There are 2 major road blocks that cause creative stallings among designers. They tend to revolve around the lack of inspiration and a feeling of monotony. Design is like a funnel and everyone knows that if you don't keep feeding it, it eventually will run out. We must stay fresh and green otherwise it’s easy to burn or fizzle out creatively. There are many ways to gain inspiration and it may be different from person to person. Some people like books, blogs, websites, and with social media as prominent as it is today there is plenty to reach from. These are all great tools but with that being said, sometimes the best direction to take in order to gain inspiration is to leave your desk, get out, and explore! Not too long though… withdrawal.
There is so much out there to see, learn from, and you never know who you’ll meet. On a recent excursion to get out and do just that, I picked up my trusty DSLR camera and headed to the park to brush up on some street photography. As I headed down the sidewalk surrounding the large lake of Eola Park, I came to a bench that dawned a lone weathered man surrounded by artwork. Only in Florida for a short period but interestingly enough it wasn't the first time I saw this mobile artist while there. It seemed daily that he moves from point to point around the downtown area, finds a tranquil location and starts sketching away. At each point he scatters his work around him as he draws. Sketching flowers, birds, and anything that catches his eye, the man’s name is Roosevelt Hall.
As I went to take a shot, he briefly said “No thank you” with a smile and I gladly pulled my camera back. We exchanged words over his work and I decided to buy a piece to show my appreciation of his craft. He directed me towards a featured newspaper clipping which he carries with him proudly and allowed me to snap a shot before we parted ways. His passion to be creative without any thought of reward or recognition is what I found most commendable. Just by staying flexible and breaking routine he stays creative and happy to do what he does. If you're ever in the Orlando area and come across this gentle soul, be sure to check him out! Share the love people! Get out and explore because inspiration is everywhere.
Picsul's tips to break monotony and get inspired:
Get Out and Explore
As creatives we are visual. Be spontaneous. Getting out and seeing things helps us gain experiences and causes the creative juices to start flowing.
Take Pictures
Photography in itself is creative and also when you take a picture that you think can be used for something in design it gets your wheels turning.
Take a Different Route Than Usual
Seeing the same things and people everyday gets redundant. Break the cycle and it’s possible to see and experience new things that you wouldn't normally.
Curious? Check it Out
See a park you’ve never been to? Go. See a trinket store you've always passed but never been? Go in. You never know until you know. Experiences produce ideas.
Share
Sharing helps the world go round especially in the design and professional world. It helps gain ideas, inspiration all while networking.
Any other ideas? Feel free to comment and share. Until next time, be sure to share the love!
Cheers,
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