Who needs words when you can communicate just as effectively through emojis and icons? Well, that's the millennial thought, at least. They are the latest form of communication for millennials to express their emotions. Even cute situational illustrations can convey bigger and complicated messages quickly. So where does one find these icons and illustrations? There's got to be a library of sorts of these illustrations and icons, right? Dalpat Prajapati had the same thought when he was pursuing Computer Science engineering at Sarvajanik College of Engineering in Surat in 2014. He recalls, "I used to design these icons and illustrations for various events and projects of my college. Then, I started surfing on the internet to know if there is any platform that provides these icons or illustrations for graphics or web designers. I was not able to find any such platform. That's why I decided to create a library of visual language with different features."
In 2015, Dalpat along with his friends Mohit Gandhi, Varun Trivedi, Arpan Rank, Jemis Mali and Tarun Mangukiya launched Iconscout. Since these engineering graduates had to start from scratch, it was a bit difficult for them to keep the money flowing in. Dalpat says, "Every start-up has its own set of challenges. Initially, we started as a design studio and provided services in logo design, UI design and so on. Fortunately, we got the opportunity to be associated with names like KTM, Uber, Hackster and so on, and this has provided us with a chance for a bigger jump. Not only earning good revenue but we also set up a small office in Gujarat. However, in 2016, we realised that Bengaluru was the place to be and expand our business. So, we moved to the IT city."
Gradually, the team developed the website and app where people can actually download colourful icons and illustrations for free. Currently, the Iconscout team is associated with 150 artists who can create illustrations and icons and their in-house team takes a look at these before they get a seal of approval to be published on their website/app. These illustrations and icons are then dividing into different categories, including office communication, time management illustrations, milkman, medical, delivery, business illustrations and much more. Not just icons and illustrations, they also provide photographs for free that actually tell a story and are a treat for the eyes.
Dalpat feels that it is the right time for them to build a large network of artists across India. "We already have a network of over 1,500 artists and photographers on our platform and we hope to build a bigger community in the coming days. This will not only provide them with employment but greater exposure for their work and variety on our website," he concludes.
Go and check out their icons and illustrations on iconscout.com
