Riot Games – Iconography Design System


 

Pengu

Dan

Tacibear

Poro

 

Client Project


Riot Games – Iconography Design System
Monotype hired MKN Design to assist in leading Riot Games’ development of a custom, scalable iconography system. We oversaw iterative design, cross-team collaboration, and standards development, culminating in the delivery of an iconography library, which supports the brand’s growing product ecosystem and strengthens its visual language. Over the project’s six-month period, I co-led the effort as the icon systems specialist. My role focused on guiding, developing, and establishing standards that shaped a comprehensive toolkit of pixel-perfect icons, capturing the bold and playful spirit of Riot Games.

The goal of this project was to create a cohesive iconography system of 350+ icons that scaled seamlessly across three sizes—16, 24, and 32 pixels—while staying true to Riot Games’ brand. The system was designed to be bespoke, scalable, and unified—enhancing the user experience, reinforcing the brand’s visual language, and ensuring consistency across all Riot products.

The process involved research, iterative design, and collaboration across Monotype and Riot teams to ensure each icon met functional and aesthetic requirements. Every icon was carefully crafted to be pixel-perfect, visually cohesive, and easily recognizable at multiple sizes. This iconography system not only provides a sustainable foundation for developing future icons that align with Riot’s brand but also streamlines workflow, supports cross-product consistency, and strengthens the overall player experience.

“MKN Design played a key role in developing a strategic and refined iconography library for Riot Games. Their leadership and guidance across both Monotype and Riot Games ensured seamless collaboration, aligning the visual identity with brand goals through a thoughtful and systematic approach. They demonstrated the ability to solve complex design challenges while maintaining keen attention to detail, making a significant impact on the project’s success. Reliable, communicative, and consistently exceeding expectations.”

Robert Ignasiak, Product & Interaction Lead, Riot Games

 
  • Monotype & Riot Games
    Video Game Software & Entertainment

  • Iconography Design System

  • + Client Liaison
    + Co-Leadership
    + Brand Advisor
    + Design Direction
    + Design Ideation
    + Iconography System Design
    + Iconography System Guidelines
    + Illustration
    + Qualitative Research
    + Visual QA & Testing

  • Learn more about the process of developing and crafting this extensive iconography set.

    Developing a Visual Strategy for Your Brand


Apparel Iconography


Creative Musing + Product
February 2022

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Apparel Iconography
Crisp bold icons designed for an apparel brand. If you need custom designed iconography, I can help you.

  • This icon set is available for purchase, email me for licensing and cost.


Day of the Dead


Creative Musing
November 2021

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Day of the Dead
In celebration of the Day of the Dead (Día de Muertos). Though I'm not of Mexican descent, I deeply appreciate their tradition of celebrating and honoring departed loved ones. I’ve utilized the typeface Taurunum Ferrum designed by Nikola Kostić and Zoran Kostić from Kostic Type Foundry.

 

Skull & Bones Iconography


Creative Musing + Product
October 2021

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Skull & Bones Iconography
I had some fun this week creating these scary Halloween icons. I’ve paired the icons with the typeface Metalista designed by Tomáš Brousil from Suitcase Type Foundry.

  • Skull & Bones icon set is available for purchase, email me for licensing and cost. Some of these graphics are available on tees, check them out at Cotton Bureau.


Bobbin & Thread


Creative Musing + Product
August 2021

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Bobbin & Thread
I thoroughly enjoyed developing and illustrating this intricate set of modern tailor iconography. The typeface used with this icon set is Louvette Banner designed by CJ Dunn from CJ Type.

  • This icon set is available for purchase, email me for licensing and cost.


A Faithful Companion & Herzog


Creative Musing
July 2021

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A Faithful Companion & Herzog
Our family adopted a Norwegian Elkhound from our nearby dog shelter. As one does when getting a dog, I was searching online for a sleek and durable dog collar + leash, Herzog dog gear caught my eye and it was an easy decision to purchase their products (I purchased the Terracotta Collar and Leash as a set). Their meticulously crafted items boast both waterproof and eco-friendly qualities, fitting seamlessly into our minimalist style and complementing our Elkhound perfectly. The silhouette illustration above represents the Leonberger dog breed.

 

Square Knot


Creative Musing
June 2021

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Square Knot
Fun little exercise this morning in Adobe Illustrator.

  • Square Knot is available for purchase. Check out more graphic tee’s on my Cotton Bureau profile page. 

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    Note:
    All Cotton Bureau apparel comes in a variety of clothing types, styles, fits, sizes, materials, and colors.


Recycle & Die


Creative Musing
May 2021

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Recycle & Die
An illustrative exploration reveals the deceptive narrative sold to us by plastic companies: the idea that recycling will effectively benefit our planet. However, this notion masks a troubling reality—it serves as a ploy to perpetuate the cycle of production and pollution, ultimately exacerbating our planet.

 

Lark & Poppy


Creative Musing
November 2020

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Lark & Poppy
This crest was illustrated upon reflection of the poem, in Flanders Fields. For those who are and are not Canadian, on Remembrance Day, Canadians adorn a red poppy over their heart to honor the veterans that fought and died for our freedoms. Read and reflect on the poem, In Flanders Field. The poem was pened during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae. Today let's remember all our veterans.

 

Crow & Pitcher


Creative Musing
June 2020

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Crow & Pitcher
This weekend I read several fables by Aesop to my kids. One of the fables, The Crow & the Pitcher draws a relationship between problem-solving and wit (critical thinking), and perseverance. Within my own practice of strategic visual communication, these two attributes are critical in the process of developing and building brands. Without it, the ability to perceive, create and innovate is deprived.

 

Stayhome Friends


Creative Musing + Product
May 2020

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Stayhome Friends
Amidst the U.S. stay-at-home mandate, I crafted a series of playful illustrations, each carrying messages specifically designed for the stay-at-home orders. These illustrations served not only to entertain but also to reinforce the importance of staying home during this time.


Universal Mickey


Creative Musing
March 2020

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Universal Mickey
Merging an illustrative world globe with mickey’s ears.