In The Sims 4, creativity knows no bounds. With various tools introduced through different expansion packs and updates, players are empowered to express their imagination in unique ways. One such feature is the digital sketchpad, an object that allows Sims to draw and paint digitally rather than on traditional easels. Among its many capabilities, one interesting and often overlooked function is the ability to create icons. These can be custom illustrations that Sims generate through freelance gigs or inspired moods, adding a new level of artistic freedom and interactivity. Understanding how to create icons on the sketchpad not only enhances your Sim’s career opportunities but also unlocks hidden gameplay details for creative players.
What Is the Digital Sketchpad in Sims 4?
Overview of the Digital Sketchpad
The Digitalistic Sketchpad is an item introduced in The Sims 4: Get Famous and The Sims 4: Freelancer update. Unlike canvas easels, this sleek digital device lets Sims draw digitally. It functions similarly to an easel in terms of producing artwork, but it also includes additional categories such as Fashion Illustrations and Icons, especially for Sims pursuing freelance careers.
How to Acquire the Sketchpad
You can purchase the sketchpad from Build/Buy mode under the Electronics category. Once placed in a Sim’s inventory or home lot, it works immediately with the right skill levels and career paths. The object is fully portable and doesn’t require a desk or chair to use.
Why Create Icons?
Icons as Part of Freelance Work
If your Sim works as a Freelance Digital Artist, many of the client tasks involve creating specific art types including icons. These can represent app designs, UI layouts, or even simple branding images. Creating icons is not just a way to complete job assignments but also a way to progress through the digital artist path efficiently.
Expanding Artistic Repertoire
Aside from freelance tasks, creating icons helps Sims diversify their artwork collection. Instead of painting portraits or landscapes, icons represent a different style of minimalistic and symbolic design. This is especially useful for storytelling, roleplay, or personalizing a creative Sim’s journey.
Steps to Create Icons on the Sketchpad
1. Choose or Build the Right Sim
To unlock icon creation, your Sim should ideally have:
- A high Painting skill (level 5 or above recommended)
- Freelancer career (Digital Artist agency)
- Aspired Creative trait (optional but helpful)
This combination ensures your Sim is eligible for gigs and can access the full menu of sketchpad options.
2. Accessing the Icon Option
Once your Sim has the sketchpad in their inventory or placed on the lot, click on the object. Under the Draw or Create Artwork menu, you may see several categories: Classic Painting, Illustrative, Fashion Illustration, and Icon. If ‘Icon’ does not appear, it may be tied to specific freelance gigs or skill levels.
3. Accept a Freelance Gig Involving Icons
Go to your Sim’s phone or computer and Find a Job. Select the Freelancer career and choose Digital Artist as the agency. From the gig board, look for assignments that mention app icon design, branding illustrations, or UI projects. These will unlock the Create Icon interaction when clicking the sketchpad.
4. Creating the Icon
Once the gig is accepted and the task is available, click the sketchpad and select Create Icon. Your Sim will begin drawing a digital image tailored to the job description. The process takes a few in-game hours depending on your Sim’s mood and needs.
5. Submitting the Work
After completing the icon, go to the career panel and select Submit Work for Approval. If the quality is high and meets the brief, your Sim will get paid, often with bonus performance points. If rejected, try again until you succeed.
Tips for Successful Icon Creation
Improve Mood and Needs
Ensure your Sim is Inspired before beginning the icon. This emotional state boosts artistic output and shortens task durations. Take a thoughtful shower or view art before sketching.
Maximize Skill Level
The higher your Sim’s Painting skill, the better the quality of the icon produced. Try to max out the skill for quicker progress and higher pay rates on gigs.
Use the Tablet Consistently
Practice makes perfect. Even when not completing a job, continue to use the sketchpad to draw various art types. This unlocks more options and polishes your Sim’s style.
Limitations and Known Issues
Sketchpad Menu Not Showing Icons
Sometimes the Create Icon option doesn’t appear unless tied to a specific gig. This is by design to reflect the nature of freelance assignments. If you’re not seeing the option, try changing gigs or improving your Painting skill.
Icons Don’t Appear in Gallery
Unlike standard paintings, icons created on the sketchpad are not always saved in the household inventory or gallery. They are usually consumed by the freelance task. If you want to preserve them, use screenshots or mods that enable artwork saving.
Missing Visual Previews
On rare occasions, completed icons may not display a preview image. This is a visual glitch and does not affect task completion. Restarting the game or clearing cache usually resolves this issue.
Creative Uses for Icons
Storytelling and Roleplay
If you like to document your Sim’s journey or use the game for machinima, icon creation is a great way to show their development as a digital artist. You can pretend your Sim is working for tech startups, design firms, or launching their own brand.
Decorating Creative Spaces
Even though icons created for gigs disappear, you can simulate them using wall decor, screenshots, or downloaded assets. Use the sketchpad as a centerpiece for a modern home office or studio build.
Integrating with Mods
Mods can unlock further functionalities, allowing icons to be stored, sold, or used in other game interactions. This expands the scope of digital art and lets your Sim thrive in a fully realized creative profession.
Creating icons on the sketchpad in The Sims 4 adds a subtle yet impactful dimension to gameplay, particularly for players who enjoy detailed professions and creative freedom. Whether used in freelance digital artist careers or simply for personal storytelling, icons represent a modern and stylish way to express your Sim’s talent. With the right combination of skill, inspiration, and career alignment, this feature becomes both a satisfying goal and a valuable tool in any Sim’s artistic journey. Keep exploring the sketchpad’s potential, and you may find that your Sim becomes the next iconic creator in the digital world of The Sims 4.