I’ll clean up the generated image from Cinema 4D. For example I can add extra shadows, refections, refractions or textures for more realism. When I’m satisfied I’ll show this final version to the client and after his approval I’ll create the smaller versions (which also have visual corrections).

If there are existing icons I’ll compare them side-by-side to see if the improvements are satisfying enough. On the left side the old icons on the right side the newly created ones.