When you think about your nonprofit's brand, do icons come to mind? If not, it's time to start considering them as an essential part of your visual identity! Icons can enhance your marketing and communications materials, helping you effectively convey your message and build brand recognition. Here's a guide to choosing the perfect icon set for your nonprofit.

I created this cohesive icon set for The Lawrence Hall of Science, achieving consistency through uniform line weight, an unfilled design, and a playful touch of whimsy.

Consistency is Key

Like many aspects of branding and graphic design, consistency is crucial. Consistent icons create a cohesive and professional appearance, reinforcing your brand identity. To achieve consistency, look for the following:

Line thickness: Ensure icons have similar line weights, whether thin or thick.
Fill style: Choose icons that are all solid, partially filled, or outlined.
Edge style: Opt for sharp edges or rounded corners, but keep it uniform across the set.
Color: Decide whether you need one color or multi-colored icons and stick to your choice.

Aligning Icons with Your Brand Personality

Your nonprofit's brand personality should be reflected in your icon choices. For playful and casual brands, look for icons with rounded edges and unique designs. Serious and traditional brands should opt for icons with clean lines and timeless designs.

Finding the Right Icon Sets

An easy way to find cohesive icons is to search for collections from the same creator. The Noun Project offers various icon collections that work well together, saving you time and effort.

Customizing Icons in Adobe Illustrator

If you have access to Adobe Illustrator (or other vector editing software), consider tweaking your icons to make them even more consistent. Adjust line weights, fills, or colors to create a truly harmonious icon set that aligns with your brand.

Build a Library for Future Use

Icons are an integral part of your brand, so avoid choosing them on a project-by-project basis. Pick a style that works well with your brand and use it consistently across all marketing and communications materials. Start building an icon library for future projects, making it easier to maintain a cohesive brand identity.

By following these tips, you'll create a visually appealing and consistent icon set that strengthens your nonprofit's brand and effectively communicates your message.

Need help developing an icon library for your organization? Let’s talk!