You will often be asked by our team when engaging us for a design project, do you have any images or ideas for your project (as well as a whole heap of other questions)? You may wonder why do I need to supply this information to a designer, shouldn’t they be the one’s coming up with the ideas?
The short answer is yes. Of course we do.
However to develop and come up with ideas specific to your project, your input is such an important first step of the design process. It helps both your client manager and the design team understand your vision, taste and style – and it keeps us on track.
So what happens with your images and ideas? Well they are just the starting point. From there we go out into the big wide world. And we start to explore and we ask questions.
Lots of them.
For most projects where conceptual creative work is required, our creative team will go through a similar creative process, using different inspiration avenues, depending on the project. Questions are asked – who, how, why, where, what – and connections are made back to your project.
Some of the ways we find inspiration is through:
It all starts with your ideas.
Your initial ideas and inspiration images are reviewed thoroughly and discussed in detail before commencing the project.
We then undertake online research to further expand on the initial ideas and a digital graphical vision board is created containing photography, fonts, illustrations and similar. Certain core images are printed and adhered to the office wall, for storyboarding and ongoing inspiration throughout the duration of the project. Often having a visual which is seen over and over again, can spark a new idea and a design angle not previously thought of.
Offline research through industry magazines, texts and journals are also referenced for ideas and inspiration. Often trends emerge that will ignite a new direction and your project will start to take shape.
Next, we step away from the computer.
And we sketch, note take, draw, brainstorm and mind map. This process allows free flowing conversation, brain dumps and both group and individual ideas come to the surface through detailed and focused discussions. Ideas and themes start to emerge, and a short-list of core inspiration starts to take place.
Then we get outside.
Often the most amazing inspiration comes from wandering through a garden, going for a walk in the local park or sitting on the grass. Nature allows us to focus on a different point of view – one filled with shapes, colours and grids. Luscious green foliage, bright popping florals, swaying trees and clear blue skies fill our minds with possibility, which will stimulate fresh readily flowing ideas upon return to the studio. Reconnecting to nature regularly is something we try to do often – and we recommend for general good health.
** Watch our bonus video clip below
It’s important for a designer’s mind to rest.
Consistently working to deadline or under pressure, stifles creativity and affects the quality of work produced for our clients. So we factor in regular breaks throughout the working week, as well manage our production schedule with R&R in mind – so your work is the best it can be.
These are just some of any number of a combination of inspiration activities we undertake. They help us create well-rounded design pieces that are layered in design thought and depth.
Where do you find your inspiration? Please share with us in the comments below.
If you would like to know how we can inject inspiration into your next design project, be sure to get in touch with our team.
Creatively Yours, Rosie & Anthony @ ideapro
** Bonus Clip: Want to escape with us into nature for 3 minutes? Click here and relax.
PLEASE HELP US SPREAD THE WORD AND SHARE SOME INSPIRATION WITH YOUR COLLEAGUES AND FRIENDS!
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