Creating a High Profile Software Identity for Macromedia FreeHand including Icon Design, Splash Screen Design & Package Design

“The Javelin Thrower, sure to catch your eye at the software store.”
-Chuck Kraemer, The Cutting Edge, WCVB TV5 Boston

When Macromedia acquired the venerable FreeHand software and wanted to integrate it into their existing product line, they turned to DreamLight to create a new identity for the software. At the time, Macromedia’s high profile Director software sported a bold graphic figure on its cover. The previous version of FreeHand (Aldus FreeHand) had a purple leaping man on its cover. We decided to create a new figure for FreeHand that retained some of the creativity of the previous FreeHand figure while also showing off FreeHand’s phenomenal photo realistic illustration capabilities. Thus was born the famous Javelin Thrower. We took the same approach in the icon design and incorporated elements of the new identity while still retaining a similarity with FreeHand’s previous icons. After the success of FreeHand’s new identity, Macromedia had us design new Macromedia Director & Extreme 3D icons.

For an, in-depth, behind the scenes case study about this widely published project, complete with samples and tips & tricks, don’t miss DreamLight Insight #05: FreeHand Software Identity.

If you would like DreamLight to design a software identity or icons for you, please contact us.