DESIGN INSPIRATION
Where do you get your design inspiration? You can find it almost anywhere. But if you're struggling to feel creative, here is an exercise that may help you get started.
Start by thinking of things that create an emotion. Why an emotion? Because your customer is influenced by emotion. Your concept should communicate that emotion in a way that compels your customer to respond. Create a reason for them to want your product. Begin by asking yourself thought provoking questions. "What makes me smile? What gets me motivated? What makes me determined to win? What causes me to be compassionate? What does freedom look like to me?" As you ask yourself an "emotional" question, then try to think of an image that portrays your answer. It may be a single image, or a complex collage of visuals that begin to define your answer.
Now research those images through sketching, photography, print materials, and electronic media. Find or create samples of your images in a variety of styles. The more you research, the larger your cache of options becomes. This is where your concept begins to take shape. Certain images resonate with you more than others, and may even take you in a different direction from where you began.
Create a concept from these visual images. Choose five or fewer words to convey the answer to your original question. The words don't have to be a sentence. In fact, it may be more accurate if you use independent descriptive words. Now post your collection of images and words on a simple bulletin board, or in an electronic file. Make sure that you can easily move the images as your concept evolves, and remove or add images to refine your visual concept. Remember that your images should be reflections of the words you have chosen. Spend quality time on your creative concept and don't be in a hurry to set your final words and images on a design page. Sometimes walking away and returning later, help your concept to become more clear.
Make a decision. As your creative process continues, it can become difficult to choose a final concept. But, resist the urge to include too many ideas in one concept. Less is more, both in words and in images. No matter what your product, the concept has to translate to your customer. If you need a written explanation to convey your concept, then you have gone too far. Edit now. Reduce the mental and visual clutter and make your final creative decision.
There are many ways to find your inspiration: visually, through tactile experience, or even listening to music. The process above is just one way to get you started. Now, discover your inspiration.
Start by thinking of things that create an emotion. Why an emotion? Because your customer is influenced by emotion. Your concept should communicate that emotion in a way that compels your customer to respond. Create a reason for them to want your product. Begin by asking yourself thought provoking questions. "What makes me smile? What gets me motivated? What makes me determined to win? What causes me to be compassionate? What does freedom look like to me?" As you ask yourself an "emotional" question, then try to think of an image that portrays your answer. It may be a single image, or a complex collage of visuals that begin to define your answer.
Now research those images through sketching, photography, print materials, and electronic media. Find or create samples of your images in a variety of styles. The more you research, the larger your cache of options becomes. This is where your concept begins to take shape. Certain images resonate with you more than others, and may even take you in a different direction from where you began.
Create a concept from these visual images. Choose five or fewer words to convey the answer to your original question. The words don't have to be a sentence. In fact, it may be more accurate if you use independent descriptive words. Now post your collection of images and words on a simple bulletin board, or in an electronic file. Make sure that you can easily move the images as your concept evolves, and remove or add images to refine your visual concept. Remember that your images should be reflections of the words you have chosen. Spend quality time on your creative concept and don't be in a hurry to set your final words and images on a design page. Sometimes walking away and returning later, help your concept to become more clear.
Make a decision. As your creative process continues, it can become difficult to choose a final concept. But, resist the urge to include too many ideas in one concept. Less is more, both in words and in images. No matter what your product, the concept has to translate to your customer. If you need a written explanation to convey your concept, then you have gone too far. Edit now. Reduce the mental and visual clutter and make your final creative decision.
There are many ways to find your inspiration: visually, through tactile experience, or even listening to music. The process above is just one way to get you started. Now, discover your inspiration.
Images Are Copyright Protected