Design can be a pretty intimidating career choice. There are thousands of illustrators and photoshop specialists in this field. When I first decided to pursue graphic design seriously, I was so afraid that I wasn’t good enough to compete with all of the talent that’s displayed daily. What makes me so different from every other designer that can manipulate a photo or create some cool effect in Adobe?
“I have the ability to be different and stand out.”
Every designer, musician, artist, film maker, etc., has a process that works for them. A Get Your Creative Juices Flowing process, if you will. Every concept starts with an idea. How do you brainstorm? What methods do you undergo to execute a successful project? There are tons of ways to work around one idea to create several designs.
My process? I like to be in a quiet place because I tend to get distracted easily. I can go to places like Starbucks and the library, but only if my workspace is compromised by Spongebob blaring from the television or teenagers yapping about the latest thing that ruined their lives. I don’t really care for a lot of noise, but I do like for my desk to have tons of things on it. When I start to feel a creative block rising, I may start playing a game or fiddling with some random thing on my desk. You never know what may spark an idea. I’ve learned that it’s not a really good idea to grab your computer when you want to conceptualize. Grab a sketch pad or note book and jot down your ideas and keep working until you have something that you are satisfied with. THEN, grab your technology of choice and go from there. I’ve learned that the software that’s meant to aide you in your creations can also be a hinderance in creating outside the box when you don’t think your designs through.
Grab a pencil and paper to to sketch your ideas as they flow.
Design in it’s many forms is what you make it. You have to be attentive to your clients and your audience without compromising yourself in the process. Sometimes this can be quite difficult. I’m no longer intimidated by other designers; this is the gift that God has given me and I’m grateful. If you look at other designers’ sites, they are very much willing to offer assistance and helpful tips and tricks all of the time.
So, now that I’ve shared my process of creating, what is it that you do to get your creativity kickstarted?
