Icons and Marks: Communicating Without Words
- Sue Skavlem
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
March 2026 | Sue Skavlem
How can you use minimalist iconography to speed up communication?
Simple. You can use an icon to represent: Who, Where, What, & Why!
What is an icon?
Icons appear simple, but are a complex symbol simplified. They're kind of genius.
With a few simple lines, they represent a brand, person, direction, place, action, or need.
The icons for place, action, need - become standardized - until we don't even realize we use them everyday.
Here are a few icons that "stand for" or symbolize a brand, or brand product: Google Maps, Nike, Amazon A + Smile
Here are a few you may be familiar with: Place Pin, Wifi, Power, Low Battery, Share, Download, email, Link, Chat.
Do these look familiar to you?
"Icons are meant to be read at a glance and are typically created on a square (1:1) canvas." – Helena Zang | Foundations of Iconography
A picture is worth a thousand words, but a good icon is worth a thousand clicks. Visual shorthand helps your audience navigate your content without getting overwhelmed.
Whether it’s your Instagram highlights or your website menu, simplicity is king.
1 Choosing icons that align with your brand.
When creating your logo - think about what Icon you can use with it. One to represent you, your brand, AND what kind of customer it might attract.
2 Consistency in stroke weight and style.
If you have icons on your website, app, or marketing materials - try and choose the ones that look similar to each other.
If you start with 1 thick-line icon with a transparent background - keep the rest all looking that same style.
3 Using "Meaningful Marks" as navigation
When you're creating a website - here are some easy navigation or contact icons you may want to add (Home, Location, About Us, Contact Us)
igation
About the Author
Sue from Skavlem Designs
When I make a design, I think – What can this do?
These designs don’t just exist. These designs DO. They work hard alongside you and your business. These designs are levers. They are sales. They are engaged customers. They are brand recognition that gets you that meeting.
Top 3 things I love to do: Read. Paint. Snowboard.
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