The Breakroom

Contour Database and EPS Stock Sets Released

June 14, 2006

By Webmaster

StockIcons.com has released a set of 52 add-on icons to extend the original Contour collection into the realm of databases. With icons covering concepts such as tables, scripts, records, and many others this is an important addition for anyone needing icons for database software development. Contour Database is available today as an electronic download for $179.00. Contour Database is also available in scalable EPS format for use in large format, print and web applications. Contour Database EPS is available for $129.00.

Cars Conspiracy

June 11, 2006

By Webmaster

Preview

A quick detour from the world of icons for a moment to talk about the new PIXAR film Cars. Some of the workers saw the latest animated feature from the wizards at Steve’s other place of work this weekend and we have to say we were impressed. This comes as a relief since ever since the original teaser trailer premiered, we’ve been a little worried. Whomever put this trailer together really should be scrapped, (sorry) because we’re happy to say it did no justice to the final product. Cars is a thoroughly enjoyable, albeit a bit long, journey into the surrealistic world of these friendly automobiles.

The animation is top notch (of course), the voice work is spot on, and the story while not totally original, warms the heart. Combine this plus tons of visual eye candy for car lovers, some awesome music from Sheryl Crow plus the usual assortment of “in-jokes” and you’ve got yourself another winner in the Disney / PIXAR line up. Critical reviews for Cars have been mixed, but we say to them “get off your high horse and smell the motor oil man!”. Taken for what it is, Cars is great from start to finish and it is worthy of a visit to the theater AND a place in our DVD collection. Lighten up dudes! For more on Cars and general news about PIXAR, check out the blog Luxo. Lots of information about their films, company culture and just general cool stuff.

Making Mail Fly

June 1, 2006

By Webmaster

While surfing this week, the workers came across a great tutorial posting that instructs users how to do a complete toolbar icon makeover for Apple’s Mail application. Panic & the Iconfactory’s own CandyBar icon customizer can handle toolbar changes for most applications, but apps like Mail use multiple sizes of toolbar icons and that’s where it gets tricky. Bryan Veloso over at Avalonstar wrote up a nice step by step guide that uses Pixadex as the tool of choice for this task and we think its one of the nicer tutorials out there and definitely worth taking a look. If you are a freak about customization and icons, then don’t miss this one.

Two Treats In One

May 30, 2006

By Webmaster

Preview

We are pleased to announce the release of Talos’ latest freeware icon collection – ClearBlack. This all new set of system replacement icons for use with Panic and the Iconfactory’s own CandyBar utility, is really two sets of system icons in one. As the name suggests, a part of the set is clear or transparent when viewed on the desktop and part is black for lighter (or white) desktops, hence ClearBlack. In addition, all of the folder icons included in the set come with cool open/drop states so you can see the icons animate right on the desktop! We invite you to stop on by and download ClearBlack today for your Mac, PC or for use with CandyBar where you can change all of your system icons with a double-click.

The Joy of Spring

May 25, 2006

By Webmaster

Today we present a new QuickPix icon courtesy of our illustrious resident iconist David Lanham. The buzzing you hear is not your new MacBook Pro’s display but a homage to the crisp weather, fragrant blossoms and emerging greenery of a beautiful Spring in the Southeastern United States. Don’t forget to grab the QuickPix icons while you can. They are here and gone without warning and then you will have to wait patiently until the end of the year compilation to get them again. Enjoy running barefoot in the grass, but watch your step!

Another E3 Come and Gone

May 16, 2006

By Webmaster

The annual pilgrimage to the video game temple of E3 has once again come and gone. The major players in the video game entertainment industry showed their wares, covered up their booth babes and through it all we learned some interesting tidbits. We will wait to reserve final judgment however until our friend, Cabel Sasser, posts his expo review over at his excellent blog. If his Nintendo DS reviews are any indication, we’re sure his show floor adventures will be “Must see E3”. Now if you’ll excuse us, Talos has to start saving up to buy his PS3 while Ged sits and waits patiently for Nintendo to announce the release date of the Wii. Back to work!

“Kill all humans!”

May 9, 2006

By Webmaster

Preview

Don’t look now, but our robotic slaves are about to rise up against us and make us do those lame chores we’ve been pushing on them like the laundry, food shopping and walking the dog. Of course we’re talking about this week’s freeware release from Gedeon Maheux, Futurama Vol. 4 – The Robots. This fourth installment in the series brings 12 of Matt Groening’s hip, droid characters to your desktop to do your bidding. The set includes fan favorites like Calculon, URL and the splintery wooden ass of Downgraded Bender. If you’re a fan of Futurama, then don’t wait another moment, and grab volume 4 today for your Mac, PC or as a cool Pixadex iContainer. And don’t miss the new Futurama related Quick Pix released today – Leonard Nimoy’s Head. Enjoy!

Porcelain Finance Stock Set Released

May 4, 2006

By Webmaster

StockIcons.com has released a set of 52 add-on icons to extend the original Porcelain collection into the realm of finance and commerce. With icons covering concepts such as transactions, credit, interest, and many others, this collection is an important addition for anyone needing icons for software or websites dealing with finance or commerce. Porcelain Finance is available today as an electronic download for $179.00.

Suffering Pixelpalooza Withdrawal?

April 27, 2006

By Webmaster

We came across a nice posting from a fellow iconist today that we thought we would share with our visitors. Seems as though Jamie and others are going through Pixelpalooza withdrawal and long for the heady days of pixelated madness that each winter brought here at the factory. Starting in 1997, The Iconfactory sponsored a contest to help build support for the Macintosh and Mac-based icon artists by encouraging new and unique creations in the art of icon design. The contest was a huge success for the eight years it ran until going on hiatus in 2005.

Pixelpalooza helped us to find three of the most talented icon artist in the world, Dave Brasgalla, Anthony Piraino and David Lanham. So you can imagine that the contest holds a special place in our hearts. Hundreds of talented artists have created thousands of icons for Pixelpalooza and Mac users everywhere are grateful.

2006 marks the tenth anniversary of the founding of The Iconfactory, and we have some very special things in store for all of you this year. We’ve been keeping a tight lid on those developments, but we wanted you to know that this is the main reason why we’ve had to put the contest on hold these last two years. If all goes well, Pixelpalooza will indeed return, better, bigger and funner than ever before. We’re sure you will be pleased with what is coming your way in the months ahead, and thank you once again for all of your support.

Extra Large Application Icons

April 25, 2006

By Webmaster

Preview

Today’s freeware release is a small companion set for Corey Marion’s unique ant’s eye perspective Monolith set. The original set, released as a handy CandyBar iContainer, transforms your entire system with this bold and simple collection. This new set adds Apple’s iApps and some of the preinstalled OS X goodies like iChat, Safari and iCal.