Design inspiration comes in all shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re an illustrator working on a glossy magazine cover or a graphic designer working on a logo mock-up, the right kind of inspiration will help you come up with unique and creative ideas for your projects.
But… sometimes, you need a little extra help getting inspired.
That’s what we’re here to help with. When it comes to finding inspiration, we’ve been there, done it and got the t-shirt. Over and over again.
This is what we do when we hit “designer’s block”:
1. Travel
Seriously, there’s no better way to gain inspiration than to adapt yourself to a new context. Travel exposes you to new cultures, people, and experiences. By immersing yourself in a place that’s far from home, you break out of your comfort zone and open your eyes to new possibilities in your creative projects.
2. Take a walk
As a creative, it is so easy to get lost in your head, and sometimes the best way to get inspired is to simply leave the office and go for a walk. Whether it’s from a weird car, nature, or architecture, you’ll be surprised at how much inspiration you can find just by going for a stroll.
3: Check out Pinterest
The depth that Pinterest possesses is endless. This amazing free social media platform can become a daily source of inspiration, especially during the research period of a project, where you can find incredibly unique design, illustration, photography, and references.
Build Pinterest into your research phase. Search for key words and ideas from your project and see what inspiration the world brings to you!
4: Get up earlier
Try waking up 30 minutes earlier than you usually would. It may sound silly, but it will help to get you into the right headspace for design work. If you can, try doing a yoga routine, meditate or workout before you hit your desk. It’s a great way to keep your focus inward before you get your head into the creative aspects of your day.
5: Take note
This may sound obvious, but many people don’t do it. Whether you take a photo or scribble them down on a notepad, start taking note of all the things that inspire you. Maybe you’ll spot cool colour combinations on your commute. Perhaps you’ll read an interesting line in a book that resonates with one of your customers. Whatever it is that grabs your attention, make a note of it. Life gets busy – don’t let the important bits slide.
Remember that even the best designers sometimes need a little help in finding inspiration. These tips will ensure you always stay ahead of the game.
We’ll be back soon with more help and advice. Need to speak with us?
We’re here to help.
