They should be created using 3D software: It is not a good idea to create 2D graphic and then apply an artificial 3D effect to them using angles, light and shadows. These should be real 3D objects.

Format: Upload them in PNG with the minimum size of 1024x1024.

Artboard size: We recommend using an artboard size of 2000x2000. Read more about artboards.

Fit your graphic to the artboard: Make sure that the graphics are not too small compared to their artboard. This will make them look small when being previewed on Iconfinder. Also, avoid graphics that are larger than their artboard, since that will cause them to have clipped edges when uploaded to Iconfinder.

Get the shapes right: It can be easy to create shapes directly to 3D software, but that might make you overlook the small details like, for example, the anatomy of a hand. It is a good practice to draw the shapes on paper before, to spot what doesn’t work.

Spend time on perfecting the lights and shadows: 3D objects naturally have light and shadow areas, so you need to spend extra time in getting these right. These are an excellent opportunity to add some magic to your designs.

Get the perspective right: Try to think which perspective can make your designs look at their best. Think about how the graphic's details can be best noticed.

Make sure all the items in a pack have the same perspective: It is a good idea to orient all 3D objects in a pack in the same way. This will help with keeping the pack consistent.

Choose good textures: Materials become very important in three-dimensional objects and one common pitfall is having your graphics look as if made of "cheap plastic". The plastic look is not the best choice for faces and hands. In the example below, the illustration on the left looks like a plastic doll, with hard materials. The illustration on the right has a soft-looking skin and a specific texture for the hair; notice the material of the sweater and the reflection on the glasses.