Whether using an existing logo or creating something completely new, utilize all branding possibilities by following these characteristics: your art should be recognizable based on certain constraints, unique to your business, and representative of app capabilities as well as of your current marketing strategy.

See what works. Search the App Store for "Lucidiom Inc." to see all the other photo apps we have done... and take a look at icons. Some work better than others.

Make it recognizable. Icons and splash screens should be eye-catching and attractive. Common problems arise in image sizing, resolution, and spacing of elements.

Make it unique. Maximize branding effectiveness by creating art unique to your business. Use this medium to define or enhance your business’ identity and personality.

Space. Icons are most commonly viewed on device home screens, these icons are small and can be hard to see. To maximize space, keep your graphic simple and large within constraints. Multiple colors, text, and other effects can cause your icon to look busy and unrecognizable. Keep in mind that the display app name will be shown under the icon, so text is usually not necessary. Splash screens are much larger leaving room for text, graphics, whatever! But, keep in mind the splash is only shown briefly, while the app loads, so the user will not have time to read a lot of text.

Leave off the detailed info. Splash screens are only shown for a second or two, so should not contain much text...forego addresses and phone numbers...users can't return to this screen, so anything they can't read and remember in a few seconds should be left off.

Size. The most common issues arise in image sizing and/or re-sizing, often making art look stretched or blurry. They can be avoided by starting with a correctly sized new canvas, not up-sizing artwork, and keeping proportions.

Representative.  Your art should reflect your current marketing strategy as well as the purpose of the app. By creating a unified message among all interaction nodes, a stronger connection is bound to customers. 

 Pix[M] has done a nice job of keeping their icon clear, large, and representative of their website through use of their logo. Their splash screens effectively illustrate their app’s purpose.