How to Create a Gradient Icon Inspired by Instagram in Adobe Illustrator

Rebrand your logo in style with this quick tutorial on creating a gradient icon in Adobe Illustrator CC. We'll build our icon design from scratch with quick and simple shapes and pair gradients and effects from the Appearance panel to complete our on-trend design.

Alternatively, you may wish to use a pre-made line icon from Envato Market. Whether you use stock icons or follow along to make your own below, there's no time to waste! Let's get going!

1. Build the Icon Line Art

Step 1

Use theRectangle Tool (M) to draw a rectangle. Pull itsLive Corners inward to round them out a bit.

Step 2

Use thePen Tool (P) to draw a V-shape from the top left corner to the top right corner. Select this line with theDirect Selection Tool (A) and pull the corner'sLive Corner upward to round it out, similar to the radius of the rectangle.

Step 3

Draw two line segments going from either lower corner toward the upper half of the design.Group (Control-G) your icon together and set the stroke weight to16 ptor so in theStroke panel, withCaps andCornersRounded.

Our quick and easy envelope icon is complete! Let's make this fancy.

Step 4

Draw a square around your envelope with theRectangle Tool.Alignthe envelope group and the square to their centers in theAlignpanel.Pull the square'sLive Cornersinward to round off the square quite a bit.

2. Create the Gradient

Step 1

Add a gradient to the rounded square. In theGradient panel, set the colors to yellow (#f9ed32) and hot pink (#ee2a7b).

Step 2

Add a bright violet hue (#002aff) to the gradient. Push the pink closer to the center of the gradient.

Step 3

Change the gradient type toRadial Gradient.Adjust the radius shape and angle with theGradient Tool (G). My gradient's angle is set to49.2° with itsAspect Radio at81.2%.

Well Done, You're Through!

Set the envelope icon's stroke color to white to complete the icon design. What other fun, simple icons can you create in this style?Share your completed icons in the comment section below!