```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2Fhow-to-design-an-icon-ep1-game-controller%2Fdd6485c2-2ab4-414e-828c-bdccc939f7ca.png?alt=media&token=776c0222-d566-4575-a124-69c3b27f7ef5","id":"dd6485c2-2ab4-414e-828c-bdccc939f7ca","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-001-002.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Welcome to the first episode of my icon design series! In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the process of creating a sleek Game Controller icon. Let’s dive in!

What you’ll need:

* an app for drawing icons, like [Figma](https://www.figma.com/) (my favourite), [Framer](https://www.framer.com/), [Sketch](https://www.sketch.com/), [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html) or [Glyphs](https://glyphsapp.com/),

* a **24px grid** and a **2px stroke** **width** set up in your design file

* and **a few minutes** of your time.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2F9cY3XDAQWvI6S9bZSErn%2F09596f65-bc69-4e5a-b70a-a8d147aa83f7.png?alt=media&token=3963d378-926c-4b62-a807-74938b4f49ee","id":"09596f65-bc69-4e5a-b70a-a8d147aa83f7","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-001-002-1.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 1: Start with a Rectangle Shape**

Begin by crafting a basic rectangle shape to serve as the foundation of your icon and its size.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2F9cY3XDAQWvI6S9bZSErn%2F2672b6af-2b4e-4b70-8ddc-6d0d1e2f6772.png?alt=media&token=3ede0644-7eae-41db-942d-68206f525324","id":"2672b6af-2b4e-4b70-8ddc-6d0d1e2f6772","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-001-003.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 2: Refine the Shape**

Gradually refine the rectangle to mimic the contours of a game controller.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2F9cY3XDAQWvI6S9bZSErn%2Fc2c88bd7-4c38-493b-bb44-794ca2e9d93f.png?alt=media&token=d5e7c52a-d8f8-4600-a709-bdeaeee1d89e","id":"c2c88bd7-4c38-493b-bb44-794ca2e9d93f","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-001-004.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 3: Soften the Edges**

Soften the edges by rounding the corners, giving your icon a friendly and approachable appeal.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2F9cY3XDAQWvI6S9bZSErn%2F10681804-dbe6-4808-b86f-e7b69bdf8ed3.png?alt=media&token=0aad012f-e74b-4b52-98e3-b941d698e15c","id":"10681804-dbe6-4808-b86f-e7b69bdf8ed3","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-001-005.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 4: Add Action Buttons**

Complete the design by incorporating the distinctive action buttons typically found on a game controller. Pay attention to their placement and size for balance and coherence.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2F9cY3XDAQWvI6S9bZSErn%2F482a1348-e89f-4298-8528-50721ae25222.png?alt=media&token=0018556e-179f-4979-80f1-a78ee749caa8","id":"482a1348-e89f-4298-8528-50721ae25222","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-001-006.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Congratulations! You’ve crafted your Game Controller icon. Take a moment to admire your creation.

---

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this tutorial! Reach out to me in messages. I hope time will allow me to enhance the tutorial experience by incorporating short videos to make following the steps even easier.

---

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2Fhow-to-design-an-icon-ep1-game-controller%2F24b5cbac-6cfb-4413-8e77-f4d5d64c5ed0.png?alt=media&token=d633049c-b23f-485b-a4d4-e3ff260de3a8","id":"24b5cbac-6cfb-4413-8e77-f4d5d64c5ed0","width":3196,"height":2400,"filename":"cover.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In other exciting news, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my very own icon library — **[Amicons](http://amicons.design/)**! Discover 500 meticulously crafted vector icons with a delightful and consistent aesthetic. Visit [amicons.design](http://amicons.design/) to explore the collection.

But don’t wait too long! The sooner you jump in, the better the price. Plus, with every purchase, you unlock **✨ lifetime updates ✨**.

How to design an icon, Ep. 1: Game Controller

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2Fhow-to-design-an-icon-ep-car%2Fee2734c5-e553-4bfd-84aa-937f46571fed.png?alt=media&token=1ac23d18-17c1-41f6-bbf4-8df341cbbacd","id":"ee2734c5-e553-4bfd-84aa-937f46571fed","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-cover.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Welcome to the second episode of my icon design series. In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the process of creating a Car icon. This is what you’ll need:

* an app for drawing icons, like [Figma](https://www.figma.com/) (my favourite), [Framer](https://www.framer.com/), [Sketch](https://www.sketch.com/), [Adobe Illustrator](https://www.adobe.com/products/illustrator.html) or [Glyphs](https://glyphsapp.com/),

* a **24px grid** and a **2px stroke** **width** set up in your design file

* and **a few minutes** of your time.

Let’s dive in!

