From where do you draw your inspiration?
svdbygrce (39 pencils) | Mon, 2006-11-20 14:24From where do you draw your inspiration? When you sit down to a blank computer screen or even pencil and paper, to design web page, trade ad, or whatever it is you do, where do you start?
I am new to the industry, with just over a years experience. I have no formal art/design education, although am considering a second bachelor's degree in just such a subject.
I do have a passion and appreciation for beauty and for art. A passion for catching the vision of a project, brainstorming, imagining, and giving that vision color, vibrancy, and life. That is what makes this job so much fun!
Do you draw your inspiration from music, from other art, from people? I like to think I draw my source of inspiration from the beauty of nature around us, the created world in its splendor and majesty. The sheer genius of artists, writers and musicians who have gone before us.
So often, I find an enriching experience at Powell Symphony Hall is just the thing needed to jump start a newsletter cover or sales manual scheme.
Just wanted to collect your thoughts on the subject.
Geoff
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller
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...the bills in my mailbox. No time to wax poetic over the slow movement of the Shostakovich 5th.
Seriously. I start with whatever the client gives me, even if it's only a word and a deadline. I think about what the client wants to accomplish, about who must receive my design message in order to help him (or her) accomplish it. I role-play, let my mind drift over things to which my composite target person might respond positively. At some point, a concept takes shape. I then select or create graphic elements (fonts, images, a palette) and begin using them to build out the concept.
Then I go for lunch, realize what I've done so far is all wrong, go back to the studio, and spend five minutes doing something completely different, which is what I wind up showing the client, who loves it. Cue the Candide overture.
Mara
Gosh, sounds like you don't really enjoy what you do. I felt that way when I did I.T. work. That is why I switched over to design and writing. Yes, the bills have to get paid and clients needs met. But, I believe there is enjoyment to be found that inspires the best possible work.
I like the idea of role-playing. It seems more of a science to you than an art =]
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller
Is that really what you thought? Hmm.
Nope. I love what I do. LOVE it! There's nothing like just sitting down and starting in on something to get my juices flowing. Knowing that someone has heard about my work and was impressed enough to trust me with their project: what a thrill, honestly! And repeat customers are even more fun. It's precisely because I so enjoy the process of my work (not to mention my clients, who are almost always wonderful people) that I don't really need to play games with myself to get cranked up.
Of course, it's important to keep up-to-date on design trends, technical issues affecting our craft, and activity in the marketplace that can suggest a need for shifting emphasis from one type of design work to another. And, being artists, it's natural that we'll spend a certain amount of "unbillable time" seeking out beautiful and interesting things to experience in whatever way pleases us and feeds our spirits. But I don't see that as a gimmick for triggering design ideas. I see that, along with my time in the studio, as life -- all part of an harmonious whole.
But yeah, I suppose a "swipe file" couldn't hurt ;-)
Mara
Mara,
I appreciate your feedback. I was wrong and wasn't trying to pin you down LOL It is great to get those juices flowing. Time in the office or studio is great but even there I like to enjoy some classical or jazz and get the creativity going. I didn't mean it as a gimmick or formula for creativity. It just find it very helpful. Who knows how it may influence the work or shed some light on a project I am working on?
You are right though, nothing is more satisfying than being able to create something from a blank canvas and have it be appreciated by peers or clients.
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller
ditto. It's always when I step away, take a break, that I realize what I really need to do.
I keep a folder on my computer, and whenever I see something on the internet that inspires me, I screenshot it and put it in the folder. Then when I need inspiration, I just look in the folder... :P
Great idea. I keep a similar folder of printed material. Might have to start an internet folder as well.
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller
Different kinds.. I collect inspiration as Mackie does.. I've got a folder where I collect screenshots of websites that I like and other stuff.. Also when I'm reading magazines and watching tv or seeing other stuff in real life I'll try remember them in my brain (a bit of photographic memory) and then bring them to life later on in whatever project I'm working on..
Also a small notepad where you can draw and collect ideas is always good to have in hand.. Or use your mobile phone to write short ideas or stuff that inspired you :)
A few years ago I was sitting with my collegues in a bar, and someone ask the same what you ask, too.
I'm living a good life. I try to see, feel everything, what is unknown or strange in my eyes. I see much films, read books and magazines. I travel much. I see exhibitions etc... My inspirations are coming from feelings what I felt. I don't write a note book, I don't collect ads or visual worx. I don't want to copying. It makes me angry if my layout looks like another one, what someone made before me.
Listen to music, relax and trust in yourself. Don't think of the deadline like a fool. It worx.
When I was starting to working for a big ad ag, I made much mistakes, the 3-4 briefing was too much for me, because I never relaxed. I didn't know me, I didn't know my limits. It was 6 years ago. Now it is everything easyer.
Josef Stapel
Great thoughts! Sometimes it all comes together best when you get "lost" in a project and let your memories or emotions come to life on paper. Thanks for sharing
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller
"Before you would live your life, learn to die, too"
Books of Death
PS: this is my poor translation
Monika
For me, inspiration comes in an unusual way. When I am feeling "blocked" and need some inspiration, primarily with graphic design projects, the best place for me? The grocery store. No kidding. Think about it—it's a graphic design mecca! There is graphic design everywhere on every shelf. From typographical treatments, package design to something as simple as logo design. It has ALWAYS worked for me. There have been times where I am just lost with an idea—whether or not it's for a logo design, an ad or just use of typography. Although it's not the best typography in the world there, it's a damn good start.
You have to find what works for you and go with it. For me, it's grocery stores! Cheesy & lame, I know—but it works for me.
Good luck!
Suzanne Maestri-Walters
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"I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy as long as I can paint." ~ Frida Kahlo
www.onegirlcreative.com
That is a great idea!
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller
I work in the packaging industry... :)
It's typically line art (I'm a line artist, myself). I long for a full color brochure....
LOL!!! I do some technical writing/illustration as well. I feel your pain
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller
You should see the grocery stores in New Zealand. All the products jump off the shelf in a rainbow of flourescent colors. It's truly amazing!
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natobasso
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Dirt and Rust
Wish I could see the grocery stores in New Zealand. Dying to see NZ anyway as I've heard it's a beatiful country. Our friends just got back from being in New Zealand, Australia & Fiji for a month. They just arrived home this past week. Lots of good stuff they tell me.
Suzanne Maestri-Walters
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"I am not sick. I am broken. But I am happy as long as I can paint." ~ Frida Kahlo
www.onegirlcreative.com
Check these guys out. They are a major NZ retailer like Costco:
http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/
Even their website is bright! Love it and I love NZ. Plan on living there in about 3 years.
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natobasso
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Dirt and Rust
That is great..reminds of what Ikea has done in the furtinture/home market. I like the logo and signage...very eye catching
"When I grow up, I want to be a little boy." Joseph Heller