For no apparent reason, I researched a ton about stock and web icons a couple of years ago. Many of the sites I found then are still in existence. So, whether you're into web development or software programming, these great companies and individuals provide many attractive and flexible icons for your project. Also, I've provided a pricing guide to help you in finding icons to fit your budget.
Pricing Key:
$ = 1 - 99 USD per set
$$ = 100 - 199 USD per set
$$$ = 200 - 299 USD per set
$$$$ = 300 - 399 USD per set
$$$$$ = 400+ USD per set
1. StockIcons.com (The Iconfactory) $$ - $$$$
This professional site designed to contrast The IconFactory's slightly factory-themed and small-company styled website speaks for itself. The Iconfactory is a well-respected graphics design website that designed all the icons for the Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Ubuntu Linux user interfaces. They have a spectacular lineup of well-designed icons at their daughter website, StockIcons.com. All of their attractive icons reflect character and personality, and styles vary widely. I highly recommend their Renaissance, Horizon, and Fresco collections.
2. Yellow Icon $$ - $$$$$
I personally love the crisp, professional simplicity of the Yellow Icon website's design. This same clean-cut mentality shows in their icon collections, with a wide range of styles and a lineup of stock icons that rivals that of The IconFactory. Their Vista- and XP-styled icons fit seamlessly with any Windows interface. I recommend their Ultimate Angular and Aero Stock collections.
3. IconBuffet $$$
The friendly and unique design of this site days much about their icons. Not only does this site offer a great selection of quirky and colorful stock icons, they also have a free delivery program where one can sign up and receive free icons regularly. The have great icons for graphics-oriented websites and social networking applications and sites, among other un-thought-of uses. I would recommend their Manhattan, Tower Grove, and Marseilles collections.
4. IconDock $ - $$$
A project by N.Design Studio, IconDock's nautical-themed website catches the eye. Although their selection is somewhat small, they feature individual icon purchases, so you only buy what you need. IconDock is one of the only sites I know of that offers this method of purchase. I recommend their HiGloss and Blockie collections.
5. IconShock $$ - $$$
This website is worthy of mention because of their stock of over 700,000 icons, with new ones being released every week. Website design is somewhat less professional and less updated and frankly more boring than any of the previously mentioned websites' user interface, but what IconShock lacks in website attractiveness they make up for in their countless sets of stock icons. Since I am just too lazy right now to go through all of their dozens of icon sets (probably more than all of the other previously mentioned sites combined), I don't have a specific recommendation. But, I will say that, If you're designing for Windows Vista, this would be a great site to go to, and you probably will not have to look far to find the exact icon you're looking for.
I will let you choose for yourself what to buy, if any at all. After all, this is just one person's judgement. Tell me what you think.
Also, stay tuned for the sequel post: The 5 Best Free Icon Websites.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment