The Iconfactory | Dotico.com | The DeskBase | The DeskStop


Introduction
June 12th, 2002
Tribal Masks
by Gedeon Maheux

I had been wanting to create a set of icons based on primitive tribal art for some time. Since I've been lagging way behind in my OS X icon making skills, I decided to make this next release optimized for OS X. After gathering reference images from some great African and South Pacific websites, I set out to graphically translate what I had found. It took several attempts to find the right blend of line weight, color treatment and shading before I was happy with the result, but in the end (and after several round of tweaking) I was pleased with how they turned out.

I've always enjoyed tribal masks, art, patterns and carvings ever since I can remember. I think it might have started when my parents and I visited Walt Disney World and stayed in the Polynesian Resort Hotel. I remember the sights, sounds, decorative artwork and motifs that adorned the hotel, and although it was an Americanized version of the subject, I was drawn to it.

I hope you enjoy this small set of icons based on cultures and folk art from Tribes around the world. I had a great deal of fun making the set and seeing how spooky or how festive I could make the individual masks. I think there is something here for everyone. Have fun!

PS - The IconDropper pack of this collection contains special bonus icons that the set does not. This is my way of saying thanks to all of you who support our efforts by registering our software. Those of you using OS X can use the pack in conjunction with the factory's IconBrowser utility.

Work Notes
These icons were created using Macromedia Freehand, Adobe Photohop 6.0 and IconBuilder Pro and are designed for use with OS 8.5 thru OS X. All icons lovingly crafted by hand.

Legality
The icons and images represented by these icon are Copyright ©2002 The Iconfactory. The icons contained in this set are intended for personal desktop use ONLY. These icons MAY NOT BE REDISTRIBUTED, SOLD OR EXCHANGED FOR ANY GOODS OR SERVICES WHATSOEVER. In addition, the read-me file must accompany the set at all times. By downloading this file you are agreeing to be bound by these terms of use.

Icons in Mac OS X
The first thing you need to know is that getting information for a file or folder works a little differently than it does in Mac OS 9. In Mac OS 9 (and earlier), when you press Command-I, you get a Get Info window for each item you have selected in the Finder. With Mac OS X, there is no Get Info.

Get Info has been replaced with an "Inspector". The inspector is shown or hidden when you press Command-I. It also behaves differently; every time you select something in the Finder, the inspector shows additional information about the item. The good news is that even though the Inspector works differently, it still allows you to change icons for most desktop items.

Here is a step-by-step guide for setting a folder icon:
1) Select a file or folder that has the icon you want to use.
2) Press Command-I to bring up the Inspector panel.
3) Click on the icon once. You should see a gray border around the icon (see figure.)
4) Press Command-C to copy the icon. Do NOT close the inspector panel.
5) Select the file or folder that you want to customize. Press Command-V to paste the icon.
That's it!

Setting Classic Icons
The most common use of custom icons is as a replacement for the standard file and folder icons that are built into your Mac's operating system. Many people find that it is much easier to find a file that you are looking for by spotting a cool, colorful icon rather than by its name. Icons can be cut and pasted onto almost any item on the Macintosh. For the most part however, they are just a whole lot of fun. As for how to apply them, here is the most straight forward way:

1. On your desktop, select the icon you would like to use
2. Select "Get Info" (command-I) from the File Menu for that icon
3. Click on the icon in the upper left of the window
4. Choose "Copy" (command-C) from the Edit menu
5. Close the window
6. Select the file/folder you want to apply that icon to
7. Select "Get Info" (File menu) for that icon
8. Click on the icon in the upper left of the window
9. Select "Paste" (command-V) from the Edit Menu.
(this method won't work on the trash can)
10. You're done!

Contact The Author
Gedeon Maheux - gedeon@iconfactory.com

The Iconfactory - webmaster@iconfactory.com

More Goodies
As a showcase for all of our pixel-pushing icon work, we've created a place called The Iconfactory. The Iconfactory has quickly established itself as a premiere web destination for Macintosh icons. If you love to collect top-quality freeware icons for your Mac, then The Iconfactory is for you! We would love to have you add The Iconfactory to your list of bookmarks. The URL is:

http://www.iconfactory.com

If desktop patterns are more your cup of tea, then you'll want to visit The DeskStop. The DeskStop serves as a one-stop source for cool, desktop pictures, wallpapers, icons and more for use on the web, with 3D modeling software or just on your Mac's desktop. Drop by The DeskStop today at:

http://www.thedeskstop.com

Thanks
A tip of the hat goes out to artist Josh Agle (a.k.a. Shag) for the sub-conscious inspiration to create this set. Shag's style and approach is just so darned cool, it makes me want spend the rest of my days hanging out in one of his retro Tiki lounges.

Thanks also to Stuart Sandler for putting me onto Shag in the first place.

More thanks go out to Jen over at PixelDecor for her continued support of The Iconfactory and for making such groovy, retro patterns.

And last, but certainly not least, thanks to Mindy for her continual support and feedback on my work. You are the best sweetie!

Copyright © 2002 The Iconfactory, All Rights Reserved.