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F7254eca5-95a9-4bec-92be-e65a74d92735.png?alt=media&token=714f55e8-c192-4d33-97a1-d6a96206a6e3","id":"7254eca5-95a9-4bec-92be-e65a74d92735","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-001.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 1: Begin with the Guideline**

Start by creating a simple rectangle shape to serve as the guideline for the optical size of your car icon.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F729f9d86-0b4c-4aac-ae9f-95b56e4a2629.png?alt=media&token=6d95ce80-7f2d-4484-b786-46cd002279e0","id":"729f9d86-0b4c-4aac-ae9f-95b56e4a2629","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-002.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 2: Sketch the Car Body**

Sketch out the main body of the car.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2Feb379411-7203-4bc4-98cb-fc8f2066995c.png?alt=media&token=790f3884-10a4-46c0-9f6d-b12220985500","id":"eb379411-7203-4bc4-98cb-fc8f2066995c","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-003.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 3: Add Window**

Incorporate the window of the car, ensuring it aligns well with the overall shape.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2Ff0458219-b691-4ac6-a659-da50879187a1.png?alt=media&token=c8569439-7660-40ce-9dbf-7c0ec50443b1","id":"f0458219-b691-4ac6-a659-da50879187a1","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-004.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 4: Attach Wheels**

Add wheels to the car, making sure they are proportionate and aligned properly.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F8fd9f03e-29fe-4eaf-bffe-3422da87b362.png?alt=media&token=a28342bc-dce9-4d2f-a3f2-3673cdd84849","id":"8fd9f03e-29fe-4eaf-bffe-3422da87b362","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-005.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 5: Round the Edges**

Soften the edges of the car by rounding the corners, giving it a more friendly appearance.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F69c7468b-4623-4341-b9fb-99696d525679.png?alt=media&token=cf82198d-01bd-4f1f-95cb-b1026c3eeefa","id":"69c7468b-4623-4341-b9fb-99696d525679","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-006.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 6: Detailing**

Include headlights, rear mirrors, and a license plate.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F7265bdbf-c585-4a48-bb1b-446839db5cf9.png?alt=media&token=79185906-6c77-4fd4-b619-7399e2e973ea","id":"7265bdbf-c585-4a48-bb1b-446839db5cf9","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-007.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 7: Round the Edges**

Once again, round the edges of the details for a cohesive look and feel.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2Ff7cb7e16-a690-480d-bd4e-bad69832d9d7.png?alt=media&token=badf7ec5-efe2-429a-9bf6-9076abdff630","id":"f7cb7e16-a690-480d-bd4e-bad69832d9d7","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-008.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 8: Merge Shapes**

Combine the main car shape into a single entity.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F06c61fb8-98a5-45f7-a353-80e0f2e3546c.png?alt=media&token=2efd74f6-a653-4806-a038-9b1ecd2f2356","id":"06c61fb8-98a5-45f7-a353-80e0f2e3546c","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-009.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 9: Merge Shapes**

Combine the car details into a single entity as well.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F2c68b60f-9a35-4073-a860-2208495e262c.png?alt=media&token=fe8ce0c8-4a4f-43f5-ac75-d4ea4249de96","id":"2c68b60f-9a35-4073-a860-2208495e262c","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-010.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

### **Step 10: Subtract and Outline**

Select both resulting shapes, subtract the detailing from the main shape, and outline the final result.

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2FjK17403Jcm8IojFvbIKj%2F6521b847-6afa-4c36-a082-6357311f939b.png?alt=media&token=074ac0e9-f75b-47bc-99a5-c99a4db9cb67","id":"6521b847-6afa-4c36-a082-6357311f939b","width":2400,"height":1600,"filename":"howToDesignAnIcon-medium-002-011.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

Congratulations! You’ve successfully crafted your Car icon. Take a moment to admire your creation.

---

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this tutorial! Feel free to leave your feedback in messages. In future episodes, I hope time will allow me to enhance the tutorial experience by incorporating short videos to make following the steps even easier.

---

```cv
gallery
{"layout":"hscroll","images":[{"src":"https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/maitake-project.appspot.com/o/pages%2F50F3fQbjhyPD68XcCBJBPsGTpWg1%2Fhow-to-design-an-icon-ep-car%2F901aaf4d-a334-4f14-832e-36fa57d00b63.png?alt=media&token=a0c5531a-8f4c-4768-973a-3008f83f8cb5","id":"901aaf4d-a334-4f14-832e-36fa57d00b63","width":3196,"height":2400,"filename":"cover.png","type":"image/png","caption":"","border":false}]}
```

In other exciting news, I’m thrilled to announce the launch of my very own icon library — **[Amicons](http://amicons.design/)**! Discover 500 meticulously crafted vector icons with a delightful and consistent aesthetic. Visit [amicons.design](http://amicons.design/) to explore the collection.

But don’t wait too long! The sooner you jump in, the better the price. Plus, with every purchase, you unlock **✨ lifetime updates ✨**.

