No, this would not take up RAM, as the icons you've created are not stored in the temporary memory (what RAM is) but in the permanent memory on your hard drive.
The problems you're describing are also not RAM problems, but most of the times problems with a faulty app installed to your Mac or problems with the hard drive.
First, boot your Mac in the safe mode to see if the issues persist. If it does not persist in the safe mode, your problems are caused by an external piece of software
Start up your Mac with Apple silicon in safe mode
- On your Mac, choose Apple menu
> Shut Down. - Wait for your Mac to shut down completely. A Mac is completely shut down when the screen is black and any lights (including in the Touch Bar) are off.
- Press and hold the power button on your Mac until “Loading startup options” appears.
- Select a volume.
- Press and hold the Shift key, then click Continue in Safe Mode.
- The computer restarts automatically. When the login window appears, you should see “Safe Boot” in the menu bar.