Inspiration-

What triggers your mind for creative ideas? For me, it’s looking at pictures, quotes, music, and even breaking a sweat.

I’ve never been able to start a project on the spot with a brilliant idea. Searching my picture folders or working out while listening to music always seems to spark an idea. Never thought listening to Pump Up the Jam Radio could turn into something more, did you?

While sitting in a classroom thinking of answers to a question or a project I always catch myself doodling on the side on my notebook. I’m sure I’m not alone on this either!

There are many different places that can give you the inspiration you need.

1.     Different Eras: Think of a time in the past or a time in the future. Think of the buildings, people, art, culture, events, and even the emotions that run through that era.

2.     Nature: Have a different perspective and look closely. A person can walk outside and see nature everyday. Putting nature into a different perspective can make things interesting. A good designer knows how to make the viewer focus on a certain point, or feel a certain way. 

 

3.     The City:  Large cities have so much variety, color, personality, and action that it’s hard to ignore it as a source for inspiration.

4.     The Mall:  Walk into a clothing store and find shapes and patterns or into a toy store and notice colors, shapes, and themes.

5.     The Library:  Go to the library, find an article, book, or journal, and let your mind do the rest. Better yet, find books you enjoyed as a child yourself. Sometimes memory can spark bigger inspiration.

6.     Music and Album Covers:  Album covers are the ultimate of creative and original art. They can represent different eras, different styles, and portray emotion. Looking back at my dads old records inspires me a lot (it’s sad they don’t make them like that anymore!)

7.     Away from it all: If all else has failed, and good enough inspirations cannot be found, there’s only one place left to find it: away from it all.

Great designs can only be created from original thinkers. Any designer has their own unique practice for finding inspiration and design process for creating something out of nothing.

Especially with the art programs at Moraine Park it’s important to stay creative. Try some of my inspirational ideas or find some of your own that work for you!