How to design an icon, Ep. 2: Car

Just launched my first very own icon set – https://amicons.design ✨

Product & Icon Designer

Putting work into words

Sharing my tips on how to write about work.

Introducing the new GamesWatch

Launching the new and improved version of my game design and art references website.

How To Be More Organized While Designing UI

Proposing a more systematic approach to design based on design tokens

Project Worlds — Achieving God Mode in Digital Design

Describing an abstract, simple but powerful way of thinking about systems based on how we perceive the world around us.

Making our own Emoji

Documenting the creative process behind making a real Apple-esque emoji for my colleagues.

How we tested Virdi

Recounting my process of user testing a digital real estate platform.

Gold in Graphic Design, Open Class

Received for identity and digital platform for Bee Home. Shared with the amazing multi-disciplinary team at Bakken & Bæck.

The world’s most innovative companies in design

Fast Company named Bakken & Bæck as one of the World’s Most Innovative Companies in 2020, together with notable companies like Nike, Webflow and Form Us With Love.

JavaScript Algorithms and Data Structures

Learn Programming Online

Learn JavaScript Online

Strengthened my React foundations with this most up-to-date online course on how to use React in 2022

React Tutorial

Ikea wants to help you design your very own dream home—for bees

Bee Home is a digital platform that makes it easy to build a home for bees. 
- Being a part of the award-winning multi-disciplinary team at Bakken & Bæck, I was responsible for prototyping and designing the user experience and interface.

Bee Home for SPACE10 & IKEA

Conceptualised, prototyped and designed a feature for Zenly.

A feature for Zenly (Snap)

Skrible is a personalised writing tool that helps Norwegian students with everything from spellcheck to word-count, and provides them with real-time automated feedback, as well as individual feedback from the teacher.

Skrible for Kommuneforlaget and NTB Arkitekst

Member of the team that designed and built the cryptocurrency platform Toshi, later rebranded to Coinbase Wallet.

Coinbase Wallet

Prototyped and designed the next generation of design and simulation tools for the #1 leader in the world in dense warehousing and order fulfilment.

AutoStore

Studio is an iOS app that lets you reimagine your home through augmented reality, bringing interior design to the many. 
- Led efforts for a future-forward project for IKEA.
- Improved the experience of the beta version of the app through design explorations.

IKEA Studio

My newly redesigned personal website.

- They say people don’t read case studies so I turned mine into small bite-sized cards to make it more fun and engaging.
- They say “3 case studies max” but I wanted to showcase my entire range of skills and experience in an infinitely scalable, fun to watch format.
- Written in TypeScript using NextJS, Radix UI and Framer Motion.

My Website

Worlds is my several years long research into design and physics. It manifested as a new type of design tool stemming from a different way of thinking about systems.

It’s best described as:
• A browser for your mind.
• An engine for abstract thought.
• Your personal design assistant.
• A playground for computing.
• A magic dreambox full of ideas.

Currently in development.

Worlds

Created as a personal space for my photography. I left Instagram in 2020 to find my voice in photography and explore what kind of photos I want to make as opposed to what is rewarded with the most likes. The website is kept simple and is gradually improved. Built with React and Gatsby.

minor.photos

Labka is a platform for adopting pets that I co-founded and have been co-creating from scratch since 2020. It empowers shelter members with an easy way to share listings and gather financial donations from supporters.
- Responsible for the product vision and the platform design, including the brand creation, building the user experience, designing the interface, creating and implementing the design system, along with providing the visuals and copywriting. 
- Labka is a passion project created out of love for our adopted cats and all the others who still deserve a good home.

Labka

Started my first very own icon library. I thought the world desperately needed some good vibes so I made them extra cute. Amicons consist of 600+ (and counting) exquisitely designed, clean and consistent vector icons with a friendly attitude. \
\
Don't forget to check them out on [Gumroad](https://amicons.design/)!

Amicons: your friendly local icon library

GamesWatch is a game design and art references website, providing inspiration and examples from games for research or fun. 
- Created, curated, designed and built GamesWatch from scratch using React, NextJS, Vercel and Sanity using thousands of screenshots and videos taken over several years of playing games. 
- Posted tidbits of game trivia and appreciation of details on its Instagram account.

GamesWatch

Independent Product and Icon Designer

Defined, prototyped, designed, built and shipped high-quality digital products and experiences across Android, iOS and web for both small up-and-coming startups and large established global corporations.

Lead Product Designer

Contributing photos for Stocksy United, an artist-owned, progressive and inclusive co-operative providing exclusive stock media. Focusing on portraits and candid documentary series.

Photographer

Digital Designer

Co-founded and co-created web platform for pet adoption.  Defined the product vision, product strategy, user experience, visual design and product brand with an emphasis on ethical design principles.

Marek Minor

2024