references/visual-elements.md
Icon and symbol vocabulary organized by topic. Use these as building blocks for cover compositions.
Tech & Development
| Element |
Use For |
| Code window / Terminal |
Programming, development |
| Gear / Cog |
Engineering, settings, process |
| Circuit board / Chip |
Hardware, AI, computing |
| Binary / Data stream |
Data, algorithms |
API brackets </> |
Web development, APIs |
| Cloud |
Cloud computing, SaaS |
| Lock / Shield |
Security, privacy |
| Network nodes |
Distributed systems, connections |
Ideas & Innovation
| Element |
Use For |
| Lightbulb |
Ideas, insights, innovation |
| Rocket |
Launch, growth, startups |
| Target / Bullseye |
Goals, precision, focus |
| Puzzle piece |
Problem solving, integration |
| Key |
Solutions, access, unlocking |
| Magnifying glass |
Analysis, search, discovery |
| Chart / Graph |
Data, trends, growth |
| Arrow / Path |
Direction, journey, progress |
Communication & Collaboration
| Element |
Use For |
| Speech bubble |
Communication, dialogue |
Chat dots ... |
Conversation, messaging |
| Handshake |
Partnership, agreement |
| Team / Figures |
Collaboration, community |
| Mail / Envelope |
Notifications, outreach |
| Megaphone |
Announcements, marketing |
| Network / Web |
Social, connections |
Nature & Growth
| Element |
Use For |
| Plant / Sprout |
Growth, organic, sustainability |
| Tree |
Established, structure, branching |
| Leaf |
Eco, natural, fresh |
| Sun / Rays |
Energy, positivity, new beginnings |
| Mountain |
Challenge, achievement, scale |
| Wave |
Flow, change, rhythm |
| Seed → Plant |
Transformation, potential |
Tools & Actions
| Element |
Use For |
| Wrench / Hammer |
Building, fixing, tools |
| Pencil / Pen |
Writing, creation, editing |
| Brush |
Design, creativity, art |
| Scissors |
Cutting, editing, trimming |
| Clock / Timer |
Time, scheduling, deadlines |
| Calendar |
Planning, events, milestones |
| Checklist / Checkbox |
Tasks, completion, validation |
Abstract Concepts
| Element |
Use For |
| Infinity ∞ |
Continuous, endless, loops |
| Yin-yang |
Balance, duality, harmony |
| Spiral |
Evolution, recursion, cycles |
| Stack / Layers |
Depth, hierarchy, structure |
| Bridge |
Connection, transition, spanning |
| Door / Portal |
Opportunity, entry, access |
| Mirror / Reflection |
Self-improvement, analysis |
Combination Patterns
Create visual metaphors by combining elements:
| Combination |
Represents |
| Lightbulb + Gear |
Innovative engineering |
| Plant + Code |
Organic tech growth |
| Rocket + Target |
Precise acceleration |
| Key + Lock |
Security solutions |
| Bridge + People |
Team connections |
| Magnifier + Data |
Analytics, insights |
Rendering-Specific Treatment
| Rendering |
Element Style |
flat-vector |
Geometric, simple shapes, uniform fills |
hand-drawn |
Sketchy, organic, doodle-like |
painterly |
Soft edges, brush strokes |
digital |
Precise, gradient hints, polished |
pixel |
8-bit chunky, grid-aligned |
chalk |
Dusty, textured, board style |
