We are in a design rich society. Yet when we need inspiration, we often forget to look around ourselves. The following exercise can be a jumping point for home decor projects, all types of art work, or any creative process involving visual elements. (Even computer or video game design!)
Try this technique for some instant design inspiration:
Grab the nearest objects at hand that you find visually appealing and create a quick composition.
Still stuck? Here are a few examples:
- Stack fabric/yarn at a store
Image credit: dragonbrookyarns.com
- pile spice bottles together
A nice primary color scheme.
- cut colors/images from magazines
Image source: purodeco.com
Then document your “collection” by buying a small amount or capturing your grouping with a cell phone pic.
Do this “collecting process” for the following categories:
“Love the color”
“Love the shape”
“Love the texture”
“Love the style”
Now ask yourself, from the collection of colors, shapes, textures and styles, which ones work the best to convey your design’s purpose? Is the sole purpose to energize, relax, spice up, or cool down the viewer? Or does this design need to have a balance of purposes like calm-energy, or relaxing-spice?
If you cannot find the best colors, shapes, textures and styles from the ones you love, then you may have to adjust, but keep in mind, YOU are the designer. So if the project is for your own use, you should find the design elements from your best loved collection.
When to go pro:
If you have a professional design task (paid for your ideas) then this same technique can work. However, keep the scope of the project and client’s requests in mind as you “collect” your samples.
Happy Designing!
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