Art For Art’s Sake
Lately, I’ve become increasingly interested in designing for no particular purpose – you know, art for art’s sake. The last year and a half, I don’t think I’ve ever actually made anything that wasn’t a) a school project, b) a work project, c) something else that had some kind of use, whether being a portfolio for myself or posters promoting our student’s revue.
I’m thinking I should probably do something about that – if I want any hope of coming into my universities of choice, my portfolio should probably contain some creative pieces, right? The only issue here though, is getting the inspiration and ideas! However, that’s what I have this fancy little list for – 5 quick tips for finding design inspiration. ;)
- Listen to your favorite music, and try to visualize the song.
- Take a scene or quote from a movie, and describe it with graphics.
- Ask a good friend for good ideas.
- Think of a clear message you’d like to broadcast – how can you illustrate it?
- And last, but not least – find inspiration in other people’s work.
Since this was all going on during Math, #3 really was the easiest option. Asking a friend returned the prompt “the Americanized global society” – which quickly resulted in ideas for several concepts. End result? It’s over here, at DeviantArt. I’m really pleased with it, to be honest.
10 comments
Oh, darn, I wish I had a creativity drive! I like your five tips; they’re good.
Posted by Jenny, February 26th, 2008I really like your design :D Your five tips are really good, since I usually have design blocks XP No wonder you’re such a great designer :)
Posted by Chien Yee, February 26th, 2008I usually wait for inspiration to strike instead of consciously seeking it (heh, which is why I never have any inspiration), but I’ll have to try your first two tips sometime!
Posted by Meg, February 26th, 2008Oh..fellow Norwegian…Gratulerer med den nye websida. Den ser kjempebra ut!
I really liked the “poster” you’ve made.
Posted by Regine, February 26th, 2008Boy do I need inspiration. I’ve had the same layout for a year now. Unfortunately, my artistic skills have declined over the years… even when I am inspired everything comes out looking like crap.
I shall try you advice over the weekend though :)
Good luck with your portfolio and I’m loving this cute little blog you’ve got going here :)
Posted by Lissy, February 27th, 2008I find I get most inspired when I’m listening to music. I’m always listening to music when I’m creating something, gets the creative juices flowing.
Posted by Kiera, February 27th, 2008I love your design. :)
Those five tips make sense. I’d better try them out sometime. :)
Posted by Lexie, February 27th, 2008Love the layout its so fresh and clean lovely!
Posted by Felicity (milky), February 27th, 2008Since there are so many people commenting on this, I’m brave enough to do it as well. ;)
I found your portfolio (accidently) some time ago and I’m watching it for a while now… and now that you have this blog, I think it’s a good chance to tell you that you really do a great job!
Although I guess you hear this every day, I think it’s always nice, if someone comments on good work (because very few people actually do, even if they like something). So I just wanted you to know. =)
Have a nice day! Liv =)
Posted by Liv, February 27th, 2008I absolutely ADORE your design! :)
I should refer to those points for inspiration. I haven’t designed anything in years, and now that I’m finally trying to make a comeback, I’m having… uh, designer’s block. D:
Posted by Charmie, February 28th, 